Fucibet Cream is a combination product that contains the active ingredients betamethasone valerate 0.1%, which is an anti-inflammatory steroid, and fusidic acid 2%, which treats most common bacterial infections of the skin. It is not active against fungal skin infections. Fucibet Cream also contains cetostearyl alcohol and chlorocresol, which may cause allergic skin reactions in some people.
Betamethasone is classed as a ‘potent’ steroid and is prescribed for the treatment of skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This cream, also containing fusidic acid, is used in those cases where a steroid cream would be helpful but where the skin is infected as well or is likely to become infected. It should not be used on areas of skin that are infected but do not have an element of dermatitis too (for example, simple cases of thrush, nappy rash, or impetigo, or viral infections such as herpes), or on areas of rosacea.
How do I use Fucibet Cream?
Apply a thin film of Fucibet cream to completely cover the affected and surrounding skin areas twice daily, in the morning and at night, or as directed by your doctor. The cream is usually used for a period of no longer than 2 weeks.
This cream should not be covered with bandages or other coverings after application. Do not use this medication in or near the eyes.
Many things can affect the dose of 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 one above, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication 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 this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children. Discard any medication that remains 3 months after opening the container.
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.
Is Fucibet Cream suitable for me?
There are some situations where Fucibet Cream, like all medicines, should be used with caution or would not be recommended, for example, if you have reacted to other steroid creams before, or if you have an allergy to any of the active or inactive ingredients. It should not be used on the symptoms of rosacea, on viral infections (e.g. herpes simplex or chickenpox), or on the face for any longer than necessary.
During your consultation, it is important to tell if you are taking any other medicines, including other creams or eczema treatments you are using, either from your doctor or purchased from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Can a pregnant or breastfeeding woman use Fucibet cream?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
• If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant: Fucibet should not be used during pregnancy unless you are told to do so by your doctor.
• If you are breastfeeding: Fucibet may be used by women who are breastfeeding, but the cream should not be applied to the breasts to avoid accidental ingestion by the infant.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medicine.
Driving and using machines
This medicine should not have any effect on your ability to drive or use machines. Check with your doctor if you feel any side effects that may stop you from driving or using machines. Fucibet contains
• Cetostearyl alcohol. This may give you an itchy rash and inflammation on your skin where your medicine is used.
• Chlorocresol. This is a preservative. It may give you an allergic reaction.
What are the side effects of Fucibet Cream?
Like all medicines, Fucibet can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Important side effects to look out for: Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following happen. You may need to stop your treatment:
• You have difficulty breathing
• Your face or throat swell
• Your skin develops a severe rash.
The following less serious side effects have also been reported. If any of them last a long time or cause problems, you should tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible: Any of the problems listed below are more likely if the medicine is used for a long time, in large amounts or on skin folds (such as armpits or under breasts).
These problems are more likely in babies and children. They are also more likely if the skin is covered with a dressing, bandage, or nappy. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
• Itchy rash and skin inflammation in the area where the medicine is used
• Worsening of your eczema
• Burning feeling
• Itching
• Dry skin
• Application site pain
• Application site irritation. Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• Skin redness
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Application site swelling
• Application site blisters.
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
• Blurred vision.
Some side effects are known to be caused by betamethasone valerate (steroid), one of the ingredients in Fucibet. You should tell your doctor if any of the side effects occur:
• Adrenal glands may stop working properly. Signs are tiredness, depression, and anxiety
• Glaucoma
• Thinning of the skin
• Red spotty rash around the mouth or chin
• Stretch marks
• Small veins near the surface of the skin become visible
• Changes in growth of your body hair
• Excessive sweating
• Lightening of your skin color
• Redness and pimples around the mouth
• Redness of the skin, nose, or mouth
• Formation of cataracts.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How to store Fucibet Cream
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use Fucibet after the expiry date which is stated on the tube or carton after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of that month.
• Do not store the medicine above 30°C.
• Do not use the tube for more than 3 months after you first open it. Make a note of the date you first opened the tube, in the space provided on the carton. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away any medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment
