Generic Alustra ™ ®: Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is the chemical name of the active ingredient in Alustra ™ ®

Cream
Chemical Name: HYDROQUINONE (HYE-droe-kwin-one) and VITAMIN (VYE-ta-min) A

Common uses : This medicine is a skin bleaching agent used to treat freckles, age spots, and other skin discolorations that may occur due to pregnancy, skin trauma, the use of birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using : Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies (especially to sulfites), pregnancy, or if you are breast-feeding.

Directions : Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR THE FIRST TIME, apply a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin and check in 24 hours for itching, blistering, or excessive redness or irritation. If these effects develop, contact your doctor as soon as possible and do not use this medicine on other areas. Wash and completely dry the affected areas. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands immediately after using this medicine, unless your hands are part of the treated area. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Use this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions : DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any other ingredient in this product. Some brands of this medicine contain sulfites. If you are allergic to sulfites, contact your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN during and after the use of this medicine. Limit sun exposure, use a sunscreen, and wear sun-protective clothing to cover the treated areas. Some forms of this medicine contain a sunscreen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if the use of additional sunscreen is necessary. AVOID GETTING THIS MEDICINE IN YOUR EYES, on your lips, or on the inside of your nose or mouth. If you get some in your eyes, wash them out with water and contact your doctor. If you get this medicine on your lips or on the inside of your nose or mouth, rinse with water. DO NOT USE this medicine on irritated or injured skin. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE WITH PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN HYDROGEN PEROXIDE OR BENZOYL PEROXIDE. This may cause a dark staining of your skin. The staining can be removed by stopping the use of the peroxide and washing your skin with soap and water. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE WITH OTHER MEDICINES CONTAINING RESORCINOL, PHENOL, OR SALICYLIC ACID unless otherwise directed by your doctor. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects : SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dryness of the skin around the nose and eyes. If this continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. STOP USING THE MEDICINE AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF you experience redness, stinging, irritation, or a rash. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience hives, itching, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions : Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much : If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information : If your skin condition does not improve after using this medicine for 2 months, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.