Elocom – composition, action, indications, dosage, precautions

Proven content

Elocom is a topical preparation with anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. It is available in the form of a cream, ointment and skin lotion. The main ingredient in Elocom is mometasone, a synthetic corticosteroid. What are the indications and contraindications for the use of this drug? How to properly use Elocom ointment, cream and lotion? Can its use cause side effects in a patient?

Elocom – general characteristics of the drug

Elocom is a corticosteroid preparation with anti-inflammatory and anti-itching properties. It is used primarily to alleviate the inflammatory symptoms and itching of the scalp in corticosteroid-responsive skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

The active substance is mometasone as mometasone furoate. Elocom is available in stationary pharmacies upon presentation of a prescription. This drug can be purchased as an ointment, cream or liquid for the skin.

Elocom ointment and cream is sold in an aluminum tube containing 15 g or 30 g of ointment. Elocom skin lotion, on the other hand, comes in a polyethylene bottle containing 20 ml or 30 ml of the liquid.

The entity responsible for the distribution of Elocom is Organon Polska Sp. z o. o. Organon is a pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1999. The company is based in Warsaw. The manufacturer of Elocom is Schering-Plow Labo NV. The company is engaged in the production of pharmaceutical products. The company produces and distributes tablets, syrups, ointments, sterile powders, eye drops and injections. Schering-Plow Labo sells its products worldwide.

Various pharmaceutical companies are responsible for the distribution of Elocom in Poland, including:

1. Delfarma Sp. z o. o – Delfarma is a leader in parallel import. This company supplies the Polish market with cheaper drugs and thus significantly contributes to the reduction of health care costs. The Delfarma company was established in 2004 and offers over 500 drugs. The company’s head office is located in Łódź;
2. InPharm Sp. z oo – InPharm is a company that has been dealing with parallel import and distribution of medicinal products, medical devices and cosmetics since 2006. The company has an extensive network of suppliers throughout the European Union. The company’s head office is located in Warsaw;
3. Forfarm Sp. z o. o – direct parallel importer. The company has over 400 licenses for pharmaceutical products. The company Forfarm Sp. z o. o. started its commercial activity in 2006. It is primarily a pharmaceutical wholesaler with an established position on the pharmaceutical market. The main activity of the company is trade in medicinal products under the parallel import procedure and export to licensed entities in the European Union countries. The company’s head office is located in Warsaw;
4. PharmaVitae Sp. z o. o. sp. k. – PharmaVitae is a company dealing with parallel import on the Polish pharmaceutical market. Since 2011, the company has been building a leading position, cooperating with business partners from the European Union, as well as expanding the portfolio of imported medicinal products, private labels and logistics services. The company’s head office is located in Warsaw;
5. Pharmapoint SA – is a specialized company supplying pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacies in Poland. The company was founded in 2010 and its headquarters is in Łódź.

How do corticosteroids work and what are the side effects of using them? Check: Corticosteroids

Elocom – composition and operation

Elocom cream, ointment and lotion is a corticosteroid medicine whose main active ingredient is mometasone. 1 g of this preparation, regardless of the chosen form, contains 1 mg of mometasone.

Mometasone is a synthetic fluorinated glucocorticosteroid that should be applied topically. Although the physiological, pharmacological and clinical effects of corticosteroids are well known, their exact mechanism of action remains unclear. However, the main mechanism of action of mometasone in the target cell is to inhibit or stimulate the expression of genes whose protein products influence the inflammatory process.

It can be said with certainty that Elocom is anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and immunosuppressive. This preparation also has a vasoconstrictive effect, which limits its absorption into the blood. The degree of skin penetration is influenced, among others, by the base of the preparation, the condition and thickness of the epidermis, the use of an occlusive dressing or the presence of skin inflammation.

After topical administration, mometasone is slightly absorbed from the skin into the blood (about 0,7% 8 hours after administration). After absorption, steroids are bound to a varying degree with plasma proteins, metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily in the urine and partly in the bile.

The rest of the composition of Elocom depends on the formulation you choose:

1. auxiliary components of the ointment – hexylene glycol, purified water, phosphoric acid, propylene glycol stearate (E1520), white wax, white petrolatum. This medication contains 20 mg of propylene glycol stearate (E1520) in each gram of ointment, corresponding to 300 mg of propylene glycol stearate per unit in a 15 g tube or 600 mg of propylene glycol stearate per unit in a 30 g tube;
2. auxiliary components of the cream – hexylene glycol, purified water, phosphoric acid, hydrogenated soy lecithin, aluminum starch octenyl succinate, titanium dioxide, white wax, white petrolatum;
3. auxiliary components of the fluid for the skin – isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol (E1520), hypromellose, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, phosphoric acid, purified water. This medicine contains 300 mg of propylene glycol (E1520) in each milliliter of liquid, corresponding to 6 g of propylene glycol per unit in a 20 ml bottle or 9 g of propylene glycol per unit in a 30 ml bottle.

