Avate 1mg Ointment

Methylprednisolone aceponate is a corticosteroid (steroid) applied to the skin. It calms inflammation and allergic reactions in the skin, easing redness, swelling, thickening, itching and burning.

It is used for eczema and dermatitis, including atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and eczema in children. The cream suits weeping or greasy skin and hairy areas; the ointment suits skin that is neither very dry nor weeping.

Use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only, usually once a day.
• Use it for the shortest time needed. Do not use it for longer than your doctor advises.
• Keep it away from your eyes, mouth, open wounds and mucous membranes.
• Do not cover the area with a tight or airtight dressing unless your doctor tells you to.
• If it seems too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The most common side effects are itching and burning where it is applied.

Rare side effects include:

• skin irritation, redness, cracks or swelling
• skin infections, including bacterial or fungal infections or infected hair follicles
• thinning of the skin, stretch marks or small visible blood vessels, especially with long use
• acne, extra hair growth or changes in skin colour

Stop using it and get medical help straight away if you have:

• signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing or difficulty breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you:

• are allergic to methylprednisolone aceponate or other steroid skin products
• have a skin infection caused by a virus (such as chickenpox or shingles), tuberculosis or syphilis, or a skin reaction after a vaccination
• have acne, rosacea, skin ulcers, thin skin or a rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
• have a bacterial or fungal skin infection, which needs extra treatment
• have or have had glaucoma
• use other medicines, including ones bought without a prescription

Do not store above 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children and do not use after the expiry date.

Long-term use: avoid prolonged use (generally beyond 4 weeks) unless your doctor advises it, and keep treatment of large areas as short as possible.

Eyes: steroids used near the eyes or over large areas for a long time may raise the risk of glaucoma.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Steroid skin products are generally avoided in the first 3 months of pregnancy, and should not be applied to the breasts when breastfeeding.