fluocinonide
Brand names: Lidex, Vanos
Fluocinonide is a strong topical steroid medicine. It helps reduce swelling, itching, and redness of the skin.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.28/unit
Generic Available
Yes (23 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This medicine treats skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and allergies.
Common side effects
Burning, Itching, Irritation
Key warnings
Do not use fluocinonide if you are allergic to it.
How It Works
Fluocinonide is a corticosteroid. It works by reducing inflammation in the skin. This helps to relieve itching and other symptoms.
How to Take It
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin areas. Gently rub it in. Do this 2 to 4 times a day, or as your doctor tells you. Do not use bandages or dressings unless your doctor tells you to.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if fluocinonide can harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Missed Dose
Apply it 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 away from moisture and heat.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 3,765 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 5,460 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2004–2025.
Total Reports
5,460
Death-Related Reports
255
Hospitalization Reports
1,006
Top Indication
Product Used For Unknown Indication
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 746 |
| 2 | PSORIASIS | 544 |
| 3 | RASH | 440 |
| 4 | PRURITUS | 406 |
| 5 | FATIGUE | 281 |
| 6 | DIARRHOEA | 280 |
| 7 | NAUSEA | 277 |
| 8 | PAIN | 271 |
| 9 | OFF LABEL USE | 265 |
| 10 | HEADACHE | 255 |
| 11 | ARTHRALGIA | 209 |
| 12 | PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION | 207 |
| 13 | DERMATITIS ATOPIC | 173 |
| 14 | PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE | 173 |
| 15 | ERYTHEMA | 169 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Do not use fluocinonide if you are allergic to it. Tell your doctor if you have any skin infections before using this medicine. Using too much, for too long, can increase your risk for side effects.
Common Questions
Can I use this on my face?
How long should I use this medicine?
Can I use a bandage over the treated area?
What should I do if my skin gets more irritated?
Can I buy this over the counter?
Is it safe to use on children?
What happens if I swallow it?
Can I use it for a fungal infection?
Can I use it on open wounds?
What should I do if I get it in my eyes?
What are the common side effects of fluocinonide?
What drug class is fluocinonide?
Is fluocinonide safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Topical Corticosteroid
Other drugs grouped near fluocinonide — same-class peers and common alternatives.
adapalene
Differin
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel is a medicine used on the skin to treat acne.
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apremilast
Otezla
Apremilast (Otezla/Otezla XR) is a medicine that can help adults and children manage psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
Compare with fluocinonide →
azelaic acid
Finacea, Azelex
Azelaic acid gel is a topical medicine that helps treat rosacea.
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benzoyl peroxide
Benzac, PanOxyl
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medicine that fights germs on your skin.
Compare with fluocinonide →
betamethasone
Diprosone, Luxiq
Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin.
Compare with fluocinonide →
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What the FDA Data Shows for fluocinonide
The FDA label for fluocinonide (sold under brand names such as Lidex, Vanos) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Topical Corticosteroid class. This medicine treats skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and allergies. Official labeling lists 5 commonly reported side effects, including Burning, Itching, Irritation.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 3,765 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.28.
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, 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: August 16, 2024
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