Description:

Elocon 0.1% w/w Ointment (Mometasone Furoate Ointment 30g by Organon) is a potent topical corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory and pruritic (itchy) skin conditions responsive to steroids. It is indicated for eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis (excluding widespread plaque psoriasis), allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. The ointment formulation is greasy/occlusive, making it especially suitable for dry, lichenified (thickened), scaly, or chronic lesions where deeper penetration and moisturization are needed. It rapidly reduces redness, swelling, itching, and skin thickening.

Prescription: Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by dermatologists or general practitioners after skin assessment; not freely OTC in most pharmacies due to potency and risk of side effects with prolonged or inappropriate use).

Therapeutic Category:

Potent Topical Corticosteroid (High-potency glucocorticoid for inflammatory dermatoses).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Mometasone furoate – 0.1% w/w (1 mg per gram). Other ingredients (typical ointment base): White soft paraffin, propylene glycol, he xylene glycol, phosphoric acid, purified water, and other emollients/stabilizers. The ointment is white to off-white, smooth, occlusive, and greasy.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Elocon 0.1% w/w Ointment 30g (standard ointment tube). Related variants: Elocon 0.1% Cream (for moist/weeping lesions), Elocon 0.1% Lotion (for hairy/scalp areas), Elocon Scalp Lotion (for scalp psoriasis/dermatitis). The 30g ointment tube is the most common size for body/trunk use.

Consume Type:

Topical – Ointment (applied externally to intact skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, intravaginal, or internal use).

Directions/Usage: Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area once daily (usually in the evening).

• Gently rub in until absorbed.
• Use only on affected areas; avoid face, genitals, flexures, or broken skin unless specifically directed.
• Duration: Short-term (usually 1–2 weeks for acute flares); do not use continuously longer than 4 weeks without medical review.
• For maintenance: Use intermittently or switch to milder steroid as advised.
• Do not cover with occlusive dressings (e.g., plastic wrap) unless prescribed (increases absorption and side effect risk).
• Wash hands after application (unless treating hands).

Common Side Effects: Common (local):

• Burning, stinging, itching, or irritation at application site.
• Dryness, redness.
• Skin thinning (atrophy), stretch marks (striae), or telangiectasia (visible blood vessels) with prolonged use. Rare/serious (seek help): Allergic contact dermatitis (worsening rash), perioral dermatitis, rosacea-like eruption, secondary infection, or HPA axis suppression (with large areas/long-term use).

Package Type:

Aluminium tube of 30g (with screw cap; often in individual carton with patient information leaflet and usage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, face (unless directed), genitals, or broken skin.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to mometasone, untreated bacterial/viral/fungal skin infections, acne, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis.
• Caution in pregnancy (use only if benefits outweigh risks; short-term/low surface area), breastfeeding (avoid treated area), children (risk of growth suppression with prolonged use), or large areas/long-term use (risk of skin atrophy, HPA axis suppression).
• Do not use under occlusive dressings unless prescribed.
• If worsening rash, infection signs (pus, increased redness), or no improvement after 7–14 days, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overuse risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar mometasone furoate 0.1% ointments in Ghana include:

• Generic mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment (various importers).
• Elocon (original Organon/Schering-Plough/Merck brand if stocked).
• Alternatives: Betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment (potent steroid), hydrocortisone 1% (milder for face), clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment (ultra-potent – for severe cases only). Consult dermatologist/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Korle Bu Dermatology, Scab Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Organon (formerly part of Merck/Schering-Plough; Organon & Co. is the current brand holder for Elocon in many markets). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Organon affiliates or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported product).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Elocon often manufactured in the Netherlands, Belgium, or other Organon facilities; generics from India commonly imported to Ghana).