Some of the views expressed in the following notes on newly approved products should be regarded as preliminary, as there may have been limited published data at the time of publication, and little experience in Australia of their safety or efficacy. However, the Editorial Executive Committee believes that comments made in good faith at an early stage may still be of value. Before new drugs are prescribed, the Committee believes it is important that more detailed information is obtained from the manufacturer's approved product information, a drug information centre or some other appropriate source.
Elocon (Schering-Plough)
0.1 % cream and ointment in 15 g, 30 g, 50 g and 100 g tubes
Indication: inflammatory and pruritic dermatoses
Mometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid which has been approved for the topical treatment of steroid responsive dermatoses such as eczema and psoriasis. The drug is of intermediate potency compared to other topical steroids, but has the convenience of a once daily application.
Systemic absorption can occur, so mometasone should not be applied to large areas of skin, particularly in children. Adverse effects are similar to those of other topical steroids. Until long-term safety data are available, treatment should not exceed one month's duration.
