Topcort Cream (Mometasone 0.1%)

INTRODUCTION

TOPCORT contains mometasone which belongs to the group of medicines called topical corticosteroids. It is used to reduce itchiness and redness caused by certain skin problems such as psoriasis and atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) in adults and children aged 2 years and above. Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disorder, in which itchy, scaly, pink patches develop on the knees, elbows, scalp and other parts of the body. Atopic eczema is a condition in which, itchy, red or brown patches develops on the skin due to external agents e.g. detergents.

Mometasone inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes and decrease the number of epidermal mitoses, reduce apoptosis and enhance neutrophils survival in the affected skin cells. If you feel your skin become irritated or sensitive after using this medicine, inform your doctor immediately. Do not use this medicine on your face for more than recommended duration. Treated areas on the face should not be covered with a plaster or bandage. Avoid applying this medicine around your eyes, including eyelids. Before applying this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any other skin disorders like rosacea, acne, ulcerated skin or perianal and genital itching. Contact your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

USES OF TOPCORT

Treats psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged 2 years and above

HOW TOPCORT WORKS

Mometasone has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. It inhibits the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes (potent mediators of inflammation) by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid.

Additionally, it inhibits the expression of phospholipase A2 and proinflammatory genes such as interleukin-1 alpha, nuclear factor-kappa-B and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which significantly reduces apoptosis and relieves the skin from inflammation and itching.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Always apply this medicine as directed by your physician. It is for external use only. Apply a thin layer of this medicine on the affected area once daily. Treated areas on the face should not be covered with a plaster or bandage. Do not use this medicine on your face for more than 5 days. Avoid applying this medicine around your eyes, including eyelids.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TOPCORT

COMMON
Tingling or stinging sensation
RARE
Allergic skin reactions
Acne
Inflammation and/or infection of hair follicles
Loss of skin color
Excessive hair growth
Softening of the skin and stretch marks
Blurred vision

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Skin irritation:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate the skin. Do not rub or scratch the affected area. Do not use perfumed soaps or deodorants. Avoid excessive sun exposure. Always use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Use moisturizers regularly to soothe and hydrate the affected area. If it does not get better within a week, speak to a doctor.

Excessive hair growth:

Consult your doctor as they may be able to help you by reducing your dose or by prescribing an alternate medicine. If you are bothered by this, do these at home to remove or lighten the hair such as waxing, shaving or using hair removal creams.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
TOPCORT should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
TOPCORT should be used with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

KIDNEY
TOPCORT should be taken with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not use this medicine if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to mometasone.

OTHERS

Do not apply this medicine, if you:

Have any other skin disorders like rosacea (a skin condition affecting the face), acne, dermatitis around the mouth, perianal and genital itching, bacterial infections (e.g. impetigo, tuberculosis, syphilis), viral infections (warts, shingles chickenpox), fungal infections (athlete’s foot), parasite infections, cold sores, ulcerated skin, wounds or other skin infections

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used or might use any other topical medicines.