IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Sunscreen use is an essential part of melasma treatment. Even minimal sunlight promotes pigment production.
- Be sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every morning and wear wide-brimmed hats when outdoors. Avoid direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps.
- This cream is not intended for long-term treatment of melasma. Once improvement is achieved, therapy should be switched to a different medication to maintain improvement.
HOW TO USE
- After washing your face, apply a thin layer to areas of darkened skin once daily.
- Test for skin sensitivity by applying the medication every other once a day for the first week. If no irritation occurs, you may use the medication every day.
- If the skin becomes irritated, reduce frequency of use. If the irritation persists or is severe, stop the medication and contact your dermatology team.
SIDE EFFECTS
- The most commonly reported side effects include redness, dryness, peeling, itching, burning, and irritation at the application site. Skin irritation usually goes away during the course of the treatment.
- Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a blue-black discoloration of the skin. The risk of ochronosis increases with prolonged use of hydroquinone and continued sun exposure. To avoid this, periodic breaks from hydroquinone are needed. Make sure to always follow your provider’s instructions on use.
- A localized allergic reaction (contact dermatitis) can occur. Stop the medication if you develop severe redness or itching, blisters, or a severe rash.
HOW TO STORE
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
- Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat, and moisture.
- Slight darkening of products containing hydroquinone is normal. This does not affect the potency of the product and can be safely used until the expiration date.