Combilite Cream is a medicine that contains a combination of medicines that is used to treat melasma. It helps in quick skin renewal. It provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching.
Combilite 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. Do not use this medicine more than the recommended dose. Inform your doctor if you have known allergies to this medicine.
Common side effects of this medicine include burning, irritation, itching, and redness at the site of application. It may also cause dry skin, acne, and itching. If any of these side effects bother you or get worse, consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are suffering from any other disease. Caution is needed while breastfeeding; this medicine is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. Do not use this medicine if you have a history of allergic reactions to any of the ingredients in this product.
Uses of Combilite Cream
Melasma
Side effects of Combilite Cream
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 of Combilite
Burning sensation
Dryness
Erythema (skin redness)
Itching
Skin peeling
Dry skin
Acne
How to use Combilite Cream
This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.
How Combilite Cream works
Combilite Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and Fluocinolone acetonide which treat melasma (dark spots on skin). The exact way this triple combination improves melasma is not fully known. Hydroquinone helps reduce melanin (skin pigment), tretinoin promotes skin cell turnover, and fluocinolone acetonide reduces skin inflammation.
Safety advice
Alcohol
No interaction found/established
Pregnancy
UNSAFE
Combilite Cream is highly unsafe during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm to the unborn baby, including birth defects and pregnancy loss. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Combilite Cream may be safe to use during breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Driving
No interaction found/established
Kidney
No interaction found/established
Liver
No interaction found/established
What if you forget to take Combilite Cream?
If you miss a dose of Combilite Cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Along with applying Combilite Cream, wear long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, or a hat whenever you step outside in the hot sun for better protection.
Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings unless instructed by a doctor.
Use moisturizer regularly to overcome skin dryness during the course of treatment.
You may also use certain safe cosmetics (after consulting with your doctor) to lighten pigmentation.
Before using Combilite Cream, inform your doctor if you have any skin problems or are applying any other medicines to your skin.
Fact Box
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
DERMA
User feedback
Patients taking Combilite Cream
Once A Day
86%
Twice A Day
14%
What are you using Combilite Cream for?
Melasma
100%
FAQs
What is Combilite Cream used for?
Combilite Cream is prescribed for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma, a dark, patchy discoloration on the face. It helps lighten those spots when used along with sun protection, avoiding sunlight.
Can Combilite Cream be used for other dark spots or skin lightening?
No. Combilite Cream is only approved for facial melasma. It has not been proven safe or effective for other pigment problems like freckles, age spots, or acne marks.
Is Combilite Cream meant for long-term use?
No. Combilite Cream is for short-term use only. Once your dark patches improve, your doctor may suggest stopping and switching to other maintenance options. Using it continuously may increase the risk of skin side effects.
What precautions should I take while using Combilite Cream?
While you are on Combilite Cream therapy, you should avoid direct sunlight exposure, UV lamps, always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear protective clothing, do not use on broken or irritated skin, avoid using harsh soaps, astringents, products that cause dryness, or peeling.
Can Combilite Cream cause allergic reactions?
Combilite Cream may rarely trigger serious allergic or asthma-like reactions in sensitive people. If you experience swelling, wheezing, or severe itching, stop using it and get medical help immediately.
What is “exogenous ochronosis” and why is it important to know for people using Combilite Cream?
Exogenous ochronosis is a blue-black darkening of the skin that can happen with long-term use of hydroquinone (present in Combilite Cream). It is rare but may be permanent. If your skin starts getting darker instead of lighter, stop using the medicine and contact your doctor.
Can Combilite Cream thin my skin or affect hormones?
Yes, with prolonged or excessive use, the corticosteroid (fluocinolone) present in Combilite Cream can cause skin thinning or, in rare cases, hormonal (adrenal) effects. Use it exactly as directed, usually once daily, only for a short time.
Are there any serious side effects of Combilite Cream?
Serious side effects of Combilite Cream may include severe burning, swelling, blistering of the skin, worsening pigmentation, signs of infection, skin thinning, and any allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms.
Can people with darker skin tones use Combilite Cream safely?
Combilite Cream has not been well-studied in very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick V-VI). Over-bleaching, uneven lightening may occur. Your dermatologist can guide you on whether it is appropriate.
What happens if I stop using Combilite Cream after improvement?
Melasma often comes back after stopping Combilite Cream. To maintain results, continue sun protection, and follow your doctor’s advice on safer long-term maintenance options.
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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
References
Fluocinolone acetonide, hydroquinone, and tretinoin [Prescribing Information]. Canada: G Production Inc.; 2014. [Accessed 29 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
Fluocinolone acetonide + hydroquinone + tretinoin [Prescribing Information]. Canada: G Production Inc.; 2013. [Accessed 29 Apr. 2019] (online) Available from:
CiplaMed. Fluocinolone acetonide + Hydroquinone + Tretinoin [Prescribing Information]. [Accessed 14 Aug. 2024] (online) Available from: