Melafine® Cream

What is this medicine?

Melafine Cream is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of melasma. It helps in quick skin renewal. It provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching. Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin. It is more commonly seen in females than males. Melafine Cream helps to lighten these dark patches of the skin usually caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. It effectively blocks that process in the skin that leads to discoloration. Melafine Cream also reduces any redness, rash, pain or itchiness that may be caused in this condition. This improves your self-esteem and confidence as your appearance changes. You should always use it as prescribed and only apply the amount you have been told to. Keep using it for as long as it is prescribed to get the full benefits. Melafine Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Mometasone and Tretinoin, which treats melasma (dark spots on skin). Hydroquinone is a skin lightening medicine. It reduces the amount of a skin pigment (melanin) that causes darkening of skin. This effect is reversible. Mometasone is a steroid which blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen and itchy. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

Do not use this medicine more than the recommended dose. Inform your doctor if you have known allergies from this medicine. The common side effects of this medicine include burning, irritation, itchiness, and redness at the application site. If these side effects or any other symptoms which you think are because of this medicine persist for a longer duration, please consult your doctor. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are suffering from any other disease. This medicine is not safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.

How should I use this medicine?

Melafine Cream should be used in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Wash your hands before using this medicine. It is advised to check the label for directions before use. It is for external use only. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area. Apply and massage gently till the cream is fully absorbed, once daily at night.Do not apply on broken or infected areas of skin. Discontinue use if you experience irritation or allergy and consult your doctor.

What may or may not interact with this medicine? Any cautions?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment.

• Melafine Cream is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
• Melafine Cream may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Melafine Cream is used for the short-term treatment of mild to moderate melasma. It helps reduce scars, marks, blemishes, and dark circles under the eyes. It should always be used along with sun-avoidance measures, like using sunscreens and wearing protective clothing. Initial improvement may be seen in just 2 weeks, full results generally appear after 2-3 months of regular use. Do not use it for longer than 6-8 weeks without consulting your doctor.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects

• Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)

Where should I keep my medicine?

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Keep this medicine in the packet or the container it came in, tightly closed. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children and other people.