Elocom

Drug name: Elocom


Other names used:

• Novasone®

Active Ingredients: Mometasone

Therapeutic actions: Mometasone belongs to the class of medications called topical corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation, itching, and irritation of the skin.

Indications: Mometasone is used to reduce the symptoms of skin rashes associated with conditions such as psoriasis and allergic eczema.

Contraindications and cautions: Mometasone should not be used by anyone who has:

• untreated bacterial, tubercular, fungal, or viral lesions of the skin (including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and chickenpox)
• a history of allergy to any of the ingredients of the medication

Children: Any of the side effects that have been reported following systemic use of corticosteroids, including adrenal suppression, may also occur with topical corticosteroids, especially in infants and children.
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids will be increased if extensive body surface areas are treated or if the occlusive technique is used. Suitable precautions should be taken under these conditions or when long-term use is anticipated, particularly in infants and children. Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Use of topical corticosteroids in children should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with growth and development of children.
The lotion contains isopropyl alcohol and may cause stinging or burning upon application to abraded or sun-burned skin. Do not use in or near the eyes.
Geriatrics: Suitable precautions should be taken in using topical glucocorticoids in patients with impaired circulation suffering from stasis dermatitis and other skin diseases.
Pregnancy and Lactation: Since safety of topical corticosteroid use in pregnant women has not been established, drugs of this class should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively in large amounts or for prolonged periods of time in pregnant patients.
Since it is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids can result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk, a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Patients should be advised to inform subsequent physicians of the prior use of glucocorticoids. If irritation, sensitization, excessive dryness develop with the use of mometasone, treatment should be discontinued.
Although mometasone is poorly absorbed, nevertheless, application of corticosteroids over extensive lesions, or exceeding the dosage schedule may result in significant systemic absorption producing hypercortisonism manifesting itself by adrenal suppression, moon facies, striae and suppression of growth.
During the use of topical corticosteroids, infections may occur. If an overt infection is present, appropriate antimicrobial treatment is indicated. If symptomatic response is not noted within a few days to a week, the local application of corticosteroids should be discontinued and the patient re-evaluated.
Prolonged use of corticosteroid preparations may produce striae or atrophy of the skin or s.c. tissues. If this occurs, treatment should be discontinued.
Mometasone is not formulated for ophthalmic use and should not be used in or near the eyes.

Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common or rare:

• blood-containing blisters on skin
• burning and itching of skin
• lack of healing of skin condition
• numbness in fingers
• painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when used on the face
• skin infection
• thinning of skin with easy bruising

Additional side effects may occur if this medication is used for long periods of time. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare:

• acne or oily skin
• backache
• blurring or loss of vision (occurs gradually if medication is used near the eye)
• burning and itching of skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• depression
• eye pain (if medication is used near the eye)
• filling or rounding out of the face
• increased blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• irregular menstrual periods
• irritability
• irritation of skin around mouth
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps, pain, or weakness
• nausea
• rapid weight gain or loss
• reddish-purple lines on arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• skin colour changes
• softening of skin
• stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• tearing of the skin
• unusual bruising
• unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability (in men)
• unusual increase in hair growth, especially on the face
• unusual loss of hair, especially on the scalp
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness of the arms, legs, or trunk (severe)
• worsening infections

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

Interactions: Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine.
Other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects may affect how mometasone works or increase the risk of side effects.

Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.