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Nerisone Ointment: Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Updated:
Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx) Current status: Cancelled Post Market
Strength:
0.1 %
Active ingredient:
ATC code:
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Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs · About this document

Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Nerisone Ointment

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

NERISONE® is used to help relieve the redness, swelling, and itching of certain skin problems for up to 4 weeks.

What it does:

NERISONE® contains diflucortolone valerate which belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. Steroids help to reduce redness, swelling and irritation of the skin.

When it should not be used:

Do not use NERISONE® if you are allergic to diflucortolone, other corticosteroids, or to any other ingredients in NERISONE® (see What the nonmedicinal ingredients are).

Do not apply to the areas of the skin that:

  • have bacterial, fungal, parasitic, viral skin infections (e.g. cold sores, chicken pox), tuberculosis or syphilis skin lesions, or a skin reaction following a recent vaccination.
  • have acne.
  • have rosacea (a facial skin condition where the nose, cheeks, chin, forehead or entire face are unusually red, with or without tiny visible blood vessels, bumps (papules) or pus-filled bumps (pustules)).
  • have rashes around the mouth.
  • have itchy skin which is not inflamed.
  • have itchy skin around the anus or genitals (penis and vagina).

Do not apply in or near the eye.

Do not use on children under 1 year of age.

If you think any of these apply to you, don’t use NERISONE® until you have checked with your doctor or pharmacist.

What the medicinal ingredient is:

Diflucortolone valerate

What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:

The nonmedicinal ingredients of NERISONE® Cream are purified water, white petrolatum, mineral oil, stearyl alcohol, polyoxyl-40-stearate, carbopol 934, edetate disodium, sodium hydroxide, and methylparaben and propylparaben as preservatives.

The nonmedicinal ingredients of NERISONE® Oily Cream are white petrolatum, purified water, mineral oil, Dehymuls E, and white wax.

The nonmedicinal ingredients of NERISONE® Ointment are white petrolatum, mineral oil, microcrystalline wax, and hydrogenated castor oil.

What dosage forms it comes in:

NERISONE® Cream and Ointment are available in 30 g tube. NERISONE® Oily Cream is available in 30 g and 60 g tubes.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Topical corticosteroids when used over large areas, on sensitive areas such as the face, in skin-fold areas like the armpit and groin, on broken skin, for prolonged periods or under an airtight dressing are more likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause side effects. Apply only enough to cover the affected areas. NERISONE® should not be applied over large areas unless advised by a physician.

Only use NERISONE® for as long as your doctor recommends.

Inform your doctor if you have previously used corticosteroids.

Before using NERISONE®, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

  • you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

  • you are breastfeeding. If you do use NERISONE® when breastfeeding, do not use on your breast area to ensure that the baby does not accidentally get it in their mouth.
  • you have sores in the leg as a result of poor circulation (such as stasis dermatitis).
  • you have problems with your kidney or liver. You may need to use a smaller amount of NERISONE® or use it less often.

While using NERISONE®, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

  • you develop any skin infection
  • you have an allergic reaction
  • you develop troublesome skin irritation
  • you experience skin thinning or softening
  • your condition worsens or does not improve

While using NERISONE®:

  • NERISONE® should be used with caution on the face, or in skin fold areas, such as the groin or the armpit.
  • Avoid applying NERISONE® in or near the eye, or other mucous membranes. In case of contact, wash with water. Absorption may cause increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), or a cloudy lens in the eye (cataracts).
  • Do not use occlusive dressings such as a bandage, or cover the treated areas tightly.
  • If you are over 65 years of age, use NERISONE® with caution. You may need to use a smaller amount of NERISONE® or use it less often
  • The skin of children absorbs larger amounts of topical corticosteroids than the skin of adults; and therefore, children may be more likely to develop side effects.
  • Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of an allergic reaction or an infection if applied near ulcers on the legs.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

Some medicines may affect how NERISONE® works, or make it more likely that you’ll have side effects. Examples of these medicines include:

  • Ritonavir (for HIV)
  • Itraconazole (for fungal infections)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your other medications, including medicines that you bought without prescription and natural health products.

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

NERISONE® is for use on the skin only. It is NOT for use in the eyes or on other mucous membranes.

Usual dose:

Use NERISONE® once or twice a day for a maximum of 4 weeks. The number of times you use your medicine may be reduced as your skin gets better or your doctor may prescribe a weaker steroid for you to use instead. It is important to not stop using NERISONE® suddenly or your skin condition could flare up again. If your condition does not improve within 2-4 weeks of treatment, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you use NERISONE® regularly, make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.

How to Apply NERISONE®:

  • Apply a thin layer and gently rub in, using only enough to cover the entire affected area.
  • Wash your hands after use unless treating the hands.
  • Excess product should not be returned to the container, since it may cause contamination.
  • If you are also using an emollient (moisturising) preparation allow time for NERISONE® to be absorbed after each application before applying the emollient.
  • Your doctor may recommend using a moisturizer as maintenance therapy.
  • Do not use occlusive dressings such as a bandage, or cover the treated areas tightly.

