Fucidin cream 15g

Quantity	1 x 15g, 2 x 15g, 3 x 15g

What is Fucidin?

Fucidin cream is a highly effective, prescription-only medication used to treat infected eczema, dermatitis, and other skin infections. As a topical treatment, it is applied directly to the affected area, helping to alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

The active ingredient in Fucidin cream is fusidic acid, an antibiotic that targets the infection. Because it is a prescription-only medication, fusidic acid cream is not available over the counter in the UK. A doctor or pharmacist, such as a member of our online medical team at MedicalMojo.co.uk, must prescribe it after a medical consultation.

Fucidin cream is suitable for most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. You can purchase it online at MedicalMojo.co.uk by completing an online consultation, which our medical team will review to ensure it’s appropriate for your condition.

What is the active ingredient in Fucidin cream?

The active ingredient in Fucidin cream is Fusidic acid (2%).

What is Fucidin cream used for?

Fucidin cream is prescribed to treat a variety of skin conditions caused by bacterial infections. It is particularly effective for the following conditions:

Impetigo: A contagious skin infection that presents as weeping, crusty, and swollen patches, often occurring on the face, hands, or other exposed areas of the body.
Infected Dermatitis: This includes cases where skin inflammation, such as eczema or dermatitis, has become infected, leading to increased redness, swelling, and the formation of pus-filled spots.
Infected Cuts and Grazes: Fucidin cream helps prevent and treat infections in minor skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and grazes, by targeting the bacteria responsible for the infection.

By using Fucidin cream, you can effectively manage these infections, reduce symptoms like swelling and pain, and prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. It is an important part of treatment to ensure proper healing and avoid complications associated with bacterial skin infections.

How does Fucidin cream work?

Fucidin cream contains fusidic acid, an antibiotic specifically designed to combat bacterial infections on the skin. Fusidic acid works by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of bacteria. It achieves this by blocking the bacteria's ability to produce essential proteins needed for replication. Without these proteins, the bacteria cannot multiply, which effectively halts the spread of the infection. As the bacteria are unable to grow and spread, they eventually die off, allowing the body's immune system to eliminate the remaining bacteria. This process not only stops the infection from worsening but also promotes healing of the affected area. Fucidin cream is versatile and can be used to treat various bacterial skin infections, such as those associated with infected dermatitis, eczema, impetigo, and minor cuts or grazes. By targeting the root cause of the infection, fusidic acid helps reduce symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain, ensuring a quicker recovery.

How do you use Fucidin cream?

Always use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. If you're unsure about any instructions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Apply Fucidin Cream

Fucidin cream is intended for use on the skin only, either for yourself or for a child. Do not ingest it, and do not apply it inside your body.

Before First Use: Remove the cap and check that the seal is intact. If the seal is unbroken, use the spike in the cap to pierce the seal on the tube.
Preparation: Always wash your hands thoroughly before applying Fucidin cream.
Application: Gently rub the cream onto the affected area of the skin. If applying the cream to your face, be careful to avoid getting it in your eyes.
After Use: Unless you are treating your hands, be sure to wash them after applying the cream.

What to Do if the Cream Gets in Your Eye

If you accidentally get Fucidin cream in your eye, rinse it out immediately with cold water. If possible, follow up with an eyewash. Your eye may sting, but if you experience any vision problems or persistent soreness, contact your doctor immediately.

How Much Fucidin Cream to Use

Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how much Fucidin cream to apply. Generally, you should use this medicine three to four times a day. If your doctor has advised you to cover the affected area with dressings or bandages, you may not need to apply the cream as frequently. For example, a nappy on a baby can act as a dressing. Always follow your doctor's guidance.

What to Do if You Use Too Much Fucidin Cream

If you accidentally apply more cream than recommended or if a small amount is accidentally swallowed, it is unlikely to cause harm. However, if a larger amount is ingested or if you have concerns, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or visit the A&E department for advice.

What to Do if You Forget to Use Fucidin Cream

If you miss a dose, apply the cream as soon as you remember. Then, continue using the medicine at the usual scheduled time. If you have any additional questions about using this medicine, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

Who should not take Fucidin cream?

Allergy Warning: Do not use Fucidin cream if you are allergic to fusidic acid or any of the other ingredients in this medication (listed in section 6).

Warnings and Precautions

Consultation: Speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before using Fucidin cream.
Eye Care: Take special care when applying this cream near your eyes or the eyes of a child.
Prolonged Use: Using the cream for an extended period or in large quantities may increase the risk of side effects and could make your skin more sensitive to the medication.
Fire Hazard: Do not smoke or go near open flames while using this product, as it poses a risk of severe burns. Fabrics (such as clothing, bedding, and dressings) that have come into contact with this product are more flammable and pose a serious fire hazard. Washing these items may reduce the product build-up but may not completely remove it.

Important Information

Read Carefully: Make sure to read this leaflet thoroughly before you start using this medicine, as it contains important information for you.
Keep the Leaflet: You may need to refer to this information again, so keep the leaflet handy.
Consult Your Doctor: If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
Personal Prescription: This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not share it with others, even if their symptoms are similar to yours, as it may cause harm.
Reporting Side Effects: If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any potential side effects not listed in this leaflet (see section 4).

