1308714
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Efcortelan ointment
hydrocortisone
It is important to read this carefully before starting treatment
Following this advice gives the ointment a chance to work safely and effectively.
What you should know about Efcortelan ointment
Efcortelan ointment is one of a group of medicines called topical steroids.
“Topical” means they are put on the skin. Topical steroids reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. (They should not be confused with “anabolic” steroids misused by some body builders and athletes and taken as tablets or injections).
What is in your ointment
The ointment contains:
The active ingredient - hydrocortisone 0·5% w/w, 1% w/w or 2·5% w/w (see label) in a base containing white soft paraffin and liquid paraffin
The ointment is packed in 30 g tubes.
Product licence holder and manufacturer
Product Licence held by
Manufactured by
What your ointment does
Efcortelan ointment is a mild treatment for inflamed skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis, insect bite reactions and inflammation of the external ear. Efcortelan ointment is a mild topical steroid and is often used to manage skin problems between short courses of stronger preparations.
Before you use your ointment
This ointment has been prescribed to treat the skin problem that you showed to your doctor.
Do not put it on any other skin problems as it could make them worse, especially:
- skin infections such as cold sores, herpes, chicken pox, impetigo, ringworm, athletes foot and thrush
Tell your doctor before you start using the ointment:
- If you have ever had an allergy to any creams or ointments in the past
- If you think you may be pregnant
Even so, your doctor may still want you to use the ointment.
Face -
You should not normally use on the face for many weeks or months.
Children -
Do not use under the nappy, or airtight dressing of an infant for more than a week. (These make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin).
How to use your ointment
If your doctor has told you in detail how much to use and how often then keep to this advice.
If you are not sure then follow the advice on the back of this leaflet.
Unless told by your doctor:
You should not use more than this
You should not use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as nearly every day for many weeks or months)
Although Efcortelan ointment is generally regarded as safe even when used like this for many months it may be possible to produce side effects if overused.
This ointment is for use on the skin only, but if accidentally swallowed small amounts are not harmful.
It is important to follow the instructions on this leaflet. If, on a few occasions by mistake you apply more than the recommended amount do not worry.
If you forget to apply your ointment, apply the correct dose when you remember or if it is close to your next application then wait until this time.
You will find out more about your ointment on the back of this leaflet
Guidance on how much ointment to use
If your doctor has told you in detail how to use the ointment keep to that advice otherwise:-
Two or three times a day, after washing your hands, gently rub the correct amount of ointment into the skin until it has all disappeared. Unless used for treating the hands wash them again after using the ointment. Anyone who helps to rub in the ointment should also do the same or wear disposable plastic gloves.
For an adult:
You should find that:
- two fingertips of ointment will treat both hands or one foot
- three fingertips of ointment will treat one arm
- six fingertips of ointment will treat one leg
- fourteen fingertips of ointment will treat the front and back of one trunk
Do not worry if you find you need a little more or a little less than this - it is only a rough guide.
For a child:
The smaller the child the less you use.
A child of 6 months to 1 year needs about a quarter of the adult amount and a child of 4 years about one third.
Efcortelan Ointment Side Effects
Most people find using this ointment causes no problems when used in the right amount for the correct length of time. (See above).
If you find your condition gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to the ointment or have a skin infection.
Stop using the ointment and tell your doctor as soon as possible
Using more than the correct amount may:
- thin the skin so that it damages easily
- allow the active ingredient to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body, especially in infants and children, during pregnancy, and if used under a nappy or air-tight dressing
Repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time may sometimes cause changes in hair growth and skin colour. Striae (stretch marks) and surface veins may become noticeable.
If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Where to keep your ointment
As with all medicines keep this ointment safely away from children.
Store below 25°C.
What to do with any unused ointment
If your doctor stops your treatment, return any unused ointment to a pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.
Do not use the ointment after the expiry date on the tube end or carton.
Remember
This ointment was prescribed for you so never give it to someone else to try - even if they seem to have the same problem. There may be reasons why it could harm that person.
Further information
This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who has the information you need and will advise you.
A source of information is:
You may also be able to find out more from books in public libraries.
You may want to read this leaflet again. Please do not throw it away until you have finished your treatment
The information provided applies only to Efcortelan ointment
Efcortelan is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
© 2002 GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
Leaflet written October 2002
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