As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
fluticasone propionate ointment (
Cutivate Ointment®). However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with fluticasone propionate ointment. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Serious Side Effects to Report
Some side effects with steroids (fluticasone propionate ointment is a steroid) are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or diabetes
- Infections
- Ruptured tendons
- Psychotic reactions, such as hallucinations or extreme aggression
- Glaucoma
- Severe fluid retention
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
- Unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling.
In general, these reactions are extremely unlikely to occur when fluticasone propionate ointment is used as directed for a short time. Applying too much, over too large an area, and for too long may increase the risk of serious steroid-related side effects.