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Overview: Halcinonide is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness. Common side effects from halcinonide are skin reactions such as stinging, burning, itching, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where halcinonide is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of halcinonide in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is halcinonide used for?

Halcinonide is commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness.

Halcinonide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does halcinonide work (mechanism of action)?

Halcinonide belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is halcinonide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Halog
  • Halog-E

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% topical cream
  • 0.1% topical solution

How should I store halcinonide?

Halcinonide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Avoid temperatures of 104 F (40 C) or higher. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of halcinonide?

The most common side effects of halcinonide are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include burning, itching, irritation, dryness, and acne-like bumps. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of halcinonide that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of halcinonide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of halcinonide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Halcinonide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using halcinonide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Halcinonide can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use halcinonide over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Halcinonide can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use halcinonide over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Halcinonide may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use halcinonide over large skin areas, use it for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying it, or use it on damaged skin. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Halcinonide may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of use
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use halcinonide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use halcinonide.

  • Halcinonide
  • Halog
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific halcinonide products they stock.

What should I know about halcinonide before using it?

Do not use halcinonide unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share halcinonide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep halcinonide out of the reach of children.

Halcinonide is for use on the skin only. Keep halcinonide cream away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where halcinonide is applied unless your health care provider instructed you to do so.

Halcinonide, when used on children, may slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

What should I tell my health care provider before using halcinonide?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if halcinonide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Halcinonide can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Halcinonide can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you should use halcinonide.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how halcinonide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if halcinonide passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use halcinonide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does halcinonide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between halcinonide and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect halcinonide.

Does halcinonide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between halcinonide and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much halcinonide?

If you or someone else has used too much halcinonide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of halcinonide?

If you miss your scheduled dose of halcinonide, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply halcinonide more often than prescribed.