Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application to laboratory animals. Clobetasol propionate has not been tested for teratogenicity by this route; however, it is absorbed percutaneously, and when administered subcutaneously it was a significant teratogen in both the rabbit and mouse. Clobetasol propionate has greater teratogenic potential than steroids that are less potent. Teratogenicity studies in mice using the subcutaneous route resulted in fetotoxicity at the highest dose tested (1 mg/kg) and teratogenicity at all dose levels tested down to 0.03 mg/kg. These doses are approximately 0.33 and 0.01 times, respectively, the human topical dose of Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient). Abnormalities seen included cleft palate and skeletal abnormalities. In rabbits, clobetasol propionate was teratogenic at doses of 3 and 10 mcg/kg. These doses are approximately 0.001 and 0.003 times, respectively, the human topical dose of Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient). Abnormalities seen included cleft palate, cranioschisis, and other skeletal abnormalities.

Indications And Usage

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) is a corticosteroid indicated for: •The relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 12 years of age or older. (1.1) •The treatment of moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis in patients 16 years of age and older. (1.2) Limitations of Use •Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) should not be used in the treatment of rosacea or perioral dermatitis, and should not be used on the face, groin, or axillae. (1.3) •The total dosage should not exceed 50 grams per week.(1.3) •Avoid use if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site.(1.3) Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) is a super-high potency corticosteroid indicated for: 1.1 Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of cortico-steroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 12 years of age and older. Treatment should be limited to 2 consecutive weeks, and the total dosage should not exceed 50 grams per week. 1.2 Moderate to Severe Plaque-Type Psoriasis Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) is indicated for the topical treatment of moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. Treatment beyond 4 consecutive weeks is not recommended. Use in pediatric patients under 16 years of age is not recommended. 1.3 Limitations of Use Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) should not be used in the treatment of rosacea or perioral dermatitis, and should not be used on the face, groin, or axillae. The total dosage should not exceed 50 grams per week. Avoid use if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site.

Clinical Studies

14 CLINICAL STUDIES In a controlled clinical trial involving patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis, Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) was applied to 5% to 10% of body surface area. In this trial, there were no clobetasol-treated patients with clinically significant decreases in morning cortisol levels after 4 weeks of treatment; however, morning cortisol levels may not identify patients with adrenal dysfunction.

Warnings And Cautions

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS •Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the HPA axis doses as low as 2 grams per day. (5.1) •Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. (5.1) •Systemic absorption may require periodic evaluation for HPA axis suppression. Modify use if HPA axis suppression develops. (5.1) •Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from use of topical corticosteroids. (5.1, 8.4) •Local adverse reactions with topical corticosteroids may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings and higher potency corticosteroids, including clobetasol propionate. These reactions include: folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypertrichosis, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, striae and miliaria. (5.2) 5.1 Effects on the Endocrine System Clobetasol propionate is a highly potent topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the HPA axis at doses as low as 2 grams per day. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid. Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. In a study including 12 subjects ages 18 years and older with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis involving at least 30% body surface area (BSA), adrenal suppression was identified in 3 out of 12 subjects (25%) following 1 week of treatment. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, use over prolonged periods, use under occlusion, use on an altered skin barrier, and use in patients with liver failure. An ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression. If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to gradually withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids. Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from use of topical corticosteroids. [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] 5.2 Local Adverse Reactions with Topical Corticosteroids Local adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, hypertrichosis, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible. Clobetasol propionate is not recommended in patients with acne vulgaris, rosacea or perioral dermatitis. 5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed with patch testing. If irritation develops, Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. 5.4 Concomitant Skin Infections If concomitant skin infections are present or develop, an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be used. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, use of Clobetasol propionate cream, 0.05% (emollient) should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

Overdosage

Adverse Reactions

Mechanism

Contraindications

Nursing Mothers