Description

About Triluma Cream (Triple-Combination)

 

Triluma Cream is a prescription medication used for the short-term treatment of melasma and hyperpigmentation (dark, discolored patches on the skin). It is a combination of three different active ingredients:

1. Hydroquinone
2. Tretinoin
3. Fluocinolone Acetonide

 

How It Works

 

Each ingredient works in a different way to treat melasma:

• Hydroquinone: This is the skin-lightening agent. It works by decreasing the production of melanin (the pigment that causes dark spots) in the skin.
• Tretinoin: This is a form of Vitamin A (a retinoid). It helps the skin to renew itself more quickly, which helps shed the darker, pigmented skin cells and improves the skin’s texture.
• Fluocinolone Acetonide: This is a corticosteroid (a steroid). It helps by blocking the body’s inflammatory response, reducing any redness, swelling, and itching that may be associated with melasma or the other ingredients.

 

Primary Use & Benefit

 

• Treatment of Melasma: This cream is designed to lighten the dark patches on the skin often caused by pregnancy, menopause, or hormone medicine. It helps to lighten the skin color, provide relief from redness or itchiness, and give the skin a smoother appearance.

 

How to Use This Medicine

 

This medicine is for external use only. Always follow your doctor’s exact instructions.

1. Apply at Night: This cream is typically applied once daily in the evening, as Tretinoin and Hydroquinone make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight.
2. Preparation: Gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and pat your skin dry.
3. Application: Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected dark patches only. Do not apply it to unaffected (normal) skin.
4. Avoid: Be very careful to avoid the sensitive areas around your eyes, the corners of your mouth, and any broken or irritated skin.
5. Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the cream (unless your hands are the area being treated).
6. No Covering: Do not cover the treated area with airtight dressings (like bandages) unless specifically directed by your doctor.

 

⚠️ Important Precautions & Warnings

 

CRITICAL: Steroid & Pregnancy Warnings

1. Short-Term Use Only: This cream contains a potent steroid (Fluocinolone). It should NOT be used for a long period (e.g., not for more than 8 weeks unless directed by your doctor). Long-term use on the face can cause serious, permanent side effects like skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks, and visible blood vessels.
2. Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: DO NOT USE this medicine if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Tretinoin is known to cause severe birth defects.

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• High Sun Sensitivity: This cream makes your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight.
  • You must use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every single day and reapply it often.
  • You must also wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when outdoors.
  • Sun exposure will make your melasma worse and completely counteract the effects of the cream.
• Dryness: This cream can cause significant dryness. Use a gentle moisturizer regularly (as advised by your doctor) to help manage this.
• Other Conditions: Before use, tell your doctor if you have any other skin problems or are using any other skin medications.
• Cosmetics: Ask your doctor before using any cosmetics on the treated areas.

 

Common Side Effects

 

It is common to experience some irritation when first starting this cream.

• Mild burning, stinging, or itching
• Redness and swelling
• Dryness and peeling of the skin

Stop using the cream and contact your doctor if you notice signs of skin thinning, severe irritation, or any other unusual side effects.