Desoximetasone

Desoximetasone topical spray is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older. Desoximetasone topical spray is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older ( 1 ).

None None ( 4 )

• Effect on Endocrine System: Desoximetasone topical spray can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during or after treatment. ( 5.1 )
• Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 )
• Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 )
• Modify use if HPA axis suppression develops. ( 5.1 )
• High potency corticosteroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure and young age may predispose patients to HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 )
• Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity when treated with topical corticosteroids. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients and use in pediatric patients is not recommended. ( 5.1 , 8.4 )
• Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Topical corticosteroid products may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist. ( 5.3 ).
• Flammability: Desoximetasone topical spray is flammable; keep away from heat or flame. ( 5.6 )

5.1Effect on Endocrine System

Desoximetasone topical spray is a topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid. In a study including 21 evaluable subjects 18 years of age or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, adrenal suppression was identified in 1 out of 12 subjects having involvement of 10 to 15% of body surface area (BSA) and 2 out of 9 subjects having involvement of >15% of BSA after treatment with desoximetasone topical spray twice a day for 28 days [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] .