Elecom Ointment 0.1% w/w 15g

Elecom Ointment contains Mometasone Furoate 0.1%, a potent synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (anti-itch), and vasoconstrictive properties.

Mometasone furoate has a favourable benefit-to-risk profile; it is effective once daily (reducing application burden) and has lower systemic absorption compared to older potent steroids like betamethasone valerate, making it a preferred choice in contemporary dermatology practice.

In Kenya, Elecom Ointment is prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions including atopic dermatitis (eczema), plaque psoriasis, contact dermatitis, discoid lupus erythematosus, and lichen simplex chronicus.

The ointment base (oil-in-water or pure ointment) provides additional moisturising benefit and better penetration on dry or lichenified skin compared to cream formulations.

Application

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area once daily. Gently massage in.

Duration

Use for the shortest effective period, typically 2–4 weeks. Do not use continuously beyond 4 weeks without medical review.

Avoid Sensitive Areas

Do not apply to the face, groin, or axillae unless specifically directed by a dermatologist.

Not for Eyes

Avoid contact with eyes. Do not apply around the eye area.

Occlusive Dressings

Do not use under tight occlusive dressings unless prescribed, increases systemic absorption.

Hands

Wash hands after application unless hands are the treatment area.

Common Side Effects

·       Mild burning or stinging sensation on application

·       Skin dryness

·       Mild pruritus (itching) in first few days

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Skin atrophy (thinning) with prolonged use

·       Striae (stretch marks)

·       Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth at application site)

·       Acneiform eruptions

·       Perioral dermatitis

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Systemic effects with extensive/prolonged use: adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycaemia

·       HPA axis suppression in children (due to higher body surface area-to-weight ratio)

·       Secondary bacterial or fungal skin infection due to local immunosuppression

·       Glaucoma or posterior subcapsular cataracts with periorbital use

·       POTENT STEROID: Mometasone 0.1% is classified as a potent (Group III) topical corticosteroid; use minimum effective amount for the shortest possible duration.

·       CHILDREN: Use with caution in children. Greater systemic absorption risk due to larger relative skin surface area; use under close supervision and for the shortest possible duration.

·       SKIN ATROPHY: Prolonged use on thin skin areas (face, skin folds) causes irreversible thinning.

·       PREGNANCY: Avoid extensive or prolonged use. Topical corticosteroids may be absorbed systemically and affect the fetus.

·       INFECTION: Rule out skin infection before starting. Do not use on infected skin without concurrent antimicrobial cover.

·       ONCE DAILY ONLY: Mometasone furoate is effective with once-daily application; twice-daily application does not improve efficacy and increases side effects.

Other topical corticosteroids: Do not apply multiple topical steroids to the same area concurrently.

Topical antimicrobials: May be used concurrently for infected eczema (combination products available) under medical guidance.

No clinically significant systemic drug interactions at standard topical doses in adults.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Keep tube tightly closed after use.

·       Do not freeze.

·       Protect from direct sunlight.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

Elecom Ointment (Mometasone Furoate 0.1%) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya due to its classification as a potent topical corticosteroid. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner or dermatologist.

Mometasone furoate 0.1% (Elecom) is a once-daily potent topical corticosteroid with a comparatively favourable safety profile in its class. Counsel on once-daily dosing explicitly; many patients assume twice-daily application is better and inadvertently overuse the product.

Verify the indication before dispensing; rosacea, acne, and perioral dermatitis are absolute contraindications and can worsen dramatically with steroid use. For children, ensure dosing is appropriate, and parents are counselled on the risks of overuse. The ointment base is preferable for dry or lichenified skin; cream or lotion may be better for weeping or flexural eczema; guide appropriately. Extended-use patients should be flagged for periodic review of skin atrophy signs and HPA axis suppression.

What is Elecom Ointment used for?

A: Elecom Ointment is used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and contact dermatitis by reducing redness, swelling, and itching.

How often should I apply Elecom Ointment?

A: Once daily is sufficient and recommended. Mometasone furoate is effective with a single daily application; using it more often increases side effects without added benefit.

Is Elecom Ointment safe for children?

A: It can be used in children over 2 years under medical supervision with the smallest effective dose for the shortest time possible. It is contraindicated in children under 2 years.

Can Elecom Ointment be used during pregnancy?

A: Avoid extensive use in pregnancy. Use sparingly under medical supervision only if clearly necessary, as topical steroids can be absorbed systemically.