Fucibet

Overdose

For topically applied fusidic acid, no information concerning potential symptoms and signs due to overdose administration is available. Cushing's syndrome and adrenocortical insufficiency may develop following topical application of corticosteroids in large amounts and for more than 3 weeks.

Systemic consequences of an overdose of the active substances after accidental oral intake are unlikely to occur. The amount of fusidic acid in one tube of Fucibet does not exceed the oral daily dose of systemic treatment. A single oral overdose of corticosteroids is rarely a clinical problem.

Shelf life

Unopened container: 2 years.

After first opening of container: 3 months.

Incompatibilities

Not applicable.

List of excipients

Steareth-21

Cetostearyl alcohol

White soft paraffin

Liquid paraffin

Hypromellose

Citric acid monohydrate

Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)

Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)

Potassium sorbate

All-rac-α-tocopherol

Purified water

Undesirable effects

The estimation of the frequency of undesirable effects is based on a pooled analysis of data from clinical studies and spontaneous reporting.

The most frequently reported adverse reaction during treatment is pruritus.

Undesirable effects are listed by MedDRA SOC and the individual undesirable effects are listed starting with the most frequently reported. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.

Very common >1/10

Common >1/100 and <1/10

Uncommon >1/1,000 and <1/100

Rare > 1/10,000 and < 1/1,000

Very rare <1/10,000

Immune system disorders

Uncommon:

(>1/1,000 and <1/100)

Hypersensitivity

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Uncommon:

(>1/1,000 and <1/100)

Dermatitis contact

Eczema (condition aggravated)

Skin burning sensation

Pruritus

Dry skin

Rare:

(>1/10,000 and <1/1,000)

Erythema

Urticaria

Rash (including rash erythematous and rash generalised)

General disorders and administration site conditions

Uncommon:

(>1/1,000 and <1/100)

Application site pain

Application site irritation

Rare:

(>1/10,000 and <1/1,000)

Application site swelling

Application site vesicles

Systemic undesirable class effects of corticosteroids like betamethasone valerate include adrenal suppression especially during prolonged topical administration.

Raised intra-ocular pressure, glaucoma and cataract may also occur after topical use of corticosteroids near the eyes, particularly with prolonged use and in patients predisposed to developing glaucoma and cataract.

Dermatological undesirable class effects of potent corticosteroids include: Atrophy, dermatitis (including dermatitis contact and dermatitis acneiform), perioral dermatitis, skin striae, telangiectasia, rosacea, erythema, hypertrichosis, hyperhydrosis and depigmentation. Ecchymosis may also occur with prolonged use of topical corticosteroids.

Class effects for corticosteroids have been uncommonly reported for Fucibet as described in the frequency table above.

Paediatric population

The observed safety profile is similar in children and adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Preclinical safety data

Studies of corticosteroids in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (e.g. cleft palate, skeletal malformations, low birth weight).

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Betamethasone and antibiotics.

Pharmacodynamic properties

ATC code: D07CC01

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Betamethasone and antibiotics.

Fucibet Lipid cream combines the well-known anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of betamethasone with the potent topical antibacterial action of fusidic acid. Betamethasone valerate is a topical steroid rapidly effective in those inflammatory dermatoses which normally respond to this form of therapy. More refractory conditions can often be treated successfully. When applied topically, fusidic acid is effective against Staphyloccus aureus, Streptococci, Corynebacteria, Neisseria and certain Clostridia and Bacteroides. Concentrations of 0.03 to 0.12 microgram per ml inhibit nearly all strains of S. aureus. The antibacterial activity of fusidic acid is not diminished in the presence of betamethasone.

Pharmacokinetic properties

There are no data which define the pharmacokinetics of Fucibet Lipid cream, following topical administration in man.

However, in vitro studies show that fusidic acid can penetrate intact human skin. The degree of penetration depends on factors such as the duration of exposure to fusidic acid and the condition of the skin. Fusidic acid is excreted mainly in the bile with little excreted in the urine.

Betamethasone is absorbed following topical administration. The degree of absorption is dependent on various factors including skin condition and site of application. Betamethasone is metabolised largely in the liver but also to a limited extent in the kidneys, and the inactive metabolites are excreted with the urine.

Date of revision of the text

September 2015

Marketing authorisation holder

LEO Laboratories Limited

Horizon

Honey Lane

Hurley

Maidenhead

Berkshire

SL6 6RJ

UK

Special precautions for storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Nature and contents of container

Aluminium tubes of 5 g, 15 g, 30 g and 60 g.

Not all pack sizes are marketed.

Marketing authorisation number(s)

PL 00043/0218

Special precautions for disposal and other handling

No special requirements for disposal

Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.

Date of first authorisation/renewal of the authorisation

Date of first authorisation: 6 February 2007

Date of latest renewal: 9 September 2011