ApexiCon

Generic name: diflorasone topical [ dye-FLOR-a-sone ]
Brand names: ApexiCon E, Psorcon, ApexiCon
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 4, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is ApexiCon?

Diflorasone is a highly potent steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

ApexiCon (for the skin) is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

ApexiCon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

ApexiCon side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Tell your doctor if you have:

• swelling, weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);

• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or

• memory problems, feeling irritable.

ApexiCon may cause serious side effects. Stop using ApexiCon and call your doctor at once if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• severe skin irritation where the medicine was applied; or

• signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmth, oozing).

Steroid medicine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using ApexiCon.

Common side effects of ApexiCon may include:

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;

• burning or itching of treated skin;

• lightened color of treated skin;

• skin dryness or irritation;

• acne, skin rash;

• increased hair growth;

• stretch marks; or

• white or "pruned" appearance of the skin (caused by leaving wound dressings on for long periods of time).

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.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use ApexiCon if you are allergic to diflorasone.

Do not use this medicine on any child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medication through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Do not use ApexiCon to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

If you apply ApexiCon to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

How should I use ApexiCon?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Do not use ApexiCon on broken or infected skin, or in open wounds.

Wash your hands before and after using ApexiCon, unless you are using the medicine on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply ApexiCon over a large area of skin.

Plastic film covering (such as plastic wrap, plastic gloves, or a shower cap) is sometimes used to cover areas of psoriasis that are treated with ApexiCon. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after several days of treatment, or if it gets worse while using ApexiCon.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of ApexiCon is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long-term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using diflorasone topical?

Rinse with water if ApexiCon gets in your eyes.

What other drugs will affect ApexiCon?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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