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For topical use only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Topicort® (desoximetasone) Ointment USP, 0.05% contains the active synthetic corticosteroid desoximetasone. The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents.
Each gram of Topicort® (desoximetasone) Ointment USP, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of desoximetasone in an ointment base consisting of mineral oil and white petrolatum.
The chemical name of desoximetasone is Pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11, 21dihydroxy- 16-methyl-,(11ß,16α)-.
Desoximetasone has the molecular formula C22H29FO4 and a molecular weight of 376.47. The CAS Registry Number is 382-67-2.
The structural formula is:
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Topicort® Topical Spray is a corticosteroid indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older.
Apply Topicort Topical Spray as a thin film to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.
Do not bandage or otherwise cover or wrap the treated skin unless directed by the physician.
Discontinue treatment when control is achieved. Treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.
Do not use if atrophy is present at the treatment site. Avoid use on the face, axilla or groin.
Topicort Topical Spray is for external use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Topical Spray, 0.25%. Each gram of Topicort Topical Spray contains 2.5 mg of desoximetasone in a clear, colorless liquid.
Topicort® (desoximetasone) Topical Spray, 0.25% is a clear colorless liquid supplied in white, opaque bottles with white, opaque screw caps in the following sizes:
30 mL (NDC 51672-5281-3)
50 mL (NDC 51672-5281-4
100 mL (2-50mL bottles) (NDC 51672-5281-6)
100 mL (NDC 51672-5281-7)
Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature] Spray is flammable; avoid heat, flame or smoking when using this product.
Each unit is co-packaged with a manual spray pump for installation by the pharmacist.
Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1 Dist. by: TaroPharma® a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532 PK-6681-4 113. Revised: Oct 2021
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In randomized, multicenter, prospective vehicle-controlled clinical trials, subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the body applied Topicort Topical Spray or vehicle spray twice daily for 4 weeks. A total of 149 subjects applied Topicort Topical Spray.
Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 1% of subjects treated with Topicort Topical Spray are presented in Table 1.
Table 1: Number (%) of Subjects with Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 1%
| Topicort Topical Spray, 0.25% b.i.d (N = 149) |
Vehicle spray b.i.d. (N = 135) |
|
| Number of Subjects with Adverse Reactions | 13 (8.7%) | 18 (13.3%) |
| Application site dryness | 4 (2.7%) | 7 (5.2%) |
| Application site irritation | 4 (2.7%) | 5 (3.7%) |
| Application site pruritus | 3 (2.0%) | 5 (3.7%) |
Another less common adverse reaction (<1% but >0.1%) was folliculitis.
Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids included atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, itching, dryness, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria.
Ophthalmic adverse reactions of cataracts, glaucoma, and increased intraocular pressure have been reported during use of topical corticosteroids.
No Information provided
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Topicort Topical Spray is a topical corticosteroid that has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid.
In a study including 21 evaluable subjects 18 years of age or older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, adrenal suppression was identified in 1 out of 12 subjects having involvement of 10 to15% of body surface area (BSA) and 2 out of 9 subjects having involvement of >15% of BSA after treatment with Topicort Topical Spray twice a day for 28 days [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids may require that patients be periodically evaluated for HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of high potency steroids, larger treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure and young age.
An ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.
If HPA axis suppression is documented, an attempt should be made to gradually withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.
Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and unmasking of latent diabetes mellitus can also result from systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.
Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure.
Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from use of topical corticosteroids. Use in patients under 18 years of age is not recommended due to numerically high rates of HPA axis suppression (the safety and effectiveness of Topicort Topical Spray have not been established in pediatric patients) [see Use In Specific Populations and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Local adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use or use of higher potency corticosteroids. Reactions may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible.
Use of topical corticosteroids, including Topicort Topical Spray, may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported with the postmarketing use of topical corticosteroid products [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Avoid contact of Topicort Topical Spray with eyes. Topicort Topical Spray may cause eye irritation. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Allergic contact dermatitis to any component of topical corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by a failure to heal rather than a clinical exacerbation. Clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis can be confirmed by patch testing.
Concomitant skin infections should be treated with an appropriate antimicrobial agent. If the infection persists, Topicort Topical Spray should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately treated.
Topicort Topical Spray is flammable; keep away from heat or flame.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use)
Inform patients of the following:
Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of Topicort Topical Spray.
In a 13-week repeat-dose toxicity study in rats, topical administration of desoximetasone spray at concentrations of 0.001, 0.005 and 0.02% BID (which corresponds to dose levels of 0.01, 0.05, or 0.2 mg/kg/dose BID, respectively) resulted in a toxicity profile consistent with long-term exposure to corticosteroids, including adrenal atrophy and histopathological changes in several organ systems indicative of severe immune suppression. A no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) could not be determined in this study. Although the clinical relevance of the findings in animals to humans is not clear, sustained glucocorticoid-related immune suppression may increase the risk of infection and possibly the risk for carcinogenesis.
