desowen

What is Desowen?

From the FDA label:Desonide Cream 0.05% and Lotion 0.05% contain desonide (Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,11,21-dihydroxy-16,17-[(1-methylethylidene)bis(oxy)]-,(11β,16α)- a synthetic nonfluorinated corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic agents. Chemically, desonide is C 24 H 32 O 6 . It has the following structural formula: Desonide has the molecular weight of 416.51. It is a white to off white odorless powder which is soluble in methanol and practically insoluble in water. Each gram of Desonide Cream contains 0.5 mg of desonide in a base of citric acid, emulsifying wax, isopropyl palmitate, polysorbate 60, potassium sorbate, propyl gallate, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium hydroxide, sorbic acid, stearic acid, and synthetic beeswax. Each gram of Desonide Lotion contains 0.5 mg of desonide in a base of cetyl alcohol, edetate sodium, glyceryl stearate SE, light mineral oil, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan monostearate, and stearyl alcohol. May contain citric acid and/or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment. deso-structure

How to use

Side effects

Who should not take Desowen

Overdose — what happens if you take too much

Frequently asked questions

What does Desowen treat?

Desowen (Desonide) may be used to treat facial dermatoses, foot dermatoses, hand dermatoses, inflammation, leg dermatoses, scalp dermatoses, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.

How does Desowen work?

Desowen is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids mimic the body's natural stress hormone cortisol: they enter cells and bind a glucocorticoid receptor that switches off genes for inflammatory chemicals, calming swelling, redness, and an overactive immune response.

How much does Desowen cost?

Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.28 per gm, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.

Is there a coupon or discount for Desowen?

pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Desowen. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.

Who makes Desowen?

Desowen is marketed by Galderma Labs LP. You can see Galderma Labs LP's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.

Is Desowen a brand-name or generic drug?

Desowen is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Desonide. Lower-cost generic equivalents containing Desonide are available — ask your pharmacist.

Is Desowen available over the counter?

No. Desowen is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.

What forms does Desowen come in?

Desowen is currently marketed as topical, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.

What class of drug is Desowen?

Desowen is classified as corticosteroid, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.

Is Desowen FDA-registered?

Desowen is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019048. You can verify this on its official FDA label.

Is Desowen safe?

There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Desowen. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.

What are the side effects of Desowen?

Desowen's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: In controlled clinical trials, the total incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of desonide was approximately 8%. These were: stinging and burning approximately 3%, irritation, contact dermatitis, condition worsened, peeling of skin, itching, intense transient erythema,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.