1 New Medicines Committee Briefing November 2013 Topical corticosteroids are to be reviewed for use within: Consultant submitting application: Dr Nicholas Craven (Consultant Dermatologist) Clinical Director supporting application: Mr Gareth Rowland Dr Craven has requested that the whole skin section of the formulation be reviewed. As part of this process, the topical corticosteroid section is being reviewed. Dr Craven has requested that fluocinolone acetonide 0.0025% cream, fluocinolone acetonide 0.00625% cream and ointment, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% cream, gel and ointment, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% with clioquinol 3% cream and ointment, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% with neomycin 0.5% cream and ointment, Haelan® tape, Trimovate® cream, Diprosalic® ointment and Nerisone Forte® oily cream and ointment be included in the North Staffordshire Joint Formulary while the following corticosteroids: hydrocortisone 0.5% cream and ointment 30g, hydrocortisone 1% cream and ointment 50g, hydrocortisone 2.5% cream and ointment, Canesten HC® cream 15g, Daktacort® cream 15g, Fucidin H® cream 60g, Betnovate® scalp application, Fucibet® cream 60g, and Clarelux® Foam Scalp Application) be removed from the Joint Formulary. Dr Craven states that Haelan® tape would be used in the following conditions: nodular prurigo, lichen simplex, fissured dermatitis, stubborn plaques of psoriasis, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus and granuloma annulare, plus any other stubborn localised steroid-responsive dermatoses. The super-potent topical steroids such as Dermovate® and Nerisone Forte® are used when the affected areas are more extensive. He also stated that the Synalar® products will be used in patients allergic to hydrocortisone, clobetasone butyrate and betamethasone esters and that Synalar gel is standard treatment for steroid-responsive dermatoses in the scalp. Topical Corticosteroids Primary Care Secondary Care Formulary application:
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1
New Medicines Committee Briefing November 2013
Topical corticosteroids are to be reviewed for use within:
Consultant submitting application: Dr Nicholas Craven (Consultant Dermatologist)
Clinical Director supporting application: Mr Gareth Rowland
Dr Craven has requested that the whole skin section of the formulation be reviewed. As part of
this process, the topical corticosteroid section is being reviewed. Dr Craven has requested that
fluocinolone acetonide 0.0025% cream, fluocinolone acetonide 0.00625% cream and ointment,
fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% cream, gel and ointment, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% with
clioquinol 3% cream and ointment, fluocinolone acetonide 0.025% with neomycin 0.5% cream
and ointment, Haelan® tape, Trimovate® cream, Diprosalic® ointment and Nerisone Forte® oily
cream and ointment be included in the North Staffordshire Joint Formulary while the following
corticosteroids: hydrocortisone 0.5% cream and ointment 30g, hydrocortisone 1% cream and
corticosteroids are also available as compound preparations containing antibacterials, antifungals
and salicylic acid for use in inflammatory skin conditions associated with bacterial and fungal
infection according to the sensitivity of the infecting organism and hyperkeratosis respectively.
They may also be used in conjunction with other topical agents eg coal tar or dithranol.
Corticosteroids are not curative.1,2
Topical corticosteroids are available in four potencies: Mild, moderately potent, potent and very
potent. The potency is determined by the amount of vasoconstriction produced as well as the
formulation (ointments are more potent than creams), occlusion, the salt of the steroid, the
presence of other ingredients and fluorination. The occlusion involves the covering of the
treatment area is by a thin polythene film which enhances effectiveness as well as local and
systemic toxicity. The salt of the steroid do influence the potency as dipropionate and butyrate
salts are stronger than valerate salts. The presence of other ingredients such as salicylic acid or
urea and fluorination increases potency (fluorinated corticosteroids e.g. Dermovate®, Haelan®,
Metosyn® and Cutivate® have increased potency).1
There are no published systematic reviews comparing the effectiveness of different topical
corticosteroids. Choice of agent is made according to patient need.3 The British Association of
Dermatologists states that patients who fail to respond to one topical agent may respond to
another and it is worthwhile rotating different types of topical agents.4 They also noted there is
lack of evidence supporting twice-daily application of topical corticosteroids to be more effective
than once daily application. The choice of topical corticosteroid depends on the condition being
treated and its stage, the area of the body that is affected, and the age of the person. Mild forms
of dermatitis may only require a mild corticosteroid whereas psoriasis may require a more potent
steroid with the most potent treatments reserved for recalcitrant dermatoses.
