Avoid Certain Areas of the Body
Temovate Cream should generally not be used on the face, groin, or underarms unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to apply it there.
These areas are more sensitive and can absorb corticosteroids more easily, which may increase the risk of side effects.
Limit How Long You Use Temovate
Temovate is a super-high-potency corticosteroid, so it is usually intended for short-term treatment.
For many corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions, treatment should generally be limited to 2 consecutive weeks, and the total amount used should not exceed 50 grams per week.
Using clobetasol for too long, over large areas, or under airtight coverings can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Skin Thinning and Local Side Effects
Temovate may cause skin-related side effects, especially if it is used for a long time.
Possible effects may include:
- Burning or stinging
- Itching
- Irritation
- Redness
- Skin thinning
- Visible small blood vessels
- Changes in skin texture
Contact your healthcare provider if these effects become severe or do not improve.
Broken or Infected Skin
Do not apply Temovate to untreated infected skin unless your healthcare provider specifically recommends it.
Topical corticosteroids can sometimes make certain bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections more difficult to control.
Contact your healthcare provider if the treated area becomes increasingly painful, swollen, warm, or develops pus or other signs of infection.
Adrenal Suppression
Because clobetasol is very potent, some of the medication can be absorbed through the skin and affect the body’s natural production of corticosteroid hormones.
This can lead to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, especially when Temovate is used over large areas, under occlusive dressings, or for longer than recommended.
Use only the amount prescribed and do not continue treatment longer than directed.
Avoid Contact With the Eyes
Keep Temovate away from your eyes.
If corticosteroid medication repeatedly gets into or around the eyes, it may increase the risk of eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts.
If Temovate accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water and contact your healthcare provider if irritation or vision changes occur.
Allergy to Clobetasol
Do not use Temovate if you have had an allergic reaction to clobetasol propionate or any ingredient in the cream.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Hives
- Severe rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Use in Children
Children may absorb a greater amount of topical corticosteroid relative to their body size and may therefore be more sensitive to side effects.
For standard clobetasol propionate cream 0.05%, use in children younger than 12 years is generally not recommended.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Temovate.
Clobetasol should be used during pregnancy only when your healthcare provider determines that the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk.
Use the smallest amount needed for the shortest appropriate period.
Breastfeeding
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding.
Avoid applying Temovate to the breast or nipple area where an infant could come into direct contact with the medication.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether Temovate is appropriate while breastfeeding.
Follow Your Healthcare Provider’s Instructions
Use Temovate only on the areas of skin prescribed and for the recommended amount of time.
Do not use more cream, apply it more often, or extend treatment on your own.
If your skin condition does not improve within the expected treatment period or becomes worse, contact your healthcare provider for reassessment.
REVIEWS