Can mometasone be available over the counter? Read: The allergy revolution. Mometasone without a prescription

Elocom – indications for use

Elocom is primarily used to relieve inflammation and itching in corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD).

It is worth remembering that in specific cases the appropriate form of the drug should be used. For example, in the case of dry, flaky and cracked lesions, it is recommended to use an ointment, and for the treatment of scalp dermatoses, it is recommended to use a liquid preparation.

How to recognize and treat atopic dermatitis? Read: Atopic dermatitis – symptoms, treatment, prevention. How to relieve AD symptoms?

Elocom – contraindications for use

Despite its effectiveness in combating skin inflammation, Elocom cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments.

Contraindications to the use of the drug Elocom are:

1. allergic to mometasone furoate, other corticosteroids or any of the other ingredients of this medicine;
2. common acne;
3. rosacea;
4. skin atrophy;
5. inflammation of the skin around the mouth;
6. bacterial infections such as impetigo, pyoderma;
7. viral infections such as herpes simplex, shingles and chicken pox, warts vulgaris, genital warts, molluscum contagiosum;
8. parasitic and fungal infections of the skin, e.g. caused by dermatophytes or yeasts;
9. post-vaccination reactions; 
10. skin tuberculosis;
11. syphilitic skin lesions;
12. itching around the anus and genitals;
13. diaper dermatitis;
14. damaged and ulcerated skin.

If these apply to you, you should not apply Elocom to any affected areas. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using Elocom if you are not sure.

If you have itchy skin at night, check what this may mean: Itchy skin at night – what could it mean?

Elocom – precautions

Before and during the use of Elocom, follow the precautions, which are included in the package leaflet.

Precautions to keep in mind include:

1. if irritation or allergy symptoms occur after using the drug, consult a doctor immediately;
2. in case of infections, your doctor will administer appropriate antibacterial or antifungal treatment. If no rapid and positive response to treatment is observed, use of the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has healed;
3. Due to the increased risk of systemic side effects of corticosteroids, the use of Elocom should be avoided on large areas of the body, under dressings, for a long time, and on the skin of the face and skin folds, and in children. If it is necessary to apply the medicine to the face, treatment should last a maximum of 5 days;
4. any side effects reported with systemic corticosteroids, including adrenal suppression, may also occur with topical corticosteroid use, especially in infants and children;
5. in children, systemic side effects of corticosteroids, such as dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and Cushing’s syndrome, are more likely to develop due to a higher body surface area to body weight ratio than in adults;
6. the drug should not be used on diaper-covered skin as it may act like a dressing and increase the percutaneous absorption of mometasone furoate;
7. the lowest dose that is effective to relieve the symptoms of the disease, especially in children, should be used. Long-term treatment with corticosteroids may impair the growth and development of children;
8. Topical elocom is not intended for ophthalmic treatment (including around the eyelids) due to the very rare risk of simple glaucoma or subcapsular cataract;
9. patients with psoriasis should use the drug with particular caution. The use of the drug in psoriasis may cause the disease to relapse as a result of tolerance development, generalized pustular psoriasis and general toxic effects related to the disturbance of the skin’s continuity;
10. As with other potent topical corticosteroids, abrupt discontinuation of treatment should be avoided. There may be severe redness, burning sensation and a stinging pain when the drug is stopped suddenly;
11. Elocom, like other corticosteroid medicines, can change the appearance of some lesions, which may make it difficult for a doctor to make an accurate diagnosis, and may also delay healing;
12. The drug should be stored out of the sight and reach of children at a temperature below 25 degrees Celsius;
13. the shelf life after first opening the package is 4 weeks;
14. packaging that is damaged or shows signs of tampering should not be used;
15. you should not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

What should you know about proper drug storage? Check: Medications that are stored wrongly are poisonous

Elocom – dosage and method of use

Always use Elocom exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Usually, the affected areas of the skin are covered with a thin layer of ointment or cream once a day. The use of the ointment is recommended in the treatment of dry, flaky and chapped lesions. When using the liquid, usually a few drops of the liquid are applied daily to the diseased areas of the scalp. Gently and thoroughly massage the scalp until the liquid disappears.

If you have the impression that the effect of the drug is too strong or too weak, consult your doctor.

Elocom can be used in children, but special care should be taken. It can be used in children 2 years of age or older, although the safety and effectiveness of Elocom have not been studied for more than 3 weeks. There are insufficient data on the use of the drug in children under 2 years of age. The lowest dose that is effective to relieve the symptoms of your disease should be used. Long-term treatment with corticosteroids may impair the growth and development of children.