Other Medicines and Fucidin Cream

Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse if you are currently taking, have recently taken, or plan to take any other medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Consultation: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suspect you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Inform your doctor if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Usage Limitation: Do not use this medicine for extended periods or in large amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Driving and Using Machines

Impact on Abilities: This medicine typically has minimal impact on your ability to drive or operate machines. However, if you experience any side effects that might impair your ability to drive or use machines, consult your doctor.

Fucidin Cream Contains

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320): This ingredient may cause an itchy rash and inflammation at the site of application and may also irritate the eyes and mucous membranes (such as the lips or genital area).
Cetyl Alcohol: This can cause an itchy rash and inflammation where the cream is applied.
Potassium Sorbate: This may also lead to an itchy rash and inflammation at the site of application.

If you have concerns about any of the ingredients in this medicine, please consult your doctor.

What are the side effects with Fucidin cream?

Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Important Side Effects to Watch For:

Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate an allergic reaction:

Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the face or throat
Severe skin rash

Other Possible Side Effects:

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

Irritation at the application site (including pain, burning, stinging, or redness)
Itching
Rash
Eczema

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

Conjunctivitis
Hives
Skin swelling
Blistering of the skin

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for "MHRA Yellow Card" in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Does Fucidin interact with other medicines?

Fucidin cream is primarily used as a topical treatment, meaning it is applied to the skin rather than taken internally. As such, it generally has a lower risk of interacting with other medications compared to oral or systemic medicines. However, interactions are still possible, especially if you're using other topical treatments or if your skin is sensitive. It's important to inform your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse about any other medications you are currently using, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products. They can advise you on whether Fucidin cream is safe to use in combination with your other treatments. If you have any specific concerns about potential interactions with other medicines, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.

Fucidin cream FAQs

What is Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin cream is a prescription-only medication used to treat bacterial skin infections such as infected eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. It is a topical treatment, meaning it is applied directly to the affected area to alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. The active ingredient, fusidic acid, is an antibiotic that targets the bacteria causing the infection. Fucidin cream is only available with a prescription in the UK, so you will need a doctor or pharmacist to prescribe it after a medical consultation. It is suitable for use by most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

What Does Fucidin Cream Do?

Fucidin cream contains fusidic acid, an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the growth and multiplication of bacteria. Fusidic acid prevents the bacteria from producing essential proteins needed for replication, effectively stopping the infection from spreading. As the bacteria are unable to multiply, they die off, allowing the immune system to clear the infection. This makes Fucidin cream effective in treating bacterial infections like infected eczema, dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

What Are the Alternatives to Fucidin Cream?

If Fucidin cream is not suitable for you, either due to an allergy or other reasons, there are alternative treatments available depending on the condition you need to treat. For example:

Fucidin H Cream: Contains fusidic acid and a mild steroid (hydrocortisone) to help reduce inflammation and is used when there is both infection and mild irritation.
Fucibet Cream: Combines fusidic acid with a stronger steroid (betamethasone) for more severe inflammation alongside infection.

Non-prescription alternatives for eczema and similar conditions include moisturizers, emollients, bath and shower gels, cotton gloves, and antihistamine tablets to relieve itching. These products can help prevent dry skin conditions from becoming severe enough to lead to infection. If the skin becomes infected, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.

How to Use Fucidin Cream?

To use Fucidin cream effectively, follow the instructions provided in the Patient Information Leaflet:

Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the cream.
Apply a thin layer of cream to the infected area.
Avoid contact with your eyes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse with cold water immediately.
Wash your hands after each application unless treating your hands.
Typically, Fucidin cream should be applied three to four times a day, or as directed by your doctor. If the affected area is covered by a dressing, you may need to apply it less frequently.

Continue using Fucidin cream for the full prescribed duration to prevent the infection from returning. If you don’t see improvement within a few days, consult your doctor.

What Are the Ingredients in Fucidin Cream?

The active ingredient in Fucidin cream is:

Fusidic Acid (2%)

The cream also contains several inactive ingredients that contribute to its formulation:

Butylhydroxyanisole (E320)
Cetyl alcohol
Glycerol
Liquid paraffin
Polysorbate 60
Potassium sorbate
Purified water
All-rac-?-tocopherol
Hydrochloric acid
White soft paraffin

Always read the packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before use, and inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking.

What Are the Side Effects of Fucidin Cream?

While Fucidin cream is generally safe and effective, like all medications, it may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

Irritation at the application site (pain, burning, stinging, redness)
Itching
Rash
Eczema

These side effects are uncommon, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. If you experience any side effects or if the cream affects you in other ways, stop using it and consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What Are the Warnings for Fucidin Cream?

Fucidin cream is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you need to apply it over large areas of skin or near the eyes, consult your doctor, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Be cautious, as some ingredients in Fucidin cream may cause skin irritation. If you experience a severe skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing after using the cream, seek immediate medical attention. Always read the packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before starting any new medication, and inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking or plan to take.

Download patient leaflet

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5510.pdf