ALPHATREX

Drug Name: ALPHATREX

ALPHATREX DESCRIPTION:
CORTICOSTEROIDS - TOPICAL

COMMON ALPHATREX BRAND NAME(S):
Aristocort, Carmol HC, Cordran, Desonide, Diprolene, Fluonid, Halog, Hytone, Kenalog, Lidex, Synalar, Synemol, Topicort, Tridesilon, Valisone

ALPHATREX SIDE EFFECTS:
ALPHATREX may cause burning, stinging, itching or redness when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Skin infections can become worse when using ALPHATREX. Notify your doctor if redness, swelling or irritation does not improve. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly the following side effects: unusual weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ALPHATREX:
ALPHATREX: Clean and dry the affected area before applying the medication. To apply, gently massage a small amount of the medication into the affected area and surrounding skin. Do not bandage, wrap or cover the area treated unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. Do not use plastic pants or tight fitting diapers on children being treated with ALPHATREX in the diaper area. Avoid using ALPHATREX around the eyes unless directed to do so by your doctor.

ALPHATREX USES:
ALPHATREX is used to treat swelling, inflammation, or itching of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, rashes, insect bites, poison ivy, allergies and other irritations.

ALPHATREX PRECAUTIONS:
Do not use ALPHATREX near the eyes if you have glaucoma. Treatment with alclometasone, clobetasol, halobetasol propionate and augmented betamethasone dipropionate beyond two weeks consecutively is not recommended. Do not use if there is an infection or sores present on the area to be treated. Though very unlikely, it is possible ALPHATREX will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid treatment. This is especially true for children and for those who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries. This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. ALPHATREX should be used cautiously during pregnancy and only if clearly needed. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor. Small amounts of ALPHATREX may appear in breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

ALPHATREX DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of prednisone (or similar drugs) and of any other skin medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ALPHATREX OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

ALPHATREX NOTES:
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) this medication. Do not share ALPHATREX with others.

MISSED ALPHATREX DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ALPHATREX STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight. Avoid freezing. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.