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Overview: Desoximetasone is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis. The most common side effects from desoximetasone are skin reactions, such as redness, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where desoximetasone is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of desoximetasone in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is desoximetasone used for?

Desoximetasone is commonly used to treat skin conditions that cause inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis (a skin condition that can cause an itchy, painful rash with raised patches of skin).

Desoximetasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does desoximetasone work (mechanism of action)?

Desoximetasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is desoximetasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Topicort
  • Topicort LP

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.25% topical cream
  • 0.05% topical gel
  • 0.05% topical ointment
  • 0.25% topical ointment
  • 0.25% topical spray

How should I store desoximetasone?

Desoximetasone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Topical Spray. Store as noted above. Do not expose desoximetasone topical spray to heat or flame. Throw away any unused desoximetasone topical spray 30 days after opening it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of desoximetasone?

The most common side effects of desoximetasone are skin reactions (see below). These reactions can include dryness, burning, irritation, itchiness, and inflamed hair follicles. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of desoximetasone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of desoximetasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of desoximetasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Desoximetasone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using desoximetasone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Desoximetasone can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use desoximetasone over large skin areas or for a long period of time, wrap or cover the skin after applying desoximetasone, use desoximetasone on damaged skin, or use desoximetasone with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Desoximetasone can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use topical desoximetasone with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acne
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Desoximetasone may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if you use it with other corticosteroids. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Desoximetasone may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

  • Inflamed hair follicles or skin swelling or burning
  • Bumps or blisters on the skin that may look like acne
  • Rash around your mouth
  • Lightening of skin color
  • Skin infections at the site of application
  • Skin thinning
  • Skin itching, dryness, cracking, or scaly skin
  • Stretch marks
  • Heat rash or sweat rash caused by blocked sweat glands

Vision Problems. Desoximetasone may cause cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use desoximetasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use desoximetasone.

  • Desoximetasone
  • Topicort
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific desoximetasone products they stock.

What should I know about desoximetasone before using it?

Do not use desoximetasone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share desoximetasone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep desoximetasone out of the reach of children.

Desoximetasone is for use on the skin only. Keep desoximetasone away from areas such as your eyes, mouth, and vagina. 

Avoid using desoximetasone topical spray on your face, groin, or armpits. Also avoid using topical spray on areas where the skin is thinning.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where desoximetasone is applied, unless your health care provider instructed you to do so.

Thoroughly wash your hands after applying desoximetasone.

Stop using desoximetasone once your skin condition is under control. If no improvement in your skin is seen within four weeks, tell your health care provider.

Avoid fire or flame (including smoking) during and shortly after using desoximetasone topical spray. The contents are flammable.

Desoximetasone, when used on children, may slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

What should I tell my health care provider before using desoximetasone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if desoximetasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Desoximetasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using desoximetasone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you use desoximetasone.

Skin Thinning (Atrophy). Tell your health care provider if you have skin areas that are thinning (atrophy). Desoximetasone topical spray should not be used if the skin area that needs to be treated is thinning.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Desoximetasone can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Diabetes. Desoximetasone can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of developing serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical desoximetasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical desoximetasone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use topical desoximetasone while breastfeeding. If you use desoximetasone while breastfeeding, avoid getting it on your nipple or areola.

Interactions

Does desoximetasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between desoximetasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect desoximetasone.

Does desoximetasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking any other corticosteroid, including medicines you take by mouth as well as other medicines you apply to the skin. Examples include prednisone, dexamethasone, or methylprednisolone, which are medicines for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with desoximetasone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much desoximetasone?

If you or someone else has used too much desoximetasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of desoximetasone?

If you miss your scheduled dose of desoximetasone, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply desoximetasone more often than prescribed.