Desoximetasone
FDA Label NDC 65179-501

Desoximetasone Gel 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 Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% contains 0.5 mg of desoximetasone in a gel base consisting of carbopol 980, docusate sodium, edetate disodium, isopropyl myristate, purified water, SDAG-3 95% alcohol, and trolamine.

The chemical name of desoximetasone is Pregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione, 9-fluoro-11, 21 dihydroxy-16-methyl-, (11β, 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:

Chemical Structure (Chemstructure)

Topical corticosteroids share anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive actions. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.

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. Thus, occlusive dressings may be a valuable therapeutic adjunct for treatment of resistant dermatoses.

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.

Pharmacokinetic studies in men with Desoximetasone Cream USP, 0.25% with tagged desoximetasone showed a total of 5.2% ± 2.9% excretion in urine (4.1% ± 2.3%) and feces (1.1% ± 0.6%) and no detectable level (limit of sensitivity: 0.005 μg/mL) in the blood when it was applied topically on the back followed by occlusion for 24 hours. Seven days after application, no further radioactivity was detected in urine or feces. The half-life of the material was 15 ± 2 hours (for urine) and 17 ± 2 hours (for feces) between the third and fifth trial day. Studies with other similarly structured steroids have shown that predominant metabolite reaction occurs through conjugation to form the glucuronide and sulfate ester.

Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses.

Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.

Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of the topical corticosteroid.

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 more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, use over prolonged periods, use under occlusion, use on an altered skin barrier, and use within patients with liver failure.

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 form use of topical corticosteroids.

Local Adverse Reactions with Topical Corticosteroids
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.

The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence:
Burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria.

In controlled clinical studies the incidence of adverse reactions was low (0.3%) for Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% with one subject reporting stinging and burning at the site of application.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Corticosteroids
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
Concomitant skin infections should be treated with an appropriate antimicrobial agent. If the infection persists, Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately treated.

Information for the patient
Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions:

• This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Patients should be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it was prescribed.
• The treated skin area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician.
• Patients should report any signs of local adverse reactions, especially under occlusive dressings.
• Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with desoximetasone gel USP, 0.05% without first consulting with the physician. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 4 weeks, contact the physician.

Laboratory Tests
The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression:

Urinary free cortisol test
ACTH stimulation test

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.

Desoximetasone has been shown to be teratogenic and embryotoxic in mice, rats, and rabbits when given by subcutaneous or dermal routes of administration in doses 15 to 150 times the human dose of Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05%.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women on teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05%, should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS).

Apply a thin film of Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% to the affected skin areas twice daily. Rub in gently.

Desoximetasone Gel USP, 0.05% is supplied in:
15 g tubes (NDC 65179-501-15)
60 g tubes (NDC 65179-501-60)

Store at controlled room temperature between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]

Manufactured By:
Groupe Parima Inc.
4450 Cousens Montreal
Quebec, Canada H4S 1X6

Made in Canada

Revised: 09/2014