Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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*+ Not commercially available in the U.S. and Canada.
Masoprocol (ma-SOE-pro-kole) is applied to the skin to treat a condition called actinic keratoses, which can become cancerous if not treated.
This medicine was withdrawn from the U.S. market in June 1996.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topical masoprocol, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to masoprocol. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as sulfites or other preservatives or dyes. Masoprocol for use on the skin contains sulfites.
Pregnancy--Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you intend to become pregnant. Although masoprocol applied to the skin has not been shown to cause problems in humans, some of it is absorbed through the skin. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before using this medicine.
Breast-feeding--Although masoprocol applied to the skin has not been shown to cause problems in nursing babies, some of it is absorbed through the skin.
Children--There is no specific information comparing use of masoprocol on the skin in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults--Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects
or problems in older people. Although there is no specific information comparing
use of masoprocol on the skin in the elderly with use in other age groups,
this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems
in older people than it does in younger adults. Keep using this medicine
for the full time of treatment. However, do not use this
medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered
.
Apply enough medicine each time to cover the entire affected area with a thin
layer. After washing the area with mild soap and water and drying carefully, use
your fingertips to apply the medicine in a thin layer to your skin and rub
it in gently. Make sure you wash your hands immediately after applying
the cream
, to prevent any of the medicine from accidentally getting
in your eyes or mouth. Masoprocol commonly causes redness, soreness, swelling, itching, dryness,
and flaking of affected skin. This effect will go away about 2 weeks after
you stop using the medicine. However, do not stop using this medicine without
first checking with your doctor. If this reaction occurs, check with your
doctor. Dosing--The dose of masoprocol will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the
directions on the label
. The following information includes only the
average dose of masoprocol. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. Missed dose--If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as
soon as possible. However, if more than a few hours have passed, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss more
than one dose, check with your doctor.
Storage--To store this medicine: It is very important that your doctor check your progress at
regular visits
to make sure that this medicine is working properly
and to check for unwanted effects. Apply this medicine very carefully when using it on
your face. Avoid getting any in your eyes, nose, or mouth
. This preparation contains sulfites as a preservative. Sulfites may cause
an allergic reaction in some people. Signs of an allergic reaction to sulfites
include bluish discoloration of skin, severe dizziness or feeling faint, or
wheezing or trouble in breathing. If any of these signs
occur, check with your doctor immediately
. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects.
Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may
need medical attention. Stop using this medicine
and check with your doctor immediately
if the following side effects
occur: More common Redness and swelling of normal skin
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Side Effects of This Medicine
Check with your doctor immediately if the following side effect occurs:
Less common
Blistering or oozing where medicine is applied
Signs and symptoms of allergic reaction to sulfites
Bluish discoloration of skin; dizziness (severe) or feeling faint; wheezing or trouble in breathing
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if the following side effects occur:
More common
Redness, soreness, swelling, itching, dryness, and flaking of skin where medicine is applied
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue, worsen, or are bothersome:
More common
Burning feeling where medicine is applied
Less common
Leathery feeling to skin; skin roughness; wrinkles
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 07/31/1995
Revised: 10/13/2000
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