NERISONE® should be used for the minimum amount of time required to achieve the desired results, but always use NERISONE® exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Overdose:

In case of drug overdose, contact a health care practitioner, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to use NERISONE®, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time scheduled to apply your next dose, wait and apply your next scheduled dose and then continue as before. Do not apply extra NERISONE® to make up for missed doses.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Like all medicines NERISONE® can have side effects although not everybody gets them. Side effects will affect your skin and may have an effect on other parts of your body if a sufficient quantity of medicine is absorbed through the skin and enters your blood stream.

If your skin condition gets worse or your skin becomes swollen during treatment you may be allergic to the medicine or need other treatment. Stop using NERISONE® and tell your doctor as soon as possible.

The following side effects have been reported in patients using topical corticosteroids:

Common side effects

  • itchy skin
  • skin burning or pain

Very rare side effects

Use of a topical corticosteroid for a long period of time, over a large body surface, or use under an airtight dressing, may cause the following symptoms:

  • increased weight
  • moon face/rounding of the face, obesity
  • skin thinning (this may cause stretch marks), skin softening, skin wrinkling, skin dryness, the appearance of blood vessels under the surface of your skin (telangiectasia), changes to the colour of your skin
  • increased body hair, hair loss/lack of hair growth/damaged looking hair
  • allergic reaction, irritation or pain at the site of application
  • worsening of condition
  • redness, rash or hives, prickly heat rash
  • secondary infection
  • allergic contact dermatitis/dermatitis (a type of eczema)
  • pimples (pustules)
  • steroid withdrawal syndrome (symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain)

If you have psoriasis you may get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen very rarely during or after treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis.

In children also look out for the following symptoms:

  • delayed weight gain
  • slow growth

Other symptoms that may only show in blood tests or when your doctor gives you a medical examination are: decreased hormone cortisol levels in your blood, increased sugar levels in your blood or urine, high blood pressure, cloudy lens in the eye (cataract), increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), as well as weakening of the bones through gradual mineral loss (osteoporosis) and additional tests may be needed after your medical examination to confirm whether you have osteoporosis.

If any of the side effects listed becomes severe or troublesome, tell your doctor or pharmacist.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Symptom / effectTalk with your doctor or pharmacistStop taking drug and call your doctor or pharmacist
Only if severeIn all cases
Allergic reactions: rash, hives, swelling of the skin, chills, fever, muscle aches or pains or flu-like symptoms occurring with or before a skin rash.✓
Cushing's syndrome: weight gain, moon face / rounding of the face and obesity.✓
Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar): frequent urination, thirst and hunger.✓
Glucosuria (sugar in urine): excessive or sweet smelling urine.✓
Hypertension (high blood pressure): headaches, vision disorders, nausea and vomiting.✓
Osteoporosis: weakening of the bones potentially leading to an increased risk of bone fracture.✓
Glaucoma or cataracts: blurred vision, increased pressure in your eyes, eye pain.✓

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking NERISONE® contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

Store between 15° and 25°C. Do not freeze. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS

You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:

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  • Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect
  • Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345

  • Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:

    • Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or

    • Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program

      Health Canada

      Postal Locator 0701E

      Ottawa, Ontario

      K1A 0K9

Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.

NOTE: Should you require information related to the management of side effects, contact your health professional. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice.

MORE INFORMATION

This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found at:

http://www.stiefel.ca or by contacting the sponsor,

GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

7333 Mississauga Road

Mississauga, Ontario

L5N 6L4

1-800-387-7374

Last revised: October 29, 2014

© 2014 GlaxoSmithKline Inc. All Rights Reserved

®NERISONE is a trade mark of Bayer Schering Pharma Aktiengesellschaft.

About this document

Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs · DIN (Drug Identification Number): 00587834

Revision date stated in the text: October 29, 2014

Found a mistake? Write to us via the contact page.

The information on this site does not replace the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

Drug information for Nerisone Ointment

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
DIN 00587834
Schedule(s) PRESCRIPTION
Active ingredient(s) Diflucortolone valerate 0.1 %
Dosage form(s) Ointment
Route(s) of administration Topical
Drug class (WHO ATC)
  1. D Dermatologicals
    1. D07 Corticosteroids, dermatological preparations
      1. D07A Corticosteroid dermatological preparations, plain
        1. D07AC Corticosteroids, potent (group III)
          1. D07AC06 Diflucortolone
Company GLAXOSMITHKLINE INC
Current status Cancelled Post Market
Current status date November 3, 2015

Source: Health Canada – Drug Product Database (DPD) and product monographs, data as of November 1, 2026. Data from the Health Canada Drug Product Database, as published there. Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.