The Safety of Using Topical Steroids Without a Prescription: What You Need to Know

Review of Prescription-Strength Topical Steroids in the United States

Usage and Availability

Clinicians have examined the availability and potential misuse of prescription-strength topical steroids in the United States. These medications are commonly utilized to treat inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, and are offered in various potencies. Low-potency topical steroids may sometimes be acquired without a prescription, raising concerns regarding their unregulated use.

Potential Side Effects

Topical steroids can lead to systemic side effects, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Notable adverse effects include growth retardation in children, elevated blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, abnormal hair growth, and vision disturbances. The risk of these side effects escalates with the strength of the steroid, especially when applied to broken or diseased skin.

Case Study from JAMA Dermatology

A recent publication in JAMA Dermatology highlights a case involving recurrent atopic dermatitis and bacterial infection in a patient from the United States. Initially prescribed triamcinolone 0.1% ointment, the patient sought additional relief and purchased a cream without medical advice. This cream, Funbact-A, was acquired from an unauthorized store.

Composition of Funbact-A

Funbact-A contains three active ingredients, including the prescription-strength topical steroid betamethasone dipropionate. The other components are clotrimazole, an antifungal, and neomycin sulfate, an antibacterial. Although the patient used this cream for a brief period, no adverse reactions were reported during that time.

Investigation of Availability

Clinicians investigated the accessibility of Funbact-A and discovered that it is available online, allowing consumers to bypass prescription requirements. This raises significant concerns regarding the safety and regulation of such products.

Regulatory Oversight

Regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada, play crucial roles in ensuring public safety and regulating the accessibility of medications. In this case, the unauthorized sale of this regulated product was reported to the FDA.

Recommendations for Medication Purchases

It is vital for consumers to be cautious about the medications they purchase and the sources from which they obtain them. It is recommended to acquire medications exclusively from licensed pharmacy outlets to ensure product quality and safety for general use.

References

Written by Anuolu Bank-Oni, Pharm.D, CDE
Burke KT, Fricke MA, Carver DeKlotz CM. Prescription-Strength Topical Steroids Sold Without Prescription. JAMA Dermatology
Dhar S, Seth J, Parikh D. Systemic Side-Effects of Topical Corticosteroids. Indian J Dermatol. 2014 Sep-Oct; 59(5): 460–464.