Desonate (desonide) is a corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Desonate gel is used to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 3 months of age and older. Treatment should continue for the minimum amount of time as necessary to achieve the desired results.
Treatment with Desonate should not exceed 4 consecutive weeks.
Important information
Use Desonate exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use Desonate in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body.
Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. If you are treating the diaper area of a baby, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Covering the skin that is treated with Desonate can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor"s instructions. Do not use Desonate on a child without a doctor"s advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Desonate over a long treatment period.
Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks of using this medicine, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.
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Before taking this medicine
You should not use Desonate if you are allergic to desonide.
To make sure Desonate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Steroid medicines may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. You may also need to adjust the dose of your diabetes medications.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Desonate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether desonide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Desonate?
Desonate gel is usually applied 2 or 3 times daily. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Desonate gel is for use only on the skin.
Wash your hands before and after using Desonate, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply Desonate gel over a large area of skin.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to.
Use Desonate regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if it gets worse while using Desonate.
If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests at your doctor"s office.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
An overdose of Desonate is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
What should I avoid while using Desonate?
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use Desonate gel on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds.
Do not use Desonate to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Desonate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Desonate: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using Desonate and call your doctor if you have:
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blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
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uneven heartbeats;
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sleep problems (insomnia);
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weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
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tired feeling.
Also stop using Desonate and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe skin redness where the medicine was applied; or
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signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmtth, oozing).
Common Desonate side effects may include:
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stinging or burning of treated skin;
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skin itching or irritation;
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dry, scaly, or peeling skin;
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acne, skin rash;
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stretch marks;
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lightened color of treated skin; or
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folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Desonate?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Desonate. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
