Fluticasone Propionate Cream

What is Cutivate?

Fluticasone Propionate (generic Cutivate or Beser) is a topical steroid available as a cream and an ointment. The only difference being the ointment is slightly thicker and greasier, containing less Fluticasone in it. It contains a medication called Fluticasone propionate, which treats symptoms of inflammation, including, swelling, itching, redness, and irritated skin. 

What is Fluticasone propionate cream used for?

It is normally prescribed for itching and inflammation caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and lupus. It cannot be used for other skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, or infections. 

Where can I buy Cutivate cream?

The cream is prescription only; your physician can prescribe Cutivate for you. You can also receive a prescription through Medzino and have it prescribed and delivered to your door from the comfort of your own home. 

How does Fluticasone propionate work?

When the skin is irritated or is allergic to a substance, various inflammatory mediators are released in the skin, causing blood vessels to widen. This reaction causes the skin to become red, swollen, itchy, and painful. Fluticasone stops cells from releasing inflammatory substances, reducing the symptoms.

How long does Cutivate take to work?

Fluticasone cream works within a few days of use, so you should notice improvement after using it for about 3-7 days. If there are no improvements after two weeks, let your prescribing doctor know, and they will reassess your treatment. 

Active ingredient

Each 1 g contains 0.05 mg of fluticasone propionate (0.005% w/w).

Inactive ingredients

The cream also contains the following inactive ingredients: propylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate, microcrystalline wax, and liquid paraffin.

Please note that inactive ingredients can vary between different manufacturers. 

It is rare to have an allergic reaction to Cutivate. If you notice serious allergy symptoms such as a rash, itching/swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing, you should stop the medication and seek emergency medical treatment immediately. 

How to use Cutivate

Always follow the instructions on the leaflet or from your doctor when using the cream. A thin film of the medication should be applied to the affected area either once or twice daily. It is advised that you leave an 8-12 hour gap between doses. It is usually only used for up to 4 weeks and should not be used for longer unless recommended by the doctor.

Cutivate side effects

Cutivate is unlikely to cause any severe side effects if you follow the instructions correctly. Sometimes you might experience burning or tingling at the treated area, but this only lasts a few days (while the body adjusts to the medication) and should then resolve. Long-term use can make skin thinner or cause stretch marks. Fluticasone contains alcohol, which may cause a skin reaction in the area you are treating. Rare side effects include impaired function of the adrenal glands, skin lightening (depigmentation), and excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).

Contraindications

Fluticasone cream should not be used if you have these conditions: 

• Acne
• Perioral dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections

It is essential to inform the prescribing doctor of any other health conditions you may have, so they can prescribe the most suitable medication. 

Drug interactions

Fluticasone has been found to interact with other medications, including immunosuppressive medications such as Aceclofenac. Ensure the prescribing doctor knows of any medications or treatments you are taking to avoid any drug interactions. 

Can I drink alcohol while using the cream?

Yes, it is acceptable to drink alcohol while using Cutivate as there is no interaction. 

Can I use Cutivate when pregnant?

No adequate studies have been conducted assessing the effects of Cutivate on pregnant women. Cutivate should only be used if the benefits justify the risk posed to the fetus, which would be determined by your prescriber.

Fluticasone treatment options

Fluticasone comes as a cream and ointment. It also comes as a nasal spray, which is typically prescribed for allergy relief. 

Fluticasone vs Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is another corticosteroid also used in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis. It relieves redness, itching, and swelling. Hydrocortisone is less potent than Fluticasone and thus is available over-the-counter. There is a more potent version called Hydrocortisone Butyrate, which does require a prescription. 

Fluticasone vs Triamcinolone

Fluticasone and Triamcinolone are corticosteroids of similar strength and effectiveness. Triamcinolone is used to treat various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy (contact dermatitis). It can come under several brand names, including Aristocort A, Cinolar, Dermasorb TA Complete Kit, Kenalog, Pediaderm TA, Triacet, Triamcot, Trianex, Triderm, Zytopic. It is a prescription-only medication and can come as a cream, spray, ointment, or lotion. 

Fluticasone vs Desonide

Fluticasone and Desonide are both corticosteroid creams, although Desonide is a lower strength corticosteroid. Depending upon the severity of your condition, Desonide may be more suitable. Generally, the aim is to treat your condition with the lowest strength of medication - this is because it reduces your chance of side effects. The prescribing doctor will help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for you. 

Desonide is available under the brand names Desonate, Desowen, LoKara, Tridesilon, and Verdeso. Desonide works to relieve redness, swelling, and itching. It is not available without a doctor's prescription and comes as a gel/jelly, ointment, cream, lotion, and foam. 

Fluticasone vs Betamethasone

Fluticasone and Betamethasone are both corticosteroids of similar strength and efficacy. Betamethasone spray, cream, lotion, and ointment are used to relieve itching, swelling, and redness. The spray is used more specifically to treat adults with plaque psoriasis. It is another corticosteroid medication only available with a doctor's prescription. It is available under the names Alphatrex, Del-Beta, Diprosone.

Fluticasone vs Clobetasol

Clobetasol is a higher strength corticosteroid than Fluticasone. Clobetasol is available as a lotion, foam, ointment, emollient cream, gel/jelly, spray, shampoo, and solution. It works to relieve itching, swelling, redness. The cream and ointment are mainly used to treat eczema, while the other forms are more specific to psoriasis. This is a prescription-only medication.