Gynecort Maximum Strength

Gynecort Maximum Strength (for the skin) is a steroid medicine used to treat inflammation and itching caused by skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

There are many brands and forms of hydrocortisone topical available. Not all brands are included in this medication guide.

Gynecort Maximum Strength may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are using other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have allergies.

You should not use Gynecort Maximum Strength if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• cataract or glaucoma;
• thinning of the skin where you will apply Gynecort Maximum Strength;
• problems with your adrenal gland; or
• liver disease.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known if Gynecort Maximum Strength will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects can happen if your skin absorbs topical steroid medicine. Tell your doctor if you experience:

• swelling, weight gain (especially in your face or upper back and torso);
• thinning skin, stretch marks, acne, increased facial hair;
• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or
• memory issues, feeling irritable.

Gynecort Maximum Strength may lead to serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;
• pain, tenderness, headache;
• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;
• high blood sugar—symptoms include increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• increased adrenal gland hormones—symptoms include hunger, weight gain, swelling, skin discoloration, slow wound healing, sweating, acne, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, muscle weakness, missed menstrual periods, sexual changes.

Children can absorb more Gynecort Maximum Strength through their skin and may be at a higher risk for side effects.

Common side effects of Gynecort Maximum Strength may include:

• skin redness, itching, stinging, rash;
• redness or crusting around hair follicles;
• burning, dryness, or other irritation of treated skin;
• rash, redness, itching, or irritation around the mouth;
• changes in appearance and color of treated skin;
• signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmth, oozing);
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

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

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage unless your doctor tells you to.

Shake hydrocortisone lotion and spray well just before each use.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

You may need medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects.

You may need blood or urine tests while using this medicine.

Stop using hydrocortisone and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for 7 days, or if your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Store the foam canister away from open flame or high heat. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Apply the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at once.

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

High doses or long-term use of Gynecort Maximum Strength can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Do not use Gynecort Maximum Strength to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid applying Gynecort Maximum Strength to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with Gynecort Maximum Strength, unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not get Gynecort Maximum Strength in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Medicine that you apply to your skin is not likely to be influenced by other medications you take, but many drugs can interact. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.