⚠️ 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, discontinue use of the product immediately.
Adrenal suppression
In some individuals, particularly children, increased systemic absorption of topical steroids may result in features of hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) and reversible suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, with possible glucocorticoid insufficiency.
If any of the above is observed, the product should be withdrawn gradually by reducing the frequency of application or substituted with a less potent corticosteroid. Abrupt discontinuation of treatment may result in glucocorticoid insufficiency (see section 4.8).
Long-term continuous topical therapy should be avoided, as it may rapidly induce 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 use of a less potent steroid.
Long-term use
Cases of osteonecrosis, severe infections (including necrotising fasciitis), and systemic immunosuppression (sometimes resulting in reversible Kaposi's sarcoma lesions) have been reported with long-term use of clobetasol at doses exceeding the recommended dosage (see section 4.2). In some cases, patients were concurrently using other potent oral/topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil). If treatment with topical corticosteroids is required for longer than 2 weeks, the 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 warm, moist conditions induced by occlusive dressings, and the skin should therefore be cleansed before a clean dressing is applied.
Any spread of infection requires discontinuation 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 both 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 discontinuation of treatment, 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 promoted by:
prolonged exposure;
application to a large surface area;
use on covered areas of skin (e.g. intertriginous areas or under occlusive dressings);
use on thin skin (e.g. the face);
use on broken skin or in other conditions where 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 a flare of the disease following discontinuation of treatment (topical steroid withdrawal reaction). A severe form of disease flare may develop as dermatitis with intense skin redness, stinging, and burning, which may extend beyond the originally treated areas. This rebound phenomenon is more likely to occur on sensitive sites such as the face or skin folds and may be observed following abrupt discontinuation of long-term treatment. This can be minimised by tapering the treatment gradually and/or substituting with a less potent corticosteroid.
If the condition recurs within days to weeks after successful treatment, a withdrawal reaction should be considered. The medicinal product should be reintroduced with caution, and specialist consultation is recommended in such cases, or alternative treatment options should be considered.
The use of topical corticosteroids may carry risks, as tolerance may develop and lead to a rebound phenomenon (recurrence of symptoms). In addition, patients may be at risk of developing generalised pustular psoriasis and signs of local or systemic toxicity due to impaired skin barrier function. Careful monitoring of the patient is important.
Eye disorders
CLARELUX must not be applied to the eyelids (see section 4.3).
After each application, patients should wash their hands to avoid contamination of the eyes with CLARELUX. If CLARELUX comes into contact with the eye, the affected eye should be rinsed with plenty of water.
Patients on long-term treatment with potent topical steroids must be examined regularly for cataract and glaucoma, particularly those with known risk factors for cataract (e.g. diabetics, smokers) or glaucoma (e.g. a personal or family history of glaucoma).
Paediatric population
CLARELUX is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age (see section 5.1).
Excipients with known effect
This medicinal product contains:
2,145 mg of ethanol per application, which may cause a burning sensation on broken skin;
74 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) per application;
cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis);
polysorbate 60 (E435), which may cause allergic reactions.