Compound W

Compound W (for the skin) is used to treat acne, eczema, dandruff, seborrhea or psoriasis, corns, calluses, warts, and to help prevent symptoms from coming back.

Compound W may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Compound W can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you experience: hives, itching, wheezing or trouble breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You should not use Compound W if you are allergic to it.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Compound W is safe to use if you have:

• blood circulation problems;
• skin tenderness or redness;
• diabetes; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Using this medicine in a child or teenager with flu symptoms or chickenpox can cause a serious or fatal condition called Reye's syndrome.

Compound W can cause a serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using Compound W and seek emergency medical help if you experience: wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives, itching, feeling light-headed, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Also stop using Compound W and contact your doctor immediately if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, peeling, dryness, or irritation after using this medicine.

Common side effects of Compound W may include:

• minor skin irritation, rash, itching, stinging, dryness; or
• changes in the color of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Compound W is available in many different forms, such as liquid, gel, lotion, cream, ointment, foam, soap, shampoo, and cloth pads.

Do not switch brand forms without advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking more than your recommended dose will not make this medicine more effective, and may cause serious side effects.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Ask your doctor before using Compound W if the condition covers a large area of the body.

Do not bandage treated skin or expose it to heat. Your skin may absorb the medicine, which could cause harmful effects.

Do not use Compound W to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Do not touch the tip of the ointment tube or place it directly on the skin. A contaminated tube can infect your skin.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Shake the Compound W foam well before each use. Turn the medicine canister upside down to dispense the foam.

Store Compound W away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty container.

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Compound W is used as needed. If you miss a dose while following a dosing schedule, just skip that dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may contain ingredients similar to Compound W.

Avoid using Compound W on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Certain Compound W products are flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Compound W, unless your doctor tells you to.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use, but many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.