Is fucibet an antibiotic cream?

Fucibet cream is often recommended by healthcare professionals to relieve symptoms of eczema that have become infected by bacteria. It is an antibiotic cream containing the antibiotic fusidic acid which targets the bacteria, leaving them unable to divide and multiply. However, Fucibet also contains a second active ingredient, a steroid known as betamethasone valerate, that tackles the swelling, itching and inflammation associated with the condition. Here, we aim to provide you with an overview of Fucibet, what it is used for and how the dual action of ingredients works.

What is Fucibet?

Fucibet cream is manufactured by Leo Laboratories Limited and is classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM). It contains two active ingredients, betamethasone valerate 0.1% and fusidic acid 2%, that work together to treat inflammatory skin conditions, where a bacterial infection is also present.

The other ingredients contained in Fucibet cream are paraffin, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, macrogol cetostearyl ether, white soft paraffin, all-rac-a-tocopherol, purified water, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients are inactive and are added during the manufacturing process for solubility and to stabilise the cream.

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that provides relief by reducing the release of chemicals in your body that cause swelling and inflammation. Fusidic acid is a type of antibiotic that stops bacteria from multiplying allowing the body’s defences to get rid of the existing bacteria.

How Fucibet cream works

Fucibet works in two different ways:

• The antibiotic kills the bacteria that is causing the infection by stopping the production of new proteins
• The steroid reduces any swelling, redness or itchiness by reducing the release of inflammatory-causing substances

Fusidic acid

The antibiotic used in Fucibet cream is fusidic acid, which belongs to a group of medications called antibiotics. Antibiotics are medicines usually given when someone is sick with an infection caused by bacteria. The active ingredients in Fucibet cream stop the growth of bacteria that cause itchy rashes such as impetigo and boils on the skin caused by staphylococcus aureus.

What is Fucibet cream used to treat?

Fucibet can be used to treat several bacterial skin infections:

• Eczema infected with bacteria
• Impetigo
• Infected hair follicles

What is Fucibet not used to treat?

It can be tempting to use Fucibet cream on various skin conditions, but it’s important to remember there are several conditions Fucibet is unable to treat:

• Fungal infections such as athlete’s foot
• Viral infections such as cold sores, genital herpes or chickenpox
• Rosacea (redness and inflammation on nose and cheeks)
• Perioral dermatitis (red rash around the mouth)
• Psoriasis
• Skin problems caused by tuberculosis or syphilis
• Skin ulcers
• Broken veins
• Acne
• Boils
• Cysts

How long should you use Fucibet cream?

Fucibet cream should be used short-term for two weeks unless your doctor advises otherwise. A limit of two weeks is advised to avoid bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic and to avoid the steroids causing any side effects.

How do I apply Fucibet cream?

Fucibet is a topical corticosteroid and antibiotic cream applied directly to the affected area. Use clean, dry hands to spread a thin layer of fingertip unit (about the size of cream from your fingertip to the first crease) on the affected area twice daily. Once applied, leave Fucibet cream to soak into the inflamed skin and treat the skin condition for up to 30 minutes before applying any moisturiser or other topical treatments. Most side effects of Fucibet are more likely to happen if the cream is used in large amounts, therefore it is important to apply only a fingertip unit.

What are the side effects of Fucibet cream?

This medicine’s most common side effects include itchy, red, dry skin, increased hair growth and a burning sensation at the site of application. If there is a worsening of your condition, visual disturbances or blurred vision during use, consult your prescriber.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

• Do not use Fucibet cream if allergic to fusidic acid or other ingredients
• Do not use Fucibet cream if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Fucibet can be used by mothers who are breastfeeding, as long as it is not applied directly to the breast. It is always better to consult your doctor before using the cream
• Inform your doctor if you are using any other medicines, dietary supplements, or herbal products while using Fucibet cream
• Take special care if you are going to use this medicine near your eyes or the eyes of a child. If the cream gets into the eye, this may lead to glaucoma
• Adrenal suppression may occur. Signs are tiredness, depression and anxiety. This can be reversed by stopping Fucibet

Can you buy Fucibet cream over the counter?

In the UK, Fucibet is only available on prescription and you cannot buy it over the counter at a pharmacy. However, you can request Fucibet cream from registered online doctors and pharmacies like Now Patient through an online consultation. Always inform our prescribers of any medication you take to make sure Fucibet is safe and suitable to prescribe for you.

Summary

Fucibet cream is a prescription medication effectively used to treat eczema infected with bacteria and other skin conditions. It is not only an antibiotic cream, but a topical corticosteroid. The dual action of Fucibet cream allows it to treat a bacterial infection as well as the inflammation caused by eczema. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult with a healthcare professional, before use, to maximise the benefits of Fucibet cream.

Sources

• How and when to use fusidic acid – NHS
• Patient Information Leaflet – Medicines
• Fucibet Cream – Summary of Product Characteristics – Medicines