Melazip Cream

Composition of Melazip Cream

Melazip Cream contains Mometasone (0.1%w/w) + Hydroquinone (2%w/w) + Tretinoin (0.025%w/w). It belongs to the Corticosteroid / calcineurin inhibitor, Skin preparation and Retinoid / keratolytic class of medicines.

Uses of Melazip Cream

Melazip Cream is used in the treatment of melasma.

Key benefits

• Rapid relief of itching and inflammation
• Acts where it is applied
• Clears and prevents acne
• Improves skin texture and marks over time

How Melazip Cream works

Melazip Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Mometasone and Tretinoin, which treats melasma (dark spots on skin). Hydroquinone is a skin lightening medicine. It reduces the amount of a skin pigment (melanin) that causes darkening of skin. This effect is reversible. Mometasone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

How to take Melazip Cream

Clean and dry the affected area, then apply a thin layer and rub it in gently. Wash your hands before and after use, unless your hands are the area being treated. This is for use on the skin only — do not swallow it. Follow the dose and the duration written on your prescription.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one — applying extra does not make up for it.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can suppress the body's own steroid production when it is used for a long time over large areas, especially in children. It is unlikely from skin use; swallowing the preparation may cause stomach upset. It can cause severe irritation when far too much cream is applied; an oral retinoid taken in excess can cause headache, vomiting and liver injury. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Melazip Cream

Most side effects of Melazip are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Burning or stinging
• Thinning of the skin
• Stretch marks
• Acne
• Change in skin colour
• Local irritation
• Redness
• Itching
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Melazip Cream

Warnings and precautions

Use it only on the area and for the number of days your doctor specified. Potent steroid creams thin the skin permanently when used for too long. Never use a potent steroid cream on the face, the groin or the underarms unless your doctor has specifically told you to — the skin there is thin and absorbs much more. Do not use it on an infection. A steroid on ringworm, impetigo or herpes makes the infection worse while hiding it. Do not use leftover cream on a new rash, and never pass it to someone else. Stop and see your doctor if the area becomes more painful, weepy or crusted. For external use only, unless the pack says otherwise. Stop if the skin becomes more irritated, and see a doctor if the condition worsens or spreads. Do a small test patch first if you have sensitive skin. Acne often looks worse for the first two to four weeks before it improves. This is expected — do not stop. Use sunscreen every day. These medicines make the skin burn much more easily. Oral isotretinoin must never be taken in pregnancy — it causes severe birth defects. Reliable contraception and the pregnancy tests your dermatologist requires are essential before, during and after the course. Start with alternate nights and build up, and do not use more than a pea-sized amount for the whole face. Do not combine several strong acne actives at once without advice — the irritation compounds.

Do not take Melazip if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections. Not for use in or around the eyes. Not for use on broken or infected skin unless prescribed. Oral retinoids are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and in anyone who might become pregnant without a pregnancy prevention programme. Topical retinoids are avoided in pregnancy.

Interactions with other medicines

No significant interactions are expected from preparations used on the skin. Do not combine with other peeling agents or with waxing and harsh scrubs. Oral retinoids must not be combined with tetracycline antibiotics.

How to store Melazip Cream

Store below 30°C, away from direct sunlight. Close the cap tightly after each use. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Melazip Cream

Apply a thin layer — a fingertip's worth covers an area about the size of two adult palms. Use a plain moisturiser generously alongside it; that is what keeps eczema away between flares. Ask your doctor for a written plan of how long to use it and when to step down. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands after use. Apply retinoids at night to clean, dry skin, and moisturise afterwards. Give it at least eight to twelve weeks before judging whether it works. Do not pick or squeeze spots — that is what leaves scars.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

FIZIKS LIFE SCIENCE

Therapeutic class:

Topical corticosteroid, Dermatological agent and Anti-acne agent

Drug class:

Corticosteroid / calcineurin inhibitor, Skin preparation and Retinoid / keratolytic