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TRI-LUMA®
(fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin) Cream for Topical Application
TRI-LUMA (fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin) Cream, 0.01%/4%/0.05% contains fluocinolone acetonide, USP, hydroquinone, USP, and tretinoin, USP, in a light yellow, hydrophilic cream base for topical application.
Fluocinolone acetonide is a synthetic fluorinated corticosteroid. It is a white crystalline powder that is odorless and stable in light.
The chemical name for fluocinolone acetonide is: (6α,11β,16α)-6,9-difluoro-11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-pregna-1,-4-diene-3,20dione.
The molecular formula is C24H30F2O6 and molecular weight is 452.50.
Fluocinolone acetonide has the following structural formula:
 |
Hydroquinone is a melanin synthesis inhibitor. It is prepared from the reduction of p-benzoquinone with sodium bisulfite. It occurs as fine white needles that darken on exposure to air. The chemical name for hydroquinone is: 1,4-benzenediol.
The molecular formula is C6H6O2 and molecular weight is 110.11.
Hydroquinone has the following structural formula:
 |
Tretinoin, a retinoid, is all-trans-retinoic acid formed from the oxidation of the aldehyde group of retinene to a carboxyl group. It occurs as yellow to light-orange crystals or crystalline powder with a characteristic odor of ensilage. It is highly reactive to light and moisture.
The chemical name for tretinoin is: (all-E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-2,4,6,8-nonatetraenoic acid.
The molecular formula is C20H28O2 and molecular weight is 300.44.
Tretinoin has the following structural formula:
 |
Each gram of TRI-LUMA Cream contains Active: fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (0.1 mg), hydroquinone 4% (40 mg), and tretinoin 0.05% (0.5 mg). Inactive: butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid anhydrous, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, magnesium aluminum silicate, methyl gluceth-10, methylparaben, PEG-100 stearate, propylparaben, purified water, sodium metabisulfite, stearic acid, and stearyl alcohol.
TRI-LUMA Cream is a combination of fluocinolone acetonide (a corticosteroid), hydroquinone (a melanin synthesis inhibitor), and tretinoin (a retinoid) that is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face, in the presence of measures for sun avoidance, including the use of sunscreens.
TRI-LUMA Cream is NOT indicated for the maintenance treatment of melasma. After achieving control with TRI-LUMA Cream, some patients may be managed with other treatments instead of triple therapy with TRI-LUMA Cream. Melasma usually recurs upon discontinuation of TRI-LUMA Cream.
The safety and efficacy of TRI-LUMA Cream in patients of Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI have not been studied. Excessive bleaching resulting in undesirable cosmetic effect in patients with darker skin cannot be excluded.
The safety and efficacy of TRI-LUMA Cream in the treatment of hyperpigmentation conditions other than melasma of the face have not been studied.
Because pregnant and lactating women were excluded from, and women of childbearing potential had to use birth control measures in the clinical trials, the safety and efficacy of TRI-LUMA Cream in pregnant women and nursing mothers have not been established [see Use in Specific Populations].
Apply a thin film of TRI-LUMA Cream to the effected area once daily, at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply TRI-LUMA Cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal appearing skin surrounding each lesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin.
Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved.
During the day, use a sunscreen of SPF 30, and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day. TRI-LUMA Cream is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Cream, 0.01%/4%/0.05%.
Each gram of TRI-LUMA Cream contains 0.1 mg of fluocinolone acetonide, 40 mg of hydroquinone, and 0.5 mg of tretinoin in a light yellow, hydrophilic cream base.
TRI-LUMA Cream is light yellow in color, and supplied in 30 g aluminum tubes, NDC 0299-5950-30.
Keep tightly closed. Store in a refrigerator, 2°-8° C (36°-46° F). Protect from freezing.
Marketed by: Galderma Laboratories, L.P. Fort Worth, TX 76177 USA. Manufactured by: Hill Dermaceuticals, Inc. Sanford, FL 32773 USA. Manufactured by: G Production Inc. Baie d'Urfé, QC, H9X 3S4 Canada. Made in Canada. Revised: March 2014
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 clinical practice.
