clobetasol
Brand names: Temovate, Clobex
Clobetasol ointment is a very strong steroid medicine used on the skin. It helps reduce swelling, itching, and redness.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.11/unit
Generic Available
Yes (53 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This medicine treats skin problems that cause inflammation and itching.
Common side effects
Burning feeling, Skin irritation, Itching
Key warnings
Using too much clobetasol or using it for too long can affect your hormone levels.
How It Works
Clobetasol is a strong corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation in the skin. This helps to relieve itching and other skin problems.
How to Take It
Apply a thin layer of this ointment to the affected skin twice a day. Gently and completely rub the ointment into your skin. Do not use more than 50 grams in one week. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or dressings.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine. It is not known if clobetasol can harm an unborn baby or pass into breast milk.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F. Do not refrigerate.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 6,243 FDA adverse event reports.
Serious Warnings
Using too much clobetasol or using it for too long can affect your hormone levels. This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years old.
Common Questions
How long can I use clobetasol ointment?
How much clobetasol ointment should I use?
Can I use bandages with clobetasol ointment?
What should I do if my skin does not improve?
Can children use clobetasol ointment?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
How should I store clobetasol ointment?
Can I use clobetasol ointment if I am pregnant?
What are the common side effects?
What if I accidentally swallow some of the ointment?
What are the common side effects of clobetasol?
What drug class is clobetasol?
Is clobetasol safe during pregnancy?
Has clobetasol been recalled?
Active Recalls
CGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.
Akorn, Inc.
CGMP Deviations: Firm went out of business and could no longer continue stability studies.
Akorn, Inc.
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What the FDA Data Shows for clobetasol
The FDA label for clobetasol (sold under brand names such as Temovate, Clobex) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Superpotent Topical Corticosteroid class. This medicine treats skin problems that cause inflammation and itching. Official labeling lists 3 commonly reported side effects, including Burning feeling, Skin irritation, Itching.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 6,243 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.11.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history (currently 2 recall records on file), and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: January 24, 2025
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages