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 Drug Name
Cutivate cream (Fluticasone propionate)
Drug Uses
Treating itching and redness of many skin conditions. Cutivate Cream is a topical corticosteroid that is thought to work by reducing the amount of a chemical in the body that causes inflammation (redness).
How Taken
Use Cutivate Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Apply and gently rub in a thin layer of medicine until it is evenly distributed to the affected skin areas twice daily or as directed by your health care provider.
- Wash your hands immediately after using Cutivate Cream.
- If you miss a dose of Cutivate Cream, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cutivate Cream.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Like other topical corticosteroids, fluticasone propionate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins. It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor, arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 .
Fluticasone propionate is lipophilic and has a strong affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor. It has weak affinity for the progesterone receptor, and virtually no affinity for the mineralocorticoid, estrogen, or androgen receptors. The therapeutic potency of glucocorticoids is related to the half-life of the glucocorticoid-receptor complex. The half-life of the fluticasone propionate-glucocorticoid receptor complex is approximately 10 hours.
Studies performed with CUTIVATE Cream indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage
Cutivate should be kept at room temperature, 15-30C (59-86F)
Warnings/Precautions
- This is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise cover the treated skin area unless advised to do so by your health care provider.
- Do not apply in the diaper area. Do not use for diaper rash.
- Cutivate Cream should not be used on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by your health care provider.
- Stop using Cutivate Cream as soon as the skin has healed. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact your health care provider.
- Overuse of topical products may worsen your condition.
- Do not use Cutivate Cream to treat rosacea, inflamed skin around the mouth, or wasting conditions that already exist.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cutivate Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if Cutivate Cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Cutivate Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible Side Effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Burning; excessive hair growth; hives; increased redness; irritation; itching; lightheadedness; skin thinning or discoloration; swelling not present before using Cutivate Cream.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); adrenal suppression; increased thirst; increased urination; skin infection.
More Information
Do not use this drug for any disorder other than the one for which it was prescribed.Do not use Cutivate cream on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless your doctor tells you to do so. Do not apply Cutivate if you have an infection in the affected skin area. Tell your doctor if you have had any other problems in that area. Cutivate Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
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