Cutivate

Cutivate is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid that is used on the skin (topically). The naturally-occurring corticosteroid is cortisol or hydrocortisone produced by the adrenal gland. Corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response.

Similar drugs include betamethasone dipropionate (Diprolene), clobetasol propionate (Temovate), halobetasol propionate (Ultravate), betamethasone dipropionate (Diprosone), desoximetasone (Topicort), halcinonide (Halog), amcinonide (Cyclocort), triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog), fluocinolone acetonide (Synalar), hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid), hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort), and mometasone furoate (Elocon). The FDA approved topical fluticasone propionate in December, 1990.

Warning

Prolonged use or application of topical steroids to large surface areas can depress the ability of the body's adrenal glands to produce corticosteroids. This occurs because some of the fluticasone propionate is absorbed into the body and shuts off the production of the naturally occurring corticosteroids.Abruptly stopping hydrocortisone in these individuals can cause symptoms of corticosteroid insufficiency.

Cutivate can cause serious side effects, including: 

• Skin problems, including skin reactions or thinning of your skin (atrophy), skin infections, and allergic reactions (allergic contact dermatitis) at the treatment site. Tell your healthcare provider if you get any skin reactions such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or healing problems.
• Vision Problems. Topical corticosteroids including Cutivate Ointment may increase your chance of developing cataract(s) and glaucoma. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop blurred vision or other vision problems during treatment with Cutivate Ointment.

The most common side effects of Cutivate Ointment include itching, burning, excessive hair growth, skin redness, hives, and lightheadedness.

These are not all the possible side effects with Cutivate Ointment. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Fluticasone is available as cream, lotion, and ointment to apply to the skin.
• It is usually applied one or two times a day to treat most skin conditions.
• As with other corticosteroid medicines, treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved.
• To avoid unwanted side effects, corticosteroid medicines should be used for the shortest duration possible to achieve the desired results.
• Use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroids. Avoid contact of Cutivate Ointment with eyes. Report any visual symptoms to your doctor for evaluation.

It is not known whether topical fluticasone can be excreted into human milk. Since many drugs are excreted into human milk topical fluticasone should be used cautiously in nursing mothers.

What preparations of fluticasone propionate-topical are available?

• Topical cream: 0.05%
• Topical lotion: 0.05%
• Topical ointment: 0.05%

How should I keep fluticasone propionate-topical stored?

Fluticasone propionate topical preparations should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C (59 F and 86 F).