Nolasma Cream

Composition of Nolasma Cream

Nolasma Cream contains Hydrocortisone (1%w/w) + Hydroquinone (2%w/w) + Tretinoin (0.025%w/w). It belongs to the Systemic corticosteroid, Skin preparation and Retinoid / keratolytic class of medicines.

Uses of Nolasma Cream

Nolasma Cream is used in the treatment of melasma.

Key benefits

• Fast and powerful control of inflammation
• Life-saving in severe allergic and autoimmune disease
• Acts where it is applied
• Clears and prevents acne
• Improves skin texture and marks over time

How Nolasma Cream works

Nolasma Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and Hydrocortisone which treat 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. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly. Hydrocortisone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy.

How to take Nolasma Cream

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

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 cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. 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 Nolasma Cream

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

• Skin thinning Dry skin Application site reactions (burning
• irritation
• itching and redness)

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 Nolasma Cream

Warnings and precautions

Never stop a course of more than a few days suddenly. Your body stops making its own steroid while you take these, and abrupt withdrawal can cause a dangerous collapse. Your doctor will taper the dose. Tell any doctor treating you that you take steroids, and say so urgently if you develop a serious infection, injury or need surgery — you may need a higher dose to cope. Steroids raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor it more closely during a course. Long-term use thins bones, raises the risk of infection, cataract and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor and may add bone protection. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in people on steroids — seek advice promptly after any contact. 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 Nolasma if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment. 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

Anti-inflammatory painkillers together with steroids markedly raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Live vaccines are generally avoided during significant steroid treatment. 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 Nolasma 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 Nolasma Cream

Take the whole daily dose in the morning with food, unless your doctor directs otherwise — this suits the body's own rhythm and helps you sleep. Carry a steroid card or note if you are on a long course. Watch your salt, sugar and weight during the course. 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:

PRISM LIFESCIENCES LTD

Therapeutic class:

Corticosteroid, Dermatological agent and Anti-acne agent

Drug class:

Systemic corticosteroid, Skin preparation and Retinoid / keratolytic