In the controlled clinical trials, adverse events were monitored in the 161 subjects who used TRI-LUMA Cream once daily during an 8-week treatment period. There were 102 (63%) subjects who experienced at least one treatment-related adverse event during these trials. The most frequently reported events were erythema, desquamation, burning, dryness, and pruritus at the site of application. The majority of these events were mild to moderate in severity. Adverse events reported by at least 1% of patients and judged by the investigators to be reasonably related to treatment with TRI-LUMA Cream from the controlled clinical trials are summarized (in decreasing order of frequency) as follows:
Table 1: Incidence and Frequency of Treatment-related
Adverse Events with TRI-LUMA Cream in at Least 1% or More of Subjects (N=161)
| Adverse Event | n (%) |
| Erythema | 66 (41%) |
| Desquamation | 61 (38%) |
| Burning | 29 (18%) |
| Dryness | 23 (14%) |
| Pruritus | 18 (11%) |
| Acne | 8 (5%) |
| Paresthesia | 5 (3%) |
| Telangiectasia | 5 (3%) |
| Hyperesthesia | 3 (2%) |
| Pigmentary changes | 3 (2%) |
| Irritation | 3 (2%) |
| Papules | 2 (1%) |
| Acne-like rash | 1 (1%) |
| Rosacea | 1 (1%) |
| Dry mouth | 1 (1%) |
| Rash | 1 (1%) |
| Vesicles | 1 (1%) |
In an open-label trial, subjects who had cumulative treatment of melasma with TRI-LUMA Cream for 6 months showed a similar pattern of adverse events as in the 8-week studies.
The following local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids. They may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings, especially with higher potency corticosteroids. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.
No information provided.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
TRI-LUMA Cream contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening asthmatic episodes in susceptible individuals. If anaphylaxis, asthma or other clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions occur, institute appropriate therapy and discontinue TRI-LUMA. Allergic contact dermatitis may also occur [see Cutaneous Reactions].
TRI-LUMA Cream contains hydroquinone, which may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin, the occurrence of which should prompt discontinuation of therapy. The majority of patients developing this condition are Black, but it may also occur in Caucasians and Hispanics.
TRI-LUMA Cream contains the corticosteroid fluocinolone acetonide. 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 by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroid while on treatment. If HPA axis suppression is noted, the use of TRI-LUMA Cream should be discontinued. Recovery of HPA axis function generally occurs upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.
The ACTH or cosyntropin stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression.
Cutaneous hypersensitivity to the active ingredients of TRI-LUMA Cream has been reported in the literature. In a patch test study to determine sensitization potential in 221 healthy volunteers, three volunteers developed sensitivity reactions to TRI-LUMA Cream or its components.
TRI-LUMA Cream contains hydroquinone and tretinoin that may cause mild to moderate irritation. Local irritation, such as skin reddening, peeling, mild burning sensation, dryness, and pruritus may be expected at the site of application. Transient skin reddening or mild burning sensation does not preclude treatment. If a reaction suggests hypersensitivity or chemical irritation, the use of the medication should be discontinued.
Patients should avoid medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with drying effects, products with high concentrations of alcohol and astringents, and other irritants or keratolytic drugs while on TRI-LUMA Cream treatment. Patients are cautioned on concomitant use of medications that are known to be photosensitizing.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION)
Inform patients of the following:
When fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin in fixed combinations equivalent to 10%, 50%, 100%, and 150% of the concentrations in the clinical formulation of TRI-LUMA Cream were applied topically to male and female CD-1 mice for up to 24 months at dosages approximating up to 50, 19,000, and 250 μg/kg/day, respectively (corresponding to dosages of 150, 57,000, and 750 μg/m²/day, respectively), no statistically significant changes in tumor incidence were observed.
When fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin in fixed combinations equivalent to 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% of the concentrations in the clinical formulation of TRI-LUMA Cream were applied topically to male and female SD rats for up to 24 months at dosages approximating up to 10, 4000, and 50 μg/kg/day, respectively (corresponding to dosages of 60, 24,000, and 300 μg/m²/day, respectively), statistically significant increases in the incidences of islet cell adenomas and combined islet cell adenomas and carcinomas of the pancreas in both males and females were observed. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.
Studies of hydroquinone in animals have demonstrated some evidence of carcinogenicity. The carcinogenic potential of hydroquinone in humans is unknown.
Studies in hairless albino mice suggest that concurrent exposure to tretinoin may enhance the tumorigenic potential of carcinogenic doses of UVB and UVA light from a solar simulator. This effect has been confirmed in a later study in pigmented mice, and dark pigmentation did not overcome the enhancement of photocarcinogenesis by 0.05% tretinoin. Although the significance of these studies to humans is not clear, patients should minimize exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet irradiation sources.
Mutagenicity studies were not conducted with this combination of active ingredients. Published studies have demonstrated that hydroquinone is a mutagen and a clastogen. Treatment with hydroquinone has resulted in positive findings for genetic toxicity in the Ames assay in bacterial strains sensitive to oxidizing mutagens, in in vitro studies in mammalian cells, and in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay. Tretinoin has been shown to be negative for mutagenesis in the Ames assay. Additional information regarding the genetic toxicity potential of tretinoin and of fluocinolone acetonide is not available.
A dermal reproductive fertility study was conducted in SD rats using a 10-fold dilution of the clinical formulation. No effect was seen on the traditional parameters used to assess fertility, although prolongation of estrus was observed in some females, and there was a trend towards an increase in pre-and post-implantation loss that was not statistically significant. No adequate study of fertility and early embryonic toxicity of the full-strength drug product has been performed. In a six-month study in minipigs, small testes and severe hypospermia were found when males were treated topically with the full strength drug product.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. TRI-LUMA Cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. TRI-LUMA Cream contains the teratogen, tretinoin, which may cause embryo-fetal death, altered fetal growth, congenital malformations, and potential neurologic deficits.
In clinical trials involving TRI-LUMA Cream in the treatment of facial melasma, women of child-bearing potential initiated treatment only after having had a negative pregnancy test and used effective birth control measures during therapy. However, 13 women became pregnant during treatment with TRILUMA Cream. Most of the pregnancy outcomes are unknown. Three women gave birth to apparently healthy babies. One pregnancy was terminated prematurely, and another ended in miscarriage.
In general, use of drugs should be reduced to a minimum in pregnancy. If a patient has been inadvertently exposed to TRI-LUMA Cream in pregnancy, she should be counseled on the risk of teratogenesis due to this exposure. The risk of teratogenesis due to topical exposure to TRI-LUMA Cream may be considered low. However, exposure during the period of organogenesis in the first trimester is theoretically more likely to produce adverse outcome than in later pregnancy.
Tretinoin is considered to be highly teratogenic upon systemic administration. Animal reproductive studies are not available with topical hydroquinone. Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals.
Corticosteroids, when systemically administered, appear in human milk. It is not known whether topical application of TRI-LUMA Cream could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities of fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, or tretinoin in human milk. Because many drugs are secreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when TRI-LUMA Cream is administered to a nursing woman. Care should be taken to avoid contact between the infant being nursed and TRI-LUMA Cream.
Safety and effectiveness of TRI-LUMA Cream in pediatric patients have not been established.
Clinical studies of TRI-LUMA Cream did not include sufficient number of subjects aged 65 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.
No information provided.
TRI-LUMA Cream is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to this product or any of its components.
The mechanism of action of the active ingredients in TRI-LUMA Cream in the treatment of melasma is unknown.
