Melanox 40mg Cream

Hydroquinone is a topical bleaching medicine that slowly lightens areas of skin that have become darker than the surrounding skin (hyperpigmentation).

It is used for:

• melasma and chloasma (dark patches, often on the face)
• freckles
• age spots (senile lentigines) and other dark spots caused by melanin

Results build up gradually over weeks.

Use it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you.

• Before first use, test a small amount on unbroken skin and check after 24 hours. Mild redness is fine, but do not use it if you get itching, blisters or a lot of swelling.
• Apply only to the dark areas and rub in well, usually morning and night.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or cover treated skin, as sunlight can make patches come back.
• Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and inside the nose. For external use only.
• If there is no improvement after 2 months, stop and speak to your doctor.

Possible side effects include:

• dryness or cracking of the skin, especially around the nose and under the eyes
• redness
• stinging or mild burning

Stop using it and see a doctor if you have:

• gradual blue-black darkening of the treated skin (ochronosis)
• itching, blistering or a rash (contact dermatitis)
• signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing

Do not use it if you have had a reaction to hydroquinone or any ingredient.

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

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• want to use it on a child aged 12 or under
• use other medicines that make skin sensitive to sunlight
• have asthma or a sulfite allergy, as some products contain sodium metabisulfite

Treat only small areas at a time.

Store at room temperature (20–25°C) and keep out of the reach of children.

Sun: the cream does not contain sunscreen. Protect treated skin from the sun during and after treatment.

Ochronosis: long use can rarely cause bluish-black darkening of the skin, more often in people with darker skin. Stop and see your doctor if this happens.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety is not established, so only use if your doctor advises.

Swallowed: if swallowed, get medical help straight away.