Desoximetasone revealed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic potential based on the results of two in vitro genotoxicity tests (Ames assay and Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosome aberration assay) and one in vivo genotoxicity test (mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay).
No evidence of impairment of male or female fertility was observed at subcutaneous desoximetasone doses up to 0.1 mg/kg/day (0.6 mg/m²/day) in Sprague-Dawley rats.
There are no available data on desoximetasone use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Observational studies suggest maternal use of high to super-high potency topical steroids, including Topicort Topical Spray, may be associated with an increased risk of low birthweight infants (see Data). Advise pregnant woman that Topicort Topical Spray may increase the potential risk of low birth weight infants and to use Topicort Topical Spray on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible. Desoximetasone has been shown to cause malformations and be embryotoxic in mice, rats, and rabbits when given by subcutaneous or dermal routes of administration at doses 3 to 30 times the human dose of Topicort Topical Spray based on a body surface area comparison.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Human Data
Available observational studies in pregnant women did not identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, preterm delivery, or fetal mortality with the use of topical corticosteroids of any potency. However, when the dispensed amount of high to super-high potency topical corticosteroids exceeded 300g during the entire pregnancy, maternal use was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight in infants.
There is no information on the presence of topically administered desoximetasone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Topicort Topical Spray and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Topicort Topical Spray or from the underlying maternal condition.
To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use Topicort Topical Spray on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply Topicort Topical Spray directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].
The safety and effectiveness of Topicort Topical Spray have not been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Topicort Topical Spray is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age due to the high incidence of HPA axis suppression observed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The HPA axis suppression potential of Topicort Topical Spray was assessed in an open-label, sequential cohort, safety trial in 129 subjects 2 years to less than 18 years of age with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis defined as a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of ≥3 with involvement of at least 10% of their body surface area (excluding the face and scalp). In total, 100 pediatric subjects were evaluated for HPA axis function via cosyntropin stimulation testing at baseline and following 4 weeks of twice daily application of Topicort Topical Spray. Overall, 36% of pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 18 years of age demonstrated HPA axis suppression defined as a serum cortisol level ≤ 18 mcg/dL 30-minutes post cosyntropin stimulation. The proportion of subjects demonstrating HPA axis suppression was 35.0% in Cohort 1 (12 years to less than 18 years of age) and 43.3% in Cohort 2 (6 years to less than 12 years of age). Trial enrollment in the youngest cohort (2 years to less than 6 years of age) was discontinued early due to high incidence of HPA axis suppression observed in the two oldest cohorts (6 years to less than 18 years of age) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
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 at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse reactions including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children.
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.
Clinical studies of Topicort Topical Spray did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Topicort Topical Spray can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
None
Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in psoriasis is unknown.
Vasoconstrictor Assay Vasoconstrictor studies performed with Topicort Topical Spray in healthy subjects indicate that it is in the high to super-high range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
The potential for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression was evaluated in two trials. Topicort Topical Spray was applied twice a day for 28 days and HPA axis suppression was defined as serum cortisol level ≤18 mcg/dL 30-min post cosyntropin stimulation. In the first trial, out of 24 adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, 21 subjects had evaluable serum cortisol levels. The proportion of subjects demonstrating HPA axis suppression was 8.3% (1 out of 12) in subjects having psoriasis involvement of 10-15% of body surface area (BSA), and 22.2% (2 out of 9) in subjects having psoriasis involvement of > 15% of their BSA. In the 2 subjects with available follow-up values, suppression reversed 28 days after the end of treatment.
In another trial, the HPA axis suppression was evaluated in 106 pediatric subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. One hundred subjects had evaluable serum cortisol levels. The proportion of subjects demonstrating HPA axis suppression was 35.0% (21 out of 60) in Cohort 1 (12 years to less than 18 years of age, with a mean baseline BSA involvement of 16%), and 43.3% (13 out of 30) in Cohort 2 (6 years to less than 12 years of age, with a mean baseline BSA involvement of 19%). Trial enrollment in the youngest cohort (2 years to less than 6 years of age) was discontinued early due to high incidence of HPA axis suppression observed in the two oldest cohorts (6 years to less than 18 years of age). The overall HPA axis suppression rate was 36% in pediatric subjects 2 years to less than 18 years of age. Due to high incidence of HPA axis suppression observed from this trial, Topicort Topical Spray is not recommended for use in pediatric patients less than 18 years of age [see Use In Specific Populations].
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.
Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids. Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees. Corticosteroids are metabolized primarily in the liver and are then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.
Plasma concentrations of desoximetasone were measured at two single random time points in the HPA axis suppression trial in 24 adult subjects with psoriasis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The mean (% Coefficient of Variation) concentration of desoximetasone was 449 pg/mL (86%) at Day 14 and 678 pg/mL (135%) at Day 28. The concentration time profile following application of Topicort Topical Spray is not known.
In the pediatric HPA axis suppression trial, plasma concentrations of desoximetasone were measured in a subset of subjects in Cohorts 1 and 2 [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. High inter subject variability in plasma concentrations was observed in both cohorts. The mean (% Coefficient of Variation) maximum concentration on Day 29 was 1881 pg/mL (127%) in Cohort 1 (n=11) and 1116 pg/mL (94%) in Cohort 2 (n=8).
Two multi-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trials were conducted in 239 subjects aged 18 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis of the body. In both trials, randomized subjects applied Topicort Topical Spray or vehicle spray to the affected areas twice daily for 4 weeks. Enrolled subjects had a minimum body surface area of involvement of 10%, and a Physician’s Global Assessment score (PGA) of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe).
Efficacy was assessed at Week 4 as the proportion of subjects who were considered a Clinical Success (“clear” (0) or “almost clear” (1) according to the PGA scale). Table 2 presents the efficacy results.
Table 2: Number of Subjects (%) with Clinical Success (scored as clear or almost clear) at Week 4.
| Parameter | Trial 1 | Trial 2 | ||
| Topicort N=59 |
Vehicle N=60 |
Topicort N=60 |
Vehicle N=60 |
|
| Clinical Success | 18 (30.5%) | 3 (5.0%) | 32 (53.3%) | 11 (18.3%) |
TOPICORT®
(Top-i-cort)
(desoximetasone) topical spray
Important information: Topicort Topical Spray is for use on skin (topical) only. Do not get Topicort Topical Spray near or in your mouth, eyes or vagina.
What is Topicort Topical Spray?
Topicort Topical Spray is a prescription corticosteroid medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis of the body in people 18 years of age and older.
It is not known if Topicort Topical Spray is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age. Topicort Topical Spray is not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.
Before you use Topicort Topical Spray, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take other corticosteroid medicines by mouth or use other products on your skin that contain corticosteroids. Do not use other products containing a corticosteroid medicine while using Topicort Topical Spray without talking to your doctor first.
What should I avoid while using Topicort Topical Spray?
Topicort Topical Spray is flammable. Avoid heat, flames or smoking while applying Topicort Topical Spray to your skin.
How should I use Topicort Topical Spray?
See the “Instructions for Use” for detailed information about the right way to apply Topicort Topical Spray.
What are the possible side effects of Topicort Topical Spray?
Topicort Topical Spray may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Topicort Topical Spray include dryness, irritation and itching of skin at the treated site.
These are not all of the possible side effects of Topicort Topical Spray.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
How should I store Topicort Topical Spray?
Keep Topicort Topical Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of Topicort Topical Spray.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Topicort Topical Spray for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Topicort Topical Spray to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about Topicort Topical Spray that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in Topicort Topical Spray?
Active ingredient: desoximetasone
Inactive ingredients: glyceryl oleate, isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl myristate, L-menthol, and mineral oil
Instructions for Use
TOPICORT®
(Top-i-cort) (desoximetasone) topical spray
Important information: Topicort Topical Spray is for use on skin (topical) only. Do not get Topicort Topical Spray near or in your mouth, eyes or vagina.
Read the Instructions for Use before you start using Topicort Topical Spray and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
Parts of Topicort Topical Spray bottle (See Figure A).
Figure A
 |
How to apply Topicort Topical Spray:
Step 1: Remove the cap from the pump top.
Step 2: Hold the bottle in an upright position while pointing the opening of the pump top in the direction of the affected area. To spray, push down on the pump top. Apply Topicort Topical Spray to the affected area as instructed by your doctor. (See Figure B).
Figure B
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Step 3: Spray only enough Topicort Topical Spray to cover the affected area, for example, the elbow (See Figure C). Rub in Topicort Topical Spray gently to the affected area.
Figure C
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Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to apply Topicort Topical Spray to other affected areas as instructed by your doctor.
Step 4: After applying Topicort Topical Spray, place the cap back onto the pump top (See Figure D).
Figure D
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How should I store Topicort Topical Spray?
Store Topicort Topical Spray at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Throw away (discard) unused Topicort Topical Spray 30 days after it has been opened.
Topicort Topical Spray is flammable. Keep away from heat, flames or smoke.
Keep Topicort Topical Spray and all medicines out of the reach of children.
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