Percutaneous absorption of unchanged tretinoin, hydroquinone and fluocinolone acetonide into the systemic circulation of two groups of healthy volunteers (Total N=59) was found to be minimal following 8 weeks of daily application of 1g (Group I, n=45) or 6g (Group II, n=14) of TRI-LUMA Cream.
For tretinoin quantifiable plasma concentrations were obtained in 57.78% (26 out of 45) of Group I and 57.14% (8 out of 14) of Group II subjects. The exposure to tretinoin as reflected by the C max values ranged from 2.01 to 5.34 ng/mL (Group I) and 2.0 to 4.99 ng/mL (Group II). Thus, daily application of TRI-LUMA Cream resulted in a minimal increase of normal endogenous levels of tretinoin. The circulating tretinoin levels represent only a portion of total tretinoin-associated retinoids, which would include metabolites of tretinoin and that sequestered into peripheral tissues.
For hydroquinone, quantifiable plasma concentrations were obtained in 18% (8 out of 44) Group I subjects. The exposure to hydroquinone, as reflected by the C max values, ranged from 25.55 to 86.52 ng/mL. All Group II subjects (6g dose) had post-dose plasma hydroquinone concentrations below the quantitation limit. For fluocinolone acetonide, Groups I and II subjects had all post-dose plasma concentrations below quantitation limit.
Two adequate and well-controlled efficacy and safety trials were conducted in 641 subjects between the ages of 21 to 75 years, having Fitzpatrick Skin types I-IV and moderate to severe melasma of the face. TRI-LUMA Cream was compared with 3 possible combinations of 2 of the 3 active ingredients [(1) hydroquinone 4% (HQ) + tretinoin 0.05% (RA); (2) fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (FA) + tretinoin 0.05% (RA); (3) fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% (FA) + hydroquinone 4% (HQ)], contained in the same vehicle as TRI-LUMA Cream. Subjects were instructed to apply their study medication each night, after washing their face with a mild soapless cleanser, for 8 weeks. Instructions were given to apply a thin layer of study medication to the hyperpigmented lesion, making sure to cover the entire lesion including the outside borders extending to the normal pigmented skin. Subjects were provided a mild moisturizer for use as needed. A sunscreen with SPF 30 was also provided with instructions for daily use. Protective clothing and avoidance of sunlight exposure to the face was recommended.
Subjects were evaluated for melasma severity at Baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8 of treatment. Primary efficacy was based on the proportion of subjects who had an investigators' assessment of treatment success, defined as the clearing of melasma at the end of the eight-week treatment period. The majority of subjects enrolled in the two trials were white (approximately 66%) and female (approximately 98%). TRI-LUMA Cream was demonstrated to be significantly more effective than any of the other combinations of the active ingredients.
Table 2: Investigators' Assessment of Treatment Success*
At the End of 8 Weeks of Treatment
| TRI-LUMA | HQ+RA | FA+ RA | FA+HQ | ||
| Trial 1 | Subjects, n | 85 | 83 | 85 | 85 |
| Successes, n | 32 | 12 | 0 | 3 | |
| Proportion of Successes | 38% | 15% | 0 | 4% | |
| p-value | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | < 0.001 | ||
| Trial 2 | Subjects, n | 76 | 75 | 76 | 76 |
| Successes, n | 10 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |
| Proportion of Successes | 13% | 4% | 4% | 1% | |
| p-value | 0.045 | 0.042 | 0.005 | ||
| *Treatment success was defined
as melasma severity score of zero (melasma lesions cleared of
hyperpigmentation). p-value is from Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square statistics controlling for pooled investigator and comparing TRI-LUMA Cream to the other treatment groups. |
|||||
In the Investigators' assessment of melasma severity at Day 56 of treatment, the following table shows the clinical improvement profile for all subjects treated with TRI-LUMA Cream based on severity of their melasma at the start of treatment.
