Clobetasol propionate topical cream is prescribed to relieve itchiness and inflammation (swelling) due to various skin conditions. It’s a corticosteroid that may cause mild or serious side effects such as burning and stinging.
This article describes possible side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream.* You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for clobetasol propionate. You can explore this overview article to learn more about clobetasol propionate topical cream, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Clobetasol propionate topical cream is a generic version of the brand-name drug Impoyz. Clobetasol propionate also comes in other topical forms: lotion, ointment, foam, spray, solution, gel, and shampoo. But these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
* Topical products are applied to the skin.
More common side effects of clobetasol propionate
Clobetasol propionate topical cream may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream include:
These side effects occurred where the cream was applied.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of clobetasol propionate
Clobetasol propionate may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream that occurred in studies include:
These side effects occurred where the cream was applied.
Clobetasol propionate topical cream may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of clobetasol propionate
Clobetasol propionate may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from clobetasol propionate topical cream, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with clobetasol propionate.
Serious side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream that occurred in studies include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
Side effects of clobetasol propionate in children
For children, doctors prescribe clobetasol propionate topical cream to treat itchiness and inflammation (swelling) due to various skin conditions. The drug is approved for use in children ages 12 years and older. It’s not known whether clobetasol propionate topical cream is safe for use in children younger than 12 years old.
In studies of topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate cream, Cushing’s syndrome and adrenal insufficiency occurred more often in children than in adults. (To learn more about these side effects, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.)
The following side effects were also reported rarely in children but not in adults:
Talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream in your child.
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Start consult nowCommon questions about side effects of clobetasol propionate
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long do side effects of clobetasol propionate usually last?
How long side effects of clobetasol propionate last depends on various factors. They include your age, your dosage, and how long you use the drug.
Usually, side effects of clobetasol propionate cream are mild and temporary. But the risk of side effects is higher the longer you use the drug. This is because clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid drug. And long-term use of corticosteroid medications can cause serious side effects in rare cases. These include Cushing’s syndrome* and adrenal insufficiency.*
The risk of serious side effects is also higher in children† and older adults (ages 65 years and over) who use clobetasol propionate topical cream.
Your doctor will likely prescribe clobetasol propionate topical cream for up to 2 weeks in a row. After 2 weeks, they’ll check how your body has responded to treatment.
Talk with your doctor about how long side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
† For details about clobetasol propionate cream’s side effects in children, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in children” section above.
Can clobetasol propionate cause weight gain or hair loss?
No, clobetasol propionate should not cause weight gain or hair loss. These side effects were not reported in studies of the drug.
However, Cushing’s syndrome* is a rare side effect reported in studies of clobetasol propionate. And weight gain is a symptom of Cushing’s syndrome.
Clobetasol propionate topical cream is a type of corticosteroid drug that you apply to your skin. Other corticosteroid drugs that you swallow, such as dexamethasone tablets, may cause hair loss.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
Does clobetasol propionate cause long-term side effects?
Yes, clobetasol propionate topical cream may cause long-term side effects in some cases. Examples of long-term side effects reported with the drug include Cushing’s syndrome* and adrenal insufficiency.*
Long-term side effects are rare and usually happen if the medication is used for a long time. Or may they last for a while after you’ve stopped treatment with the drug. (Note: Clobetasol propionate topical cream is approved for short-term use for up to 2 weeks in a row.)
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects, talk with your doctor. They can give more information about these side effects and tell you how long they may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail” section below.
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Side effects of clobetasol propionate in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream.
Burning
In studies, burning was a common side effect in people using clobetasol propionate topical cream. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.
You may experience burning, itching, or irritation when you first apply clobetasol propionate topical cream to the affected area. In some cases, you may have an allergic reaction to clobetasol propionate topical cream. This may cause burning or irritation. (For details about allergic reaction, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.)
Ways to manage
If you experience bothersome burning, stinging, or itching with clobetasol propionate topical cream, tell your doctor. They’ll determine the cause of the burning sensation and suggest ways to manage it.
If the side effect is serious or if you’re having an allergic reaction to the cream, your doctor may recommend stopping the medication.
To help prevent burning, be sure to use clobetasol propionate topical cream exactly as your doctor prescribes. Apply it in a thin layer and gently rub it in. Do not cover the area with a dressing or adhesive bandage.
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Get free cardCushing’s syndrome
In studies, Cushing’s syndrome was a rare side effect in people using clobetasol propionate topical cream. This side effect is more likely to occur in children and may be serious.
With Cushing’s syndrome, you have too much cortisol (a type of steroid hormone) in your body.
Symptoms may include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of Cushing’s syndrome with clobetasol propionate topical cream. These include how long you use the medication, your dosage, and your age.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome, tell your doctor. If they believe you have this condition, they’ll likely recommend stopping clobetasol propionate treatment.
Adrenal insufficiency
In studies, adrenal insufficiency was a rare but serious side effect in people using clobetasol propionate topical cream. However, it was more common in children. This side effect may happen during treatment or after the medication is stopped.
With adrenal insufficiency, your adrenal glands don’t make enough hormones, especially cortisol.
Symptoms may include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of adrenal insufficiency with clobetasol propionate topical cream. These include:
- your age
- your dosage
- how long you’ll be using the cream
- if you have liver problems
- if you cover the affected area with a dressing or adhesive bandage after applying the cream
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, tell your doctor. If they determine you have this condition, they’ll likely recommend stopping treatment with clobetasol propionate topical cream. In most cases, your symptoms should go away once you stop the medication. Your doctor will monitor you and determine whether you need further treatment for adrenal insufficiency.
Allergic reaction
For some people, clobetasol propionate topical cream can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to clobetasol propionate topical cream, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.
Warnings for clobetasol propionate
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using clobetasol propionate topical cream.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to use clobetasol propionate topical cream if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether clobetasol propionate topical cream is a safe treatment option for you.
Before using clobetasol propionate topical cream, tell your doctor about your health. Things to consider include:
Clobetasol propionate and pregnancy
It’s not known whether clobetasol propionate topical cream is safe to use during pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend using it if the benefits of the medication are greater than the risks. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Clobetasol propionate and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether clobetasol propionate topical cream should be used while breastfeeding. The drug passes into breast milk. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Clobetasol propionate and alcohol
Clobetasol propionate topical cream is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with clobetasol propionate topical cream.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes common and serious side effects of clobetasol propionate topical cream. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my dosage of clobetasol propionate cream affect my risk of side effects?
- Are there other topical medications that could manage my condition with fewer side effects than clobetasol propionate?
- Can using clobetasol propionate cause sleepiness?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
