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Drugs A–Z

Fluocinonide

Fluocinonide is a prescription medicine (Corticosteroid). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Fluocinol Pak
Drug class
Corticosteroid
Taken
Topical
Label
Saptalis Pharmaceuticals, LLC., revised May 11, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
Generic
FDA-approved (18 companies) · details

What it is used for

Fluocinonide Topical Solution USP, 0.05% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Who should not take it (contraindications)

Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Precautions

General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, the addition of occlusive dressings, and dosage form. Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Children may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. (See PRECAUTIONS – Pediatric Use .) This preparation is not for ophthalmic use. Severe irritation is possible if fluocinonide solution contacts the eye. If that should occur, immediate flushing of the eye with a large volume of water is recommended. If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. As with any topical corticosteroid product, prolonged use may produce atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. When used on intertriginous or flexor areas, or on the face, this may occur even with short-term use. In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: Burning Hypertrichosis Maceration of the skin Itching Acneiform eruptions Secondary infection Irritation Hypopigmentation Skin atrophy Dryness Perioral dermatitis Striae Folliculitis Allergic contact dermatitis Miliaria

Is there a generic Fluocinonide?

Yes. The FDA has approved generic Fluocinonide from 18 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 1987.

An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.

The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.

Companies with an approved generic

Amneal, Chartwell Rx, Cosette Pharms Nc, Encube, Encube Ethicals, Fougera Pharms, Fougera Pharms Inc, Macleods Pharms, Novel Labs Inc, Padagis Us, Quagen, Sciegen Pharms, Sun Pharma Canada, Taro, Teva, Xiromed, Zydus Lifesciences, Zydus Pharms

Brand-name versions

  • Lidex Alvogen, approved 1971 Discontinued
  • Vanos Bausch, approved 2005

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

Fluocinonide in the news

We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news

Products being discontinued

Product Availability Expected supply / notes
Fluocinonide, Ointment, .5 mg/1 g (NDC 0093-0264-92)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Being discontinued · October 2, 2026
Fluocinonide, Ointment, .5 mg/1 g (NDC 0093-0264-30)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Being discontinued · October 2, 2026
Fluocinonide, Ointment, .5 mg/1 g (NDC 0093-0264-15)
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Discontinuation of the manufacture of the drug
Being discontinued · October 2, 2026

All current drug shortages

Recalls

  • Class II Ongoing

    Fluocinonide, USP, 0.05% Cream, 60g tube, Rx only, Mfd by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1, Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532, NDC 51672-1386-3.

    Reason: Failed Viscosity Specifications: Out of Specification results, above the specification limit, in viscosity, noted during stability testing.

    SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Lot# AD76250, Exp Date: 6/30/2026.
    Distribution
    Nationwide in the USA.
    Quantity
    2,640 60g tubes
    Recall started
    March 25, 2026 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0477-2026
  • Class II Ongoing

    Fluocinonide, USP, 0.05% Cream, 30g tube, Rx only, Mfd by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1, Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532, NDC 51672-1386-2.

    Reason: Failed Viscosity Specifications: Out of Specification results, above the specification limit, in viscosity, noted during stability testing.

    SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Lot# AD76251, Exp Date: 6/30/2026.
    Distribution
    Nationwide in the USA.
    Quantity
    41,712 30g tubes
    Recall started
    March 25, 2026 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0476-2026
  • Class II Ongoing

    Fluocinonide, USP, 0.05% Cream, 15g tube, Rx only, Mfd by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1, Dist. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532, NDC 51672-1386-1

    Reason: Failed Viscosity Specifications: Out of Specification results, above the specification limit, in viscosity, noted during stability testing.

    SUN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES INC

    Lots, distribution and details
    Lots / codes
    Lot# AD76252, Exp Date: 6/30/2026.
    Distribution
    Nationwide in the USA.
    Quantity
    24,672 15 g tubes
    Recall started
    March 25, 2026 (Voluntary: Firm initiated)
    Severity
    Could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems; serious harm is unlikely.
    FDA recall number
    D-0475-2026

Have this medicine at home? Compare the lot number and expiry date on your package with the recall. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine on your own — stopping suddenly can be riskier than the recalled lot. Your pharmacist can check it and usually swap it for an unaffected one.

Get alerts for Fluocinonide

We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.









Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 20f8e9a2-a63d-4bee-bc14-b9f04087d87b.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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