Pharmacokinetics: The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Use of occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been shown to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours does markedly enhance penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Studies performed with prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) indicate that the drug product is in the medium range of potency compared with other topical corticosteroids.

General: Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment. Patients applying a topical steroid to a large surface area or under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA-axis suppression. This may be done by using the ACTH stimulation, A.M. plasma cortisol, and urinary free cortisol tests. Prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) did not produce significant HPA-axis suppression when used at a dose of 30g/day for a week in 10 adult patients with extensive psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) did not produce HPA-axis suppression in any of 59 pediatric patients with extensive atopic dermatitis when applied BID for 3 weeks to > 20% of the body surface (See PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use). If HPA-axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of the application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA-axis function is generally prompt upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. For information on systemic supplementation, see prescribing information for those products. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios. (See PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use).

If irritation develops, prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation, as observed with most topical products not containing corticosteroids. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing. If concomitant skin infections are present or develop, an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be used. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, use of prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

Information for Patients

Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:

1.

This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

2.

This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed.

3.

The treated skin area should not be bandaged, otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive, unless directed by the physician.

4.

Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.

5.

Parents of pediatric patients should be advised not to use this medication in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. This medication should not be applied in the diaper area as diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressing (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

6.

This medication should not be used on the face, underarms, or groin areas.

7.

Contact between Prednicarbate Cream 0.1% (emollient) and latex containing products (eg. condoms, diaphragm etc.) should be avoided since paraffin in contact with latex can cause damage and reduce the effectiveness of any latex containing products. If latex products come into contact with Prednicarbate Cream 0.1% (emollient), patients should be advised to discard the latex products. Patients should be advised that this medication is to be used externally only, not intravaginally.

As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within two weeks, contact the physician.

Laboratory Tests: The following tests may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA-axis suppression: ACTH stimulation test, AM plasma cortisol test, Urinary free cortisol test.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility: In a study of the effect of prednicarbate on fertility, pregnancy, and postnatal development in rats, no effect was noted on the fertility or pregnancy of the parent animals or postnatal development of the offspring after administration of up to 0.80 mg/kg of prednicarbate subcutaneously. Prednicarbate has been evaluated in the Salmonella reversion test (Ames test) over a wide range of concentrations in the presence and absence of an S-9 liver microsomal fraction, and did not demonstrate mutagenic activity. Similarly, prednicarbate did not produce any significant changes in the numbers of micronuclei seen in erythrocytes when mice were given doses ranging from 1 to 160 mg/kg of the drug.

Pregnancy:

Nursing Mothers: Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use: Prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) may be used with caution in pediatric patients 1 year of age or older, although the safety and efficacy of drug use longer than 3 weeks have not been established. The use of prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) is supported by results of a three week, uncontrolled study in 59 pediatric patients between the ages of 4 months and 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis. None of the 59 pediatric patients showed evidence of HPA-axis suppression. Safety and efficacy of prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) in pediatric patients below 1 year of age have not been established, therefore use in this age group is not recommended. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA-axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. In an uncontrolled study in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, the incidence of adverse reactions possibly or probably associated with the use of prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) was limited. Mild signs of atrophy developed in 5 patients (5/59, 8%) during the clinical trial, with 2 patients exhibiting more than one sign. Two patients (2/59, 3%) developed shininess, and two patients (2/59, 3%) developed thinness. Three patients (3/59, 5%) were observed with mild telangiectasia. It is unknown whether prior use of topical corticosteroids was a contributing factor in the development of telangiectasia in 2 of the patients. Adverse effects including striae have also been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. Pediatric patients applying topical corticosteroids to greater than 20% of body surface are at higher risk for HPA-axis suppression. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Prednicarbate cream 0.1% (emollient) should not be used in the treatment of diaper dermatitis.