Fucidin cream

Fucidin cream contains fusidic acid. It is a type of antibiotic. Fucidin cream works by killing germs (bacteria) that cause infections.

Fucidin cream is used to treat conditions where the skin is infected by germs (bacteria), such as:

• Impetigo (a weeping, crusty and swollen patch of skin)

• Infected dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) and spots

• Infected cuts and grazes

Fusidic acid works by stopping the bacteria that cause infections from growing and increasing in number. It prevents bacteria from producing the proteins they require to replicate. By doing this it stops the infection from spreading, which causes the bacteria to die and allows the immune system to kill the remaining bacteria.

DO NOT USE FUCIDIN IF:

You are  allergic to fusidic acid, sodium fusidate or any of the other ingredients.

Important:

It's fine to use Fucidin cream and ointment if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Fusidic acid is not absorbed through your skin in significant amounts so it can't affect the baby.

If you're breastfeeding you should avoid applying Fucidin on or near your breasts. If you need to apply Fucidin to your breasts you should wash it off thoroughly before giving a feed. Ask your doctor for further advice.

Ingredients:

Fusidic acid (2%), Butylhydroxyanisole (E320), Cetyl alcohol, Glycerol, Liquid paraffin, Polysorbate 60, Potassium sorbate, Purified water, All-rac -α -tocopherol, Hydrochloric acid, White soft paraffin

This medicine is only for using on your skin. Do not swallow it and Do not put it inside your body.

• Remove the cap.

• Check the seal is not broken before you first use the cream.

• Push the spike in the cap through the seal on the tube.

• Always wash your hands before using Fucidin cream.

• Rub the medicine gently on the skin.

• If you use it on your face be careful to avoid your eyes.

• Unless you are using the cream to treat your hands, always wash your hands after using Fucidin cream.

If you accidentally get any medicine in your eye, wash it out with cold water straight away. Then bathe your eye with eyewash if possible. Your eye may sting. If you start to have any problems with your sight or your eye is sore, contact your doctor immediately. Usually, you should use this medicine three or four times each day. If you have been told to cover the skin with any dressings or bandages you may not need to use the medicine so often.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Important side effects to look out for:

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) You must get urgent medical help if you have any of the following symptoms as you may be having an allergic reaction:

• You have difficulty breathing

• Your face or throat swell

• Your skin develops a severe rash.

Other possible side effects:

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Irritation at site of application (including pain, burning, irritation, stinging and skin redness)

• Itching

• Rash

• Eczema.

Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Conjunctivitis

• Hives

• Skin swelling

• Blistering of the skin.