THIS MEDICATION CAN CAUSE HARM TO YOUR BABY:
Due to limited information on safety in pregnancy, fluocinonide cream should only be used in pregnant or nursing women when the benefits to the mother outweigh risks to the baby.
What is fluocinonide cream?
Fluocinonide cream is a strong corticosteroid medication applied to the skin.
What is fluocinonide cream used to treat?
Fluocinonide cream is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis in adults and children over 12 years old.
How does fluocinonide cream work?
Fluocinonide interacts with proteins in the body to decrease the production of inflammatory chemicals, helping the skin to heal and clear up.
If I am using fluocinonide cream, can it harm my baby?
We aren't sure. Studies evaluating the safety of topical fluocinonide during pregnancy are limited. Animal studies have shown that corticosteroids can cause birth defects. Fluocinonide may or may not cross the human placenta to reach the developing baby. The extent of absorption from topical fluocinonide is unknown. The use of bandages to cover an area of skin treated with fluocinonide as well as long term use or use on large areas of the body can increase the absorption of the medication. Twice weekly application of topical fluocinonide has been shown to affect naturally occurring steroid levels in the body.
If I am using fluocinonide cream and become pregnant, what should I do?
Women who are trying to become pregnant or discover they are pregnant should speak with their doctor before using topical fluocinonide. Potent corticosteroids are not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. The manufacturer of this product recommends a maximum two week dose of 60 grams per week in pregnant women. For pregnant women requiring longer treatment with fluocinonide therapy, other topical corticosteroids are recommended.
If I am using fluocinonide cream, can I safely breastfeed my baby?
Fluocinonide is expected to be excreted into breast milk. Short term use of topical fluocinonide is not expected to cause negative side effects in nursing infants. Women who are nursing and require extended corticosteroid therapy should consider taking a less potent corticosteroid. Women should be cautious of where they apply fluocinonide to avoid unnecessary infant exposure. Corticosteroid exposure in infants can negatively affect growth and natural steroid production in the body. If topical corticosteroids are applied to the breast, excess should be wiped off before breastfeeding an infant and the nipple area should be washed thoroughly. The manufacturer of this medication recommends either discontinuing this medication or discontinuing breastfeeding while taking this medication.
If I am using fluocinonide cream, will it be more difficult to get pregnant?
The effect of topical fluocinonide on fertility has not been studied, so we don't know.
If I am using fluocinonide cream, what should I know?
It is important to speak with your doctor to discuss the safety of topical fluocinonide exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Limited information is available on the safety of this medication for use while pregnant. Fluocinonide cream should only be used in pregnant or nursing women when the benefits are expected to outweigh the risks to the developing baby.
If I am taking any medication, what should I know?
This report provides a summary of available information about the use of fluocinonide cream during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Content is from the product label unless otherwise indicated.
You may find Pregistry's expert report about psoriasis here, a report about eczema here, reports about the individual medications used to treat immune disorders here, and reports about the individual medications used to treat skin conditions here. Additional information can also be found in the resources below.
For more information about fluocinonide cream during and after pregnancy, contact http://www.womenshealth.gov/ (800-994-9662 [TDD: 888-220-5446]) or check the following link:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Vanos Prescribing Information
General information
It is very common for women to worry about having a miscarriage or giving birth to a child with a birth defect while they are pregnant. Many decisions that women make about their health during pregnancy are made with these concerns in mind.
For many women these concerns are very real. As many as 1 in 5 pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. These rates are considered the background population risk, which means they do not take into consideration anything about the health of the mom, the medications she is taking, or the family history of the mom or the baby’s dad. A number of different things can increase these risks, including taking certain medications during pregnancy.
It is known that most medications, including over-the-counter medications, taken during pregnancy do get passed on to the baby. Fortunately, most medicines are not harmful to the baby and can be safely taken during pregnancy. But there are some that are known to be harmful to a baby’s normal development and growth, especially when they are taken during certain times of the pregnancy. Because of this, it is important to talk with your doctor or midwife about any medications you are taking, ideally before you even try to get pregnant.
If a doctor other than the one caring for your pregnancy recommends that you start a new medicine while you are pregnant, it is important that you let them know you are pregnant.
If you do need to take a new medication while pregnant, it is important to discuss the possible risks the medicine may pose on your pregnancy with your doctor or midwife. They can help you understand the benefits and the risks of taking the medicine.
Ultimately, the decision to start, stop, or change medications during pregnancy is up to you to make, along with input from your doctor or midwife. If you do take medications during pregnancy, be sure to keep track of all the medications you are taking.