The least potent steroid that relieves the symptoms should be prescribed, and at an appropriate
quantity. Patients should be advised to spread thinly over the affected area and use the fingertip
unit as a measuring guide.2 Where long-term topical corticosteroids are required, gradual
Relevance in therapy:
3
withdrawal of the steroid may be needed to prevent rebound exacerbation of the condition. Use
of emollient helps in reduction of use of steroids and where emollient is required, the
corticosteroid should be applied 30 minutes after the emollient to ensure full absorption of the
emollient. Areas where the skin is thin or flexural e.g. face, scrotum, groin, axillae and
submammary area, usually require a weak or moderately-potent corticosteroid whereas areas
where the skin is thick e.g. palms of the hands, soles of feet, scalp, or lichenified skin due to
constant scratching, typically require more potent preparations.1
Pregnancy: Mildly potent, moderately potent and potent corticosteroids, if used correctly, are
suitable for use during pregnancy. Some evidence suggested that very potent corticosteroids
might be associated with low birth weight and will need specialist advice.1
Breastfeeding: Mildly potent, moderately potent and potent corticosteroids are considered
suitable for use during breastfeeding. If applied to the breasts, the steroid should be washed off
before breastfeeding to prevent the infant ingesting it.1
Cautions: Steroids are not recommended to be applied to the face for prolonged periods or for
prolonged use in children. Potent and very potent corticosteroids are recommended to be used
under specialist supervision. The use of potent or very potent corticosteroids in psoriasis can
result in rebound relapse, development of pustular psoriasis, and local and systemic toxicity..1,2
Contraindications: Primary infections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, in acne, and
rosacea. Potent corticosteroids are contraindicated in plaque psoriasis.1,2
Side-effects: Long-term continuous topical steroid therapy, especially with the potent and very
potent preparations can produce atrophic skin changes such as thinning of the skin, irreversible
striae and telangiectasia, and even adrenal suppression and Cushing’s syndrome. Contact
dermatitis, irritation at site of application, spread and worsening of untreated infection, perioral
dermatitis, acne/worsening of acne or rosacea, reversible depigmentation and hypertrichosis are
other local side-effects reported.1,2
Tolerance may occur in response to continued use of any topical steroid and is related to duration
of use rather than potency. The British Association of Dermatologists therefore recommends that
No more than 100g of a moderately potent or higher potency preparation should be applied
per month.
Use of very potent preparations should be under dermatological supervision.
Use of fingertip unit as a measure to help patients know how much ointment or cream to
apply.
No topical corticosteroid should be used regularly for more than four weeks without critical
review.
Potent corticosteroids should not be used regularly for more than 7 days.
No unsupervised repeat prescriptions should be made. Patients should be reviewed every 3
months.4
4
Table 1: Practical guidance to formulation choice of topical steroids based on the condition being treated, patient’s preference, its severity and location. 1,5
Formulation Formulation advantages Formulation disadvantages Body areas Selection of products available
(not an exhaustive list)
Solutions
A low viscosity, alcohol- or water-
based liquids. Easy to apply and non-
greasy.
Very drying if alcohol is the base, and
can sting sore skin.
Scalp Betnovate®
Betacap®
Dermovate®
Scalp Application
Cream
A mixture of water suspended in oil,
thicker than lotions- good
moisturising qualities, absorb rapidly
into skin and cosmetically acceptable.
Useful for exudating (weepy) and
moist areas.
Contains preservatives in formulation,
which may cause irritation/allergic
reactions. Lesser occlusive effect than
ointments.
Face, limbs, trunks
Flexures and genitals
Palms and soles
Cutivate® cream
Elocon® cream
Haelan® cream
Nerisone® cream
Gel
Less greasy and occlusive. Has a jelly-
like consistency, beneficial for
exudative inflammation and does not
cause hair matting.
Lesser occlusive effect than creams and
ointments.
Face, Limbs, Trunk
Flexures and genitals
Palms and soles
Scalp and hairy
areas
Synalar® gel
Lotions
Less greasy and occlusive. Penetrate
well on hairy areas and leave little
residue.
Contain alcohol, which has a drying
effect.
Scalp and hairy
areas
Diprosone® lotion
Locoid Crelo® lotion
Elocon® scalp lotion
Betnovate® lotion
5
Formulation Formulation advantages Formulation disadvantages Body areas Selection of products available
(not an exhaustive list)
Ointment
Paraffin-based, providing an occlusive
emollient effect, which improved
steroid absorption (this formulation
slightly increases potency). Most
useful for very dry skin and
hyperkeratotic areas.
Ointments are not suitable for hairy
areas, flexures and genitals, as they
may cause maceration and folliculitis.
Greasy nature means they are not
cosmetically acceptable. Paraffin-based
products are flammable.
Face
Limbs
Trunk
Palms and soles
Betnovate® ointment
Dermovate® ointment
Haelan® ointment
Modrasone® ointment
Mousse (foam) Effectively delivers steroids to the
scalp. Non-greasy.
Can only be used on the scalp. Scalp Bettamousse® foam
Clarelux® foam
Shampoo
Effectively delivers steroids to the
scalp. Needs to be applied to a dry
scalp and rinsed off 15 minutes.
Can only be used on the scalp. May be
confusing for patients as this shampoo
formulation is not used for washing
hair.
Scalp Etrivex® shampoo
Tape
Flexible and effective delivery method
for targeted application under
occlusion. Helps protect easily
damaged areas of skin (areas
constantly scratched), areas of very
thick skin, and areas difficult to treat
with other formulations (fingers).
