What is Monobenzone Topical?
Monobenzone topical (for the skin) is a depigmenting agent. It works by increasing the amount of skin pigment molecules (melanin) eliminated from skin cells in the body.
Monobenzone is used to permanently depigment (lighten) skin in people with a condition called vitiligo. Depigmenting (lightening) darker skin around areas of skin affected by vitiligo helps even out the coloring and appearance of the skin.
Monobenzone is not for treating freckles, café-au-lait spots, sun damage, melanoma, jaundice, or other pigmentation disorders not caused by vitiligo.
Monobenzone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Monobenzone Topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to monobenzone. Do not use monobenzone on any areas that are not affected by vitiligo.
Monobenzone is not for treating freckles, café-au-lait spots, sun damage, melanoma, jaundice, or other pigmentation disorders not caused by vitiligo.
It may take up to 4 months of treatment with monobenzone to complete the depigmentation of treated skin. Tell your doctor if your condition does not begin to improve after a month of using this medication.
Skin treated with monobenzone may be especially sensitive to sunlight or irritation for the rest of your life.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Monobenzone will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Using monobenzone may also cause changes in the color of your untreated skin. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about possible depigmentation of other skin areas not affected by vitiligo.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Monobenzone Topical?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to monobenzone. Do not use monobenzone on any areas that are not affected by vitiligo.
Monobenzone is not to be used as a cosmetic bleaching agent.
Before using monobenzone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether monobenzone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Monobenzone Topical Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Monobenzone Topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using monobenzone and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation, burning, swelling, or itching.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild skin irritation
- mild skin redness or itching; or
- mild swelling of treated skin
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Monobenzone Topical Interactions
What other drugs affect Monobenzone Topical?
There may be other drugs that can interact with monobenzone. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Monobenzone Topical?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Monobenzone will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Monobenzone Topical Dosage
How should I take Monobenzone Topical?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
It may take up to 4 months of treatment with monobenzone to complete the depigmentation of treated skin. Tell your doctor if your condition does not begin to improve after a month of using this medication.
Skin treated with monobenzone may be especially sensitive to sunlight or irritation for the rest of your life.
Using monobenzone may also cause changes in the color of your untreated skin. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about possible depigmentation of other skin areas not affected by vitiligo.
Store monobenzone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Monobenzone Topical?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of monobenzone applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of Monobenzone Topical?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com