⚠️ Warnings
Special warnings
Hypersensitivity
CLARELUX should be used with caution in patients with a history of local hypersensitivity to corticosteroids or to any of the excipients. Local hypersensitivity reactions (see section 4.8) may resemble the condition being treated.
If signs of hypersensitivity appear, use of the product should be discontinued immediately.
Adrenal suppression
In some individuals, particularly children, manifestations of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis with possible glucocorticoid insufficiency may occur as a result of increased systemic absorption of topical steroids.
If any of the above is observed, the product should be withdrawn gradually by reducing the frequency of application or by substituting a less potent corticosteroid. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to glucocorticoid insufficiency (see section 4.8).
Prolonged continuous topical therapy should be avoided, as it may rapidly cause adrenal suppression even without the use of occlusive dressings. Once lesions have resolved, or after a maximum treatment duration of two weeks, switch to intermittent therapy or consider a less potent steroid.
Long-term use
Cases of osteonecrosis, severe infections (including necrotising fasciitis), and systemic immunosuppression (sometimes leading to reversible Kaposi's sarcoma lesions) have been reported with long-term use of clobetasol in amounts exceeding the recommended dose (see section 4.2). In some cases, patients were concurrently receiving other potent oral/topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil). If treatment with topical corticosteroids is required for longer than 2 weeks, use of a less potent corticosteroid should be considered.
Infections and infestations
CLARELUX is not recommended for use on wounds or ulcers.
Secondary infection may develop; bacterial infection is favoured by the warmth and moisture produced beneath occlusive dressings, and therefore the skin should be cleansed before a clean dressing is applied.
Any spread of infection requires withdrawal of topical corticosteroid therapy and initiation of appropriate antimicrobial treatment.
Visual disturbance
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, referral to an ophthalmologist should be considered for evaluation of possible causes, which may include cataract, glaucoma (see "Precautions for use"), or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), which has been reported after systemic and topical corticosteroid administration.
Systemic corticosteroid therapy may be associated with the development of glaucoma and cataract. This risk has also been reported with ophthalmic treatment and with regular application of topical corticosteroids to the eyelids. In addition, cataract and glaucoma have been reported in patients following long-term excessive application of potent topical corticosteroids to the face and/or body. Although the hypertensive effect of topical steroids is usually reversible after treatment is stopped, visual impairment resulting from glaucoma and cataract is irreversible.
Precautions for use
Increased systemic absorption of topical steroids
Increased systemic absorption of topical steroids may result in systemic adverse effects (e.g. adrenal suppression, immunosuppression). Increased systemic absorption of topical steroids may be enhanced by:
prolonged exposure;
application to a large surface area;
use on covered skin areas (e.g. intertriginous areas or under occlusive dressings);
use on thin skin (e.g. the face);
use on broken skin or under other conditions in which the skin barrier is impaired;
increased hydration of the stratum corneum.
Unless under medical supervision, CLARELUX should not be used together with occlusive dressings.
Rebound phenomenon
Long-term use of topical steroids may lead to flare-up of disease after discontinuation of therapy (topical steroid withdrawal reaction). A severe form of disease flare-up may develop in the form of dermatitis with intense redness, stinging, and burning of the skin, which may extend beyond the originally treated areas. This rebound phenomenon is more likely to occur when treating sensitive skin areas such as the face or skin folds, and may be observed after abrupt discontinuation of long-term therapy. This can be minimised by gradual tapering of treatment or by substitution with a less potent corticosteroid.
If disease recurs within several days to weeks after successful treatment, a withdrawal reaction should be considered. The medicinal product should be reintroduced with caution, and in such cases specialist consultation is advised or alternative treatment options should be considered.
The use of topical corticosteroids may be risky because, following the development of tolerance, a rebound phenomenon (recurrence of symptoms) may occur. In addition, patients may be at risk of developing generalised pustular psoriasis and signs of local or systemic toxicity as a result of impaired skin barrier function. Careful patient monitoring is important.
Eye disorders
CLARELUX must not be applied to the eyelids (see section 4.3).
Patients should wash their hands after each application to prevent ocular contamination with CLARELUX. If CLARELUX comes into contact with the eye, the affected eye should be rinsed with copious amounts of water.
Patients on long-term treatment with potent topical steroids should be examined regularly for cataract and glaucoma, particularly those with known risk factors for cataract (e.g. diabetes mellitus, smoking) or glaucoma (e.g. personal or family history of glaucoma).
Paediatric population
CLARELUX is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years of age (see section 5.1).
Excipients with known effects
This medicinal product contains:
2,145 mg of ethanol per application, which may produce a burning sensation on broken skin;
74 mg of propylene glycol (E 1520) per application;
cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis);
polysorbate 60 (E 435), which may cause allergic reactions.