Table 3: Investigators' Assessment of Change in
Melasma Severity from Baseline to Day 56 of Treatment (combined results from
trials 1 and 2)
| Baseline | Number (%) of Subjects at Day 56a | ||||||
| Clearedb | Mildb | Moderateb | Severeb | Missingb | |||
| Severity Rating | n | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | |
| TRI-LUMA Cream N=161 | Moderate | 124 | 36 (29) | 63 (51) | 18 (15) | 0 (0) | 7 (6%) |
| Severe | 37 | 6 (16) | 19 (51) | 9 (24) | 2 (5) | 1 (3%) | |
| aAssessment based on subjects with severity scores at Day
56. Percentages are based on the total number in the treatment group
population. bDoes not include subjects who cleared before Day 56 or were missing from the Day 56 assessment. |
|||||||
Assessment Scale: Cleared (melasma lesions approximately equivalent to surrounding normal skin or with minimal residual hyperpigmentation); Mild (slightly darker than the surrounding normal skin); Moderate (moderately darker than the surrounding normal skin); Severe (markedly darker than the surrounding normal skin).
Subjects experienced improvement of their melasma with the use of TRI-LUMA Cream as early as 4 weeks. However, among 7 subjects who had clearing at the end of 4 weeks of treatment with TRI-LUMA Cream, 4 of them did not maintain the remission after an additional 4 weeks of treatment.
After 8 weeks of treatment with the trial drug, subjects entered into an open-label extension period in which TRI-LUMA Cream was given on an as-needed basis for the treatment of melasma. The remission periods appeared to shorten between progressive courses of treatment. Additionally, few subjects maintained complete clearing of melasma (approximately 1 to 2%).
TRI-LUMA®
(try-LOOM-ah)
(fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, and
tretinoin 0.05%) Cream
Important information: TRI-LUMA Cream is for use on skin only. Do not use TRI-LUMA Cream in your mouth, eyes, or vagina.
What is the most important information I should know about TRI-LUMA Cream?
TRI-LUMA Cream may cause birth defects or death of the baby if used during pregnancy. The risk of birth defects or death of the baby may be greater if TRI-LUMA Cream is used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you become pregnant while using TRI-LUMA Cream, tell your doctor right away.
What is TRI-LUMA Cream?
TRI-LUMA Cream is a prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face, in combination with sun avoidance and the use of sunscreens.
TRI-LUMA Cream is not for continuous treatment of melasma.
It is not known if TRI-LUMA Cream is safe and effective in children.
It is not known if TRI-LUMA Cream is safe and effective in people with dark brown to black skin color.
It is not known if TRI-LUMA Cream is safe and effective in the treatment of dark spots (hyperpigmentation) of the skin caused by conditions other than melasma of the face.
It is not known if TRI-LUMA Cream is safe and effective in females who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding. See “What is the most important information I should know about TRILUMA Cream?” and “What should I tell my doctor before using TRI-LUMA Cream?”
Who should not use TRI-LUMA Cream?
Do not use TRI-LUMA Cream if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in TRI-LUMA Cream. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in TRI-LUMA Cream.
What should I tell my doctor before using TRI-LUMA Cream?
Before you use TRI-LUMA Cream, tell your doctor if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements and skin products that you use.
How should I use TRI-LUMA Cream?
What should I avoid while using TRI-LUMA Cream?
What are the possible side effects of TRI-LUMA Cream?
TRI-LUMA Cream may cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of TRI-LUMA Cream include:
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of TRI-LUMA Cream. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1800-FDA-1088.
You may also report side effects to Galderma Laboratories, L.P. at 1-866-735-4137.
How should I store TRI-LUMA Cream?
General information about the safe and effective use of TRI-LUMA Cream
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use TRI-LUMA Cream for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TRI-LUMA Cream to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about TRI-LUMA Cream that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in TRI-LUMA Cream?
Active ingredients: fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin
Inactive ingredients: butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid anhydrous, glycerin, glyceryl stearate, magnesium aluminum silicate, methyl gluceth-10, methylparaben, PEG-100 stearate, propylparaben, purified water, sodium metabisulfite, stearic acid, and stearyl alcohol
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
