Fucibet Cream/Fucibet Lipid Cream

Who shouldn't use Fucibet cream?

Fucibet cream can be used by most people, including adults, elderly people, children and babies. However, Fucibet lipid cream should not be used on children under six years of age. If you're using Fucibet on a child, don't apply it to large areas of skin or underneath nappies unless your doctor tells you to.

Only use Fucibet to treat the skin condition you have shown your doctor. Don't use it if you know you're allergic to any of it's ingredients and don't use it on areas of skin affected by:

• Bacterial skin infections that aren't associated with eczema or dermatitis, for example impetigo.
• Fungal skin infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm or candida skin infections.
• Viral skin infections, such as chickenpox, shingles, cold sores or herpes simplex.
• Lesions caused by tuberculosis or syphilis.
• Acne vulgaris (spots).
• Acne rosacea.
• A skin condition called perioral dermatitis, which is a red spotty rash around the mouth.
• Widespread plaque psoriasis.

Can I use Fucibet cream while pregnant or breastfeeding?

• Only if your doctor thinks it's essential.

If your doctor says you can use Fucibet cream while pregnant or breastfeeding you should not use it on large areas of skin, underneath airtight dressings, or for prolonged periods of time. This will minimise any absorption of the steroid. If you need to apply the cream to your breasts don't do this shortly before giving a feed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

How do I use Fucibet?

• Wash your hands before applying the cream.
• Fucibet cream should be applied thinly to the affected areas of skin, as directed by your doctor. The cream is usually applied twice a day, morning and evening. 
• Don't use the cream on your face unless instructed to by your doctor. Don't apply it to broken skin or the genitals and take care to avoid getting the cream in your eyes, nose or mouth. Rinse it off with water if you accidentally get the cream in these areas.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after applying Fucibet, unless the hands are the area being treated.
• Don't cover the treated area with dressings (this includes bandages, nappies and waterproof pants) unless directed to by your doctor. Dressings can increase the absorption of the medicine, which can increase the risk of getting side effects. If you use dressings you may only need to apply the cream once a day. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
• Don't use the cream for more than seven days unless instructed to by your doctor. If the infection doesn't seem to be clearing up within seven days, or if it seems to be spreading or getting worse you should see your doctor.

It's important that you don't use Fucibet for longer than prescribed, or for treating future infections without consulting your doctor. Prolonged use of potent steroids like Fucibet can cause side effects and repeated use of antibacterial medicines can cause the skin to become over-sensitive or allergic to the medicine. It may also result in the bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic.

What are the side effects of Fucibet?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Fucibet cream. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Uncommon side effects (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

• Skin irritation, eg redness, rash, itching or burning sensation after applying the cream.
• Allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Stop using Fucibet and see your doctor if you think you've experienced a reaction or your skin condition appears to be getting worse.
• Thinning of the skin.
• Reduced skin pigmentation.
• Stretch marks.
• Fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin.
• Excessive hair growth.

Side effects are more likely if you apply excessive amounts of Fucibet, and if you use it more than twice a day, for longer than two weeks, underneath dressings, on broken or raw skin, on delicate areas of skin like the face, or on areas of skin that rub together like armpits or skin folds. Children are more susceptible to side effects from using the cream in this way.

On rare occasions enough corticosteroid may be absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands or Cushing's syndrome. 

If you experience any changes in your vision while using Fucibet, such as blurred vision, you should tell your doctor.

Read the leaflet that comes with the cream or ointment, or talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Fucibet cream. 

Can I use Fucibet with other medicines?

• Make sure your doctor or pharmacist know if you're already using any other medicines, particularly if you're already using any other corticosteroid medicines (including those bought without a prescription) before you start using Fucibet.
• If you need to use other topical medicines on the same area of skin it's recommended that you leave several minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing on the skin.
• If you apply moisturisers shortly before or after applying Fucibet they can dilute the medicine and potentially make it less effective. Try to apply your moisturisers at a different time of day, or at least 30 minutes before or after this one.

References:

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/par/documents/websiteresources/con014227.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/983/smpc

https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2148534.PPA1633_040_001.170b5125-b667-48cf-9df0-061f3928d3a1.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.141212.pdf

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-hair/a6774/fucibet-cream-betamethasone-fusidic-acid/

https://www.medicines.ie/medicines/fucibet-cream-32211/