Westcort Ointment (Hydrocortisone 17 Valerate)

Do’s

• Apply Westcort Ointment only to the affected skin areas as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the affected area before applying the ointment.
• Thin film: Apply a thin layer of the ointment and gently rub it in.
• Apply the medication 2-3 times daily or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the ointment, unless treating your hands.
• Be careful not to get the ointment in your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
• Continue using Westcort Ointment for the full prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve. Stopping too early may allow the condition to return.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or doesn't improve after 2 weeks of using Westcort Ointment.

Don'ts

• Don't use Westcort Ointment on your face, groin, or underarms unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
• Don't get Westcort Ointment in your nose or mouth. Rinse with water if contact occurs.
• Don't use Westcort Ointment more often or for longer than prescribed.
• Don't bandage (usually). Avoid bandaging the treated area unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider. Bandaging can trap moisture and worsen irritation.
• Don't use it on large areas or broken skin. Avoid using Westcort Ointment on large areas of skin or broken skin unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Westcort Ointment to treat any other skin condition without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Westcort Ointment if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any other ingredients in the ointment.

Common Side Effects:

• Mild burning or tingling after applying the medicine
• Skin dryness or flaking
• Swelling
• Skin redness or discoloration
• Uncontrolled 
• Sudden body movements
• High blood pressure
• Problems related to sleep, such as falling asleep during normal daytime activities

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic Reaction: Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Confusion
• Excess sweating
• Blood pressure changes
• Muscle spasms or stiffness
• Diarrhea
• Very high fever
• Confusion
• Very serious high blood pressure reaction

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Westcort ointment,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to hydrocortisone valerate, other corticosteroids, or any ingredients in Westcort cream.

Disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to your healthcare provider before using Westcort cream, especially:

• Poor blood circulation
• Diabetes
• Immune system problems

Do not use it on infected or irritated skin. Avoid using Westcort cream on areas with infections or sores.

Long-term or widespread use of Westcort cream may weaken your body's ability to respond to physical stress. Inform your healthcare provider about Westcort cream use before surgery, emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness/injury.

Long-term use of Westcort cream may slightly slow growth in children. Schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider to monitor your child's height.

Westcort cream should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if Westcort cream applied to the skin passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using Westcort cream.