What is Tri-Luma: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Tri-Luma overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Analpram HC, Epifoam, Lidosol-HC, Pramosone, ProCort, Proctofoam-HC, Tri-Luma, Vanoxide HC, Vanoxide HC, Tri-Luma, Vanoxide HC, Vanoxide HC, Tri-Luma

Generic Names:

  • Tri-Luma

Uses:

  • Treats itching, redness, swelling, and certain other skin problems., Treats melasma (skin discoloration) of the face.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Anesthetic Combination, Corticosteroid Combination, Dermatological Agent, Hemorrhoidal, Anesthetic/Anti-Inflammatory Combination, Hypopigmentation Agent, Retinoid Combination, Retinoid Combination, Hypopigmentation Agent, Dermatological Agent, Corticosteroid Combination

Forms:

  • Cream, Lotion, Ointment, Foam, Cream

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin, On the skin

What is Tri-Luma used for?

Tri-Luma is a medication used to treat dark patches of skin on the face (a condition called melasma). This drug contains a skin bleaching agent (hydroquinone), a skin shedding drug (tretinoin), and a steroid (fluocinolone) to reduce swelling and irritation. Tri-Luma is a brand version of the combination drug fluocinolone acetonide/tretinoin/hydroquinone. The components of this drug have been available for years. In the treatment of dark facial skin patches, Tri-Luma use is common.

What form(s) does Tri-Luma come in

  • Cream

  • Lotion

  • Ointment

  • Foam

  • Cream

What are common Tri-Luma doses?

  • Tube 30GM of 0.01-4-0.05%

Common Tri-Luma prescriptions

  • Tri-Luma
    30gm of 0.01-4-0.05% tube of cream

How to take Tri-Luma

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Wash your face and neck with warm water and a mild cleanser. Rinse well and pat dry.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Apply the medicine at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Apply the medicine at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Wash your face and neck with warm water and a mild cleanser. Rinse well and pat dry.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of lotion before using it.

  • For the foam: Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine). Make sure you understand how to use the applicator. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • If this medicine is to be used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • The medicine may come with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • For the cream, lotion, or ointment: Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently. You may need to shake the bottle of lotion before using it.

  • Topical application routeDo not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away. Some forms of this medicine should not be used on diaper rash or inside the vagina or rectum. If you are not sure what body areas you can use this medicine on, ask your pharmacist.

  • For the foam: Do not use the foam near heat or open flame, or while smoking.

  • If this medicine is to be used on the diaper area of a child, avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.

  • This medicine may come with a special applicator (a tool for applying the medicine). Make sure you understand how to use the applicator. If you are not sure, ask your pharmacist.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how to clean and care for your skin before and after you use this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tri-Luma

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeAsk your pharmacist or doctor how to dispose of the medicine container and any leftover or expired medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tri-Luma contraindications

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluocinolone, hydroquinone, or tretinoin.

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to steroid medicines such as hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone. You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information about ingredients in the corticosteroid combination that you are using. You should not use this medicine to treat a fungal infection or an infection like chicken pox.

Tri-Luma warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have Cushing syndrome or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites.

  • This medicine may cause a condition called exogenous ochronosis, a blue-black discoloration of the skin. Check with your doctor right away if you have a gradual darkening of the skin.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • If you have a sunburn, stop using this medicine until your skin is healed.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF 30 or higher during the day. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat, when you are outdoors.

  • Dry or red skin, peeling, burning, or itching can occur. Avoid cleansers or cosmetics that may dry or irritate your skin. Use a moisturizer as needed.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, planning on becoming pregnant, or if you have a tuberculosis infection of the skin. Tell your doctor if you have a history of diabetes, asthma, or stomach ulcers. Tell your doctor if you currently have an active outbreak of herpes or cold sores. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to sulfites, or to any other medicine.

  • This medicine may raise your blood sugar.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • New or worsening skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the area being treated.

Tri-Luma interactions

  • Do not use any other medicine that contains a steroid while you are using this medicine, unless your doctor has told you to. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other medicine which makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

  • Corticosteroid combination medicines have different ingredients, depending on the type and brand of medicine it is. The drugs or food you may need to avoid depend on the specific corticosteroid combination you are using. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Topical application routeDo not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. Avoid using medicated, irritating, or drying soaps or cleansers on the area being treated.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF 30 or higher during the day. Wear protective clothing, such as a hat, when you are outdoors.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have Cushing syndrome or diabetes. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites.

  • This medicine may cause a condition called exogenous ochronosis, a blue-black discoloration of the skin. Check with your doctor right away if you have a gradual darkening of the skin.

  • If you have a sunburn, stop using this medicine until your skin is healed.

  • Dry or red skin, peeling, burning, or itching can occur. Avoid cleansers or cosmetics that may dry or irritate your skin. Use a moisturizer as needed.

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Tri-Luma side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Bruising more easily than usual.

  • Darkening or discoloration of the skin, especially if it turns blue or black.

  • New or worsening skin rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

  • Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the area being treated.

  • Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.

  • Blue-black darkening of the skin

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe or ongoing skin redness, burning, peeling, blistering, crusting, or swelling

  • Round, puffy face

  • Irritation around your eyes, nose, or mouth

  • Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild skin dryness, itching, peeling, burning, or redness

  • Acne or raised spots on the skin

  • Severe skin dryness.

  • Acne.

  • Severe or continued redness, swelling, burning, itching, or drainage of fluid or pus from your skin.