Aristocort C

A small amount of Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) should be applied to the affected areas no more than 3 or 4 times daily. For some cases of psoriasis and certain other conditions, your doctor may advise you to cover the area with an occlusive dressing (a dressing that doesn't breathe) such as plastic wrap for more effective treatment. If your doctor has not suggested this, do not cover the area as this may cause unwanted effects.

Do not let Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) get in your eyes. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water and consult your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may lighten the skin where it is applied. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Cream
Aristocort "C" (0.5%), concentrate; Aristocort "R" (0.1%), regular. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, lactic acid, sorbitol solution, and purified water.

Ointment
Aristocort "R" (0.1%), regular. The ointment contains no preservatives. Nonmedicinal ingredients: white petrolatum.

Do not use Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) if you:

• are allergic to triamcinolone or any ingredients of the medication
• have a skin infection caused by viruses, including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and varicella (Chickenpox)
• have Tuberculosis of the skin
• have untreated infected skin lesions caused by an infection with fungi or bacteria if no antifungal (for fungal infections) or antibacterial agent (for bacterial infections) is used at the same time

There may be an interaction between triamcinolone and any of the following:

• other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Inform all doctors you go to that you are using a topical (skin-applied) corticosteroid.

Absorption: When triamcinolone is used over extensive areas for prolonged periods and under dressings that don't breathe, it is possible that enough medication will absorb into the bloodstream to give rise to unwanted side effects. Therefore, it is advisable to use triamcinolone for brief periods only and to stop using it as soon as the problem clears.

Adverse effects: Although adverse effects associated with the use of Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) are uncommon and not to be expected from ordinary use, sensitization, irritation, and failure of therapeutic response have been noticed in rare instances.

Eyes: Use Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) with caution on lesions close to the eye. Take care to ensure that it does not enter the eye, as Glaucoma may result. Cataracts have been reported following internal use of corticosteroids.

Infection: Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any increased redness, swelling, heat, or pain around the area where the medication is applied as these are possible signs of infection.

Thinning of skin: Using topical corticosteroid medications for a long period of time can cause skin to thin or soften or cause stretch marks. Your doctor may recommend you stop using Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) once in a while or to apply to one area of the body at a time. Suddenly stopping corticosteroid medication may cause psoriasis to return.

Pregnancy: Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if triamcinolone passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The active ingredient in Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical), triamcinolone, belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using large amounts of this class of medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). The use of Aristocort C (Triamcinolone-acetonide-topical) by children should be limited to the smallest effective amount. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using medication by children.

This medication is to be applied on the skin. To use: Clean the affected area. Apply a small quantity, and limit the application to the affected area. Wash your hands after applying the medication - unless, obviously, you applied the medication on your hands! Do not let this product come in contact with your eyes. This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Continue applying the product to complete the prescribed course of treatment, even after improvement is seen or felt. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. Cortisone products can thin the skin and increase the risk of skin infections. Do not use for longer than necessary.