Not suitable for flexures, as occlusion
increases potency (Haelan® tape does
not increase potency). May not stick to
weepy areas. Courses limited to five
days for children.
Limbs
Trunk
Palms and soles
Haelan® tape
6
Hypersensitivity Reactions to Corticosteroids:6
Contact allergy is occasionally a complication of topical corticosteroid treatment and can be
confirmed by appropriate patch testing. Patients generally present with a chronic dermatitis that is
not exacerbated by, but fails to respond to corticosteroid therapy. In general, corticosteroid-
sensitive patients react to several corticosteroids; this may be due to multiple sensitizations after
the use of various different preparations, or due to a true cross-reactivity mechanism. In 1989,
based on corticosteroid patch test results and their chemical structure, Coopman et al. concluded
that cross reactions between corticosteroids occurred primarily within 4 groups:
A: hydrocortisone type
B: triamcinolone acetone type
C: betamethasone type
D: hydrocortisone-17-byturate type
Group D was later subdivided into groups D1 and D2. The corticosteroids in each group have
similar chemical structure, a fact which might explain the existence of a high cross-reactivity
between the corticosteroids in each group (table 2). However, cases of cross reaction have also
been reported between corticosteroids from group D2 and groups A and B, with Group D1
exhibiting quite low cross-reactivity with the other groups. Coopman’s classification has proved
useful in the evaluation of reactions induced by topically administered corticosteroids, although it
is not accepted by all.
Table 2: Coopman classification of topical corticosteroids by the function of their allergenicity6
7
In 1994, Wilkinson et al7 published a study that was contradicting Coopman et al’s classification
table as they found many of their patients with multiple positive patch-test reactions to
corticosteroids did not fit easily into the above four categories. Coopman and others have
subsequently stated that not all of the cross-reactions that they see, fit into corticosteroid classes
A to D. Wilkinson et al looked at the positive patch-test reactions to other corticosteroids in 96
patients who were allergic to hydrocortisone, to establish which substitutions were important in
determining concomitant reactions. These patients were patch tested with tixocortol pivalate (1%
petrolatum) as this compound is both a sensitive and specific marker for hypersensitivity to
hydrocortisone. Patients positive on patch testing to tixocortol pivalate were then patch tested to
a battery of corticosteroids, using Finn chambers® on Scanpor® tape, left on the skin of the back for
48 hours. The patch tests were read at 2 and 4 days and patients were asked to return for a
further reading if they developed a reaction after 4 days. Reactions were scored as recommended
by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group, and were considered positive when a
palpable erythematous (+) reaction or greater was present with the frequency of positive
reactions to other corticosteroids being expressed as a percentage.
Results: It was found that the two commonest corticosteroid allergies occurring in patients
hypersensitive to hydrocortisone were to hydrocortisone-17-butyrate and budesonide (Table 3).
On the contrary, these three corticosteroids lie in different classes according to Coopman et al.
(i.e. Class A: hydrocortisone, Class B: Budesonide, Class D: hydrocortisone-17-butyrate). The effect
of the C6 and C9 substitution had greater statistical significance than that of the C16 and C17
substitutions as shown by the P-values after correction for other grouping (C6 and C9 P<0.0001; C16
and C17 P=0.005). The authors concluded that patients sensitised to topical hydrocortisone are
most likely to concomitantly react to other non-C6 and –C9 substituted corticosteroids. They added
that where facilities are not available to patch test to other corticosteroids (1% in ethanol), an
alternative topical agent should be chosen based primarily on the C6 and C9 substitution, followed
by the C16 and C17 substitution.
Table 3: Other positive patch test reactions in 96 patients allergic to hydrocortisone
Corticosteroid % positive n
Hydrocortisone-17-butyrate 43.8 96
Budesonide 28.1 96
Methylprednisolone acetate 13.3 83
Alclometasone dipropionate 10.8 65
Flurandrenolone 7.23 83
Fluocortolone 3.61 83
Betamethasone valerate 5.21 96
Clobetasol butyrate 5.21 96
Clobetasol propionate 4.2 96
8
Triamcinolone acetonide 3.6 83
Desoxymethasone 2.4 83
Beclomethasone
dipropionate 2.4 83
Betamethasone
dipropionate 1.9 52
Halcinonide 1.2 83
Fluocinonide 3.6 83
Diflucortolone valerate 1.2 83
Fluocinolone acetonide 1.2 83
The North Staffordshire Joint Formulary currently lists the following agents:
9 Chemist & Druggist. Product List. January 2014. C & D.
10 British National Formulary September 2013. Available at http://www.bnf.org/bnf/index.htm
<accessed on 04/02/14>
Produced by Susheela Sumelingam Rotational Specialist Pharmacist University Hospital of North Staffordshire Telephone: 01782 674542 e-mail: [email protected] Produced for use within the NHS. Not to be reproduced for commercial purposes.