Hydrocortisone valerate

Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP is a medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses in adult patients.

Hydrocortisone valerate cream should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two or three times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Hydrocortisone valerate cream should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Hydrocortisone valerate cream should not be applied in the diaper area if the patient requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing.

Hydrocortisone valerate cream is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment. Patients applying a topical steroid to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression. This may be done by using the ACTH stimulation, A.M. plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol tests.

The following local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. In controlled clinical studies involving pediatric patients one month to 2 years of age (n=29), the incidence of adverse experiences, regardless of relationship to the use of hydrocortisone valerate cream, was approximately 21%. Reported reactions included stinging (10%), eczema (7%), fungal infection (3%), and gastrointestinal disorder (3%).

Storage Store at 25°C (77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).