What is atopic dermatitis in babies and how does it progress? Check: Atopic dermatitis in infants (AD) – causes, symptoms, treatment

Elocom – misuse of the drug

Taking more than the prescribed dose of the medicine or missing the indicated dose during the day is considered inappropriate use of Elocom.

So far, no case of drug overdose has been reported. However, prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may suppress the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with consequent adrenal insufficiency. In the event of an overdose, your doctor will give you appropriate symptomatic treatment and supportive care. Acute symptoms of corticosteroid overdose are usually reversible. In the case of chronic poisoning, the doctor will recommend gradual discontinuation of the drug.

Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How to take medication correctly? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Elocom – side effects

Elocom, like any other drug, may cause side effects in patients. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The following side effects have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids:

1. very rarely (affects less than 1 in 10 people): folliculitis, burning sensation, itching;
2. frequency unknown (cannot be estimated from the available data): infections, boils, paraesthesia, contact dermatitis, pigment deficiency, hirsutism, stretch marks, acne-like lesions, skin atrophy, application site pain, application site reactions, blurred vision.

In addition, after using the drug on a large area of ​​the skin for a long time, and especially when using occlusive (sealing) dressings, absorption of the drug into the systemic circulation may occur.

The following side effects have been reported in patients with topical use of corticosteroids: dry skin, skin irritation, dermatitis, dermatitis around the mouth, skin softening (maceration), heat rash, and the appearance of dilated small blood vessels (telangiectasia).

What is eczema and how to deal with it? Read: Eczema – causes, types, symptoms, treatment. Diet and home remedies for eczema

Elocom – interactions with other drugs

Before starting treatment with Elocom, please inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking or have taken recently. You should also inform what medications the patient plans to take in the near future. Currently, however, there are no data on the occurrence of drug interactions with other drugs.

Which drugs should never be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Elocom and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Elocom.

The safety of Elocom in pregnancy has not been established. During pregnancy, Elocom should only be used if, in the doctor’s opinion, the benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the mother and fetus. However, the drug should not be used on large areas of the body and for long periods of time. In animal studies, corticosteroids have been shown to harm unborn babies.

When it comes to breastfeeding, it is not known whether topical corticosteroids are absorbed through the skin into the body to such an extent that they can pass into breast milk. The use of Elocom by breastfeeding women is only possible after the decision of the doctor after careful consideration of the risk of side effects in the children against the benefit of the treatment for the mother. If the doctor considers that long-term therapy is necessary, breast-feeding should be discontinued.

What is worth knowing about proper supplementation during pregnancy? Check: Conscious choices. Diet and supplementation in pregnancy

Elocom — dinner

The price of the drug Elocom may differ depending on the place where the corticosteroid will be bought or the pharmacy chosen by the patient. The price of the product also depends on the form of the drug and the volume of the package:

1. Elocom in cream, tube 15 g – about PLN 15;
2. Elocom in cream, tube 30 g – about PLN 25-30;
3. Elocom ointment, tube 15 g – about PLN 15;
4. Elocom ointment, tube 30 mg – about PLN 25-30;
5. Elocom liquid, 20 ml bottle – about PLN 20.

What are allergic skin diseases and how are they treated? Check: Allergic skin diseases

Elocom – replacements

Products that have the same international name and exist in the same form do not have to be substitutes, because the use of a given drug is determined by the content of the active substance, i.e. the dose of the drug.

It should be remembered that even when the dose of the active substance is similar, the patient may not always use the substitute, because he may be allergic to any of the other excipients of the drug.

Therefore, before using a substitute for Elocom, read the package leaflet or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The preparations containing the same corticosteroid drug Elocom and showing similar properties are:

1. Aleric Spray – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
2. Asmanex Twisthaler – inhalation powder;
3. Edelan – in cream or ointment;
4. Elitasone – in an ointment or solution on the skin;
5. Elosone – in cream, ointment or skin solution;
6. Eztom – nasal spray in the form of a suspension and in an ointment;
7. Ivoxel – in cream;
8. Metmin – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
9. Momecutan – in an ointment, cream or solution for the skin;
10. Momester – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
11. Momester Nasal – nasal spray;
12. Mometaxon – in ointment;
13. Nasometin – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
14. Nasometin Control – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
15. Nasonex – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
16. Ovixan – in a cream and in a solution for the skin;
17. Pronasal – nasal spray in the form of a suspension;
18. Pronasal Control – a nasal spray in the form of a suspension.

When is it worth asking the pharmacy about drug substitutes? Check: Swap when you can