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Olux

Generic name: clobetasol topicalkloe-BAY-ta-sol ]
Brand names: Clobex, Clodan, Impoyz, Olux, Olux-E, Temovate, Tovet
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 12, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Olux?

Clobetasol is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Olux (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

Olux may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Olux side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Olux may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Olux may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Olux if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

It is not known whether Olux will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply clobetasol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Olux is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use Olux?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Do not use Olux on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using this medicine in open wounds.

Wash your hands before and after using clobetasol, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (2 weeks, or up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you use clobetasol to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should not stop using clobetasol suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.

Clobetasol foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of Olux can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using clobetasol topical?

Avoid applying Olux to your face, underarms, or groin area.

Do not use this medicine to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with clobetasol unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect Olux?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Does Olux interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Popular FAQ

What's difference between Olux and Olux-E?

Olux and Olux-E are both topical corticosteroid foams that contain clobetasol propionate 0.05%, but they are approved for somewhat different uses. Olux is used to treat plaque psoriasis of the scalp and other areas on the body (except the face and skin areas that rub together). Olux-E, an emulsion formulation, is approved to treat skin conditions that respond to topical corticosteroids (for example: psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema). Continue reading

How do I use Olux-E foam on my scalp?

The Olux Foam product is specifically approved and formulated to be used for plaque psoriasis on the scalp. To use Olux, move your hair away and apply a thin layer of the foam to the affected scalp area 2 times each day and rub in gently. Wash your hands after each use. Do not bandage or cover the area unless your doctor directs you to do this. Continue reading

Does Olux foam cause hair loss?

Yes, hair thinning and hair loss has been reported as a side effect with the use of clobetasol propionate topical 0.05% (Olux Foam). The number of people that have reported these side effects is not known. This does not appear to be a frequent or serious side effect. Continue reading

How effective is clobetasol for hair growth?

Clobetasol is effective at stimulating hair growth. Research has shown hair regrowth was stimulated in about 20 to 25% of people who used clobetasol ointment and in about 47% of people who used clobetasol foam. Regrowth was noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to develop. Continue reading

Does clobetasol cause hair loss or growth?

Clobetasol can stimulate hair growth. Regrowth may be noticed as early as six weeks into treatment but may take up to 12 to 14 weeks to occur. In some people, hair regrowth does not persist long-term. Clobetasol should only be used for hair loss associated with inflammatory conditions of the scalp such as alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis. Hair loss or hair thinning may also occur, but this is a very rare side effect and is estimated to occur in only 1 out of every 300 people who use clobetasol. Clobetasol is a potent topical steroid and is not a good option for hair and scalp conditions that are not associated with inflammation. Continue reading

How long does it take for clobetasol propionate to work?

It takes about one to three days for clobetasol propionate to start working when it is being used to treat eczema. Some improvement in symptoms such as inflammation (redness) and itching, should be noticed within this time. Other symptoms, such as dryness, crusting, or scaling may take a bit longer to resolve, but improvement should occur within a week. Continue reading

Clobetasol vs. triamcinolone - how do they compare?

Topical clobetasol (Clobex, Impoyz, generics) is considered a very high potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) used on the skin, while triamcinolone (Kenalog, Triderm, generics) is a medium-to-low potency medicine. These prescription products may be used to treat conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, skin allergies or rashes or serious insect bites. Continue reading

Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?

Halobetasol and clobetasol are both classified as super high-potency or high-potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) creams used on the skin. They are both FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis and skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). They lessen skin redness and pain, itching, dryness and scaling. Continue reading

More FAQ

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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