Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Clobetasol propionate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for Etrivex shampoo contains the active substance called clobetasol propionate; it belongs to a group of medicines called topical corticosteroids (or steroids). "Topical" means that it should only be applied to the surface of the skin. Topical steroids reduce the redness, itchiness and inflammation associated with skin conditions. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the skin cells of your scalp being produced too quickly. Etrivex shampoo is used to treat scalp psoriasis of moderate intensity in adults. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Clobetasol propionate is classed as strong corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise the appropriate appropriate potency for your condition. a steroid of tne
What you need to know before you take it
e Etrivex shampoo Do not use Etrivex shampoo you are allergic to clobetasol propionate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). If you answer yes, you must inform your treatment, doctor before starting treatment. If you have bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic skin infections such as cold sores, varicella (chicken pox), herpes Zoster (shingles), impetigo (type of rash on the face), ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, skin tuberculosis or skin disease caused by syphilis. you have ulcerous wounds (weeping wounds) on your scalp. years old In children Do not apply Etrivex shampoo in the eyes or on eyelids (risk of glaucoma which is high pressure in the eye and risk of cataract which is a clouding of the lens in the eye). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Etrivex shampoo if: you use other oral/topical medication containing corticosteroids or medication (e.g. for autoimmune disease or after intended to control your immune system (e.g, a transplantation). Combining Etrivex shampoo with these medicines may result in serious infections. snecial care with Etrivex shampoo shamnoo Take special -When using Etrivex shampoo, it must only be used on the scalp, do not use it as a regular shampoo or on other areas of the body and do not use shampoo as a shower gel, body wash or bath foam. -When treating the scalp with Etrivex shampoo you must not cover the being treated, for example: shower cap must not be used as it may make the active substance pass through the skin and affect the other parts of the body. -When using Etrivex shampoo, avoid contact with the face, eyelids, axillae (armpits), erosive skin (chapped skin) surface and genital regions. Rinse off immediately with water if any product runs from the scalp. –
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If you get Etrivex shampoo in your eye(s), wash the affected eye thoroughly with water. If any irritation persists, please seek advice from your doctor. you do not notice an improvement of your scalp psoriasis, please see your doctor. Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience newly developed bone pain or worsening of previous bone symptoms during a treatment with Etrivex shampoo, especially if you have been using Etrivex shampoo for a prolonged time or repeatedly. Children and adolescents If this product has been prescribed for a child or adolescent below 18 years of age, you must check with your doctor every week before continuing to use this product. Other medicines and Etrivex shampoo Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Etrivex shampoo has no or very little influence on the ability to drive and use –
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Etrivex shampoo contains ethanol This medicine contains 100 mg alcohol (ethanol) in each gram which is equivalent to 10% w/w. It may cause burning sensation on damaged skin.
How to take it
Etrivex shampoo Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The usual daily dose per application is an amount equivalent to around a half tablespoon (around 7.5 ml) sufficient to cover the entire scalp. Unless your doctor has instructed otherwise, wash your hands and apply Etrivex shampoo directly to your dry scalp once daily taking care to well cover and massage the affected areas. Avoid using large amounts of Etrivex shampoo, only use enough to cover your scalp when dry. Wash your hands carefully after application. Leave the product to work for 15 minutes without covering, and then add water, rinse and dry your hair as usual. Your regular shampoo can be used if more shampoo is required to wash your hair. Do not add more of Etrivex shampoo to your hair. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to use Etrivex shampoo to control our scalo psoriasis, Treatment should not continue for more than 4 weeks owever, if your scalp psoriasis is significantly improved before end of treatment, please see your doctor. On the contrary, if no improvement is seen by please tell your doctor. This treatment needs careful he end of the the end you et your d doctor review your progress at lariintervals. Do not use Etrivex shampoo for longer than doctor tells your doctor may ask you to use Etrivex shampoo again in the future of no use. children and in this product has prescribed children or adolescents between the ages of 2 and 18 years, the instructions given by your must be followed. You must check with the doctor every week before continuing treatment. shampoo than you should If you use more you have Etrivex shampoo for much longer than you should, please see doctor. This product is for use on the scalp only. Do not swallow it. If you do amounts are not harmful. If you are not sure, seek immediate medical advice. If you forget to use Etrivex shampoo use a double to make up for a forgotten dose. Go back to your schedule. If you miss several doses, tell your doctor. If you stop using Etrivex shampoo you stop using Etrivex shampoo, please see your doctor. It may be that worsening of the disease occurs when treatment with Etrivex shampoo is especially if it has been used for a long time. Tell your doctor if you observe such a worsening of your scalp psoriasis conditions. you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
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Galderma Laboratories Product code: P203144-0 Product description: ETRIVEX SHA 125 Market: GBR Article: Leaflet Font size: 9 pt Flat size: Pharmacode: 2808 Fold size: 180×26,25 GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Guillaume ANDRE GALDERMA
INDUSTRIALIZATION DEPARTMENT LABORATOIRES
Galderma – 74540 ALBY-SUR-CHERAN – FRANCE
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Printing Colors PMS 432U
DIELINES
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NOTICE VERSO 180×315 PLAN n° MT.09.DRA.0352.R03.2 Possible side effects Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them Etrivex shampoo may cause the following side effects Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people Skin burning sensation Inflammation of one or more hair follicles Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people Endocrine disorders (such as adrenal suppression, Cushing syndrome) have been observed with potent topical steroids, especially when applied on large surface areas or used for prolonged periods Eye stinging or burning Eye irritation Ocular tight sensation Glaucoma Hypersensitivity Headache Pain of skin Skin discomfort
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Acne Skin oedema (veins under the surface of your skin may becoming more noticeable)
Psoriasis aggravation Hair loss Dryness of the skin Urticaria Skin atrophy (thinning of your skin) Skin irritation Skin tightness Allergic contact dermatitis Erythema Rash Not known: frequency cannot be estimated from the available data Blurred vision Irritation, itching, urticaria, visible small vessels or thinning skin around the treated areas are generally of a mild to moderate nature. you have any signs of local intolerance, such as a burning sensation or to the areas that have been treated, do not use Etrivex shampoo until these symptoms have disappeared. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor as soon as possible if you find condition gets worse during treatment (this is more likely to happen if you have been using Etrivex shampoo longer than prescribed) or if you experience swelling of the eyelids, face or lips as you may be allergic to the product or have a skin infection. Using large amounts or keeping the the scalp for more than minutes may: cause the skin to become thinner so that it can damage more easily allow the active substance to pass through the skin; this can affect other parts of the body, especially in children, and during pregnancy. Repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time may also sometimes cause pustular eruptions (big pimples) and changes in hair growth and skin colour. Striae (stretch marks) and purpura (bruising) may become noticeable If you have rosacea (facial erythema associated with flushing of the skin, and possible papulopustules) the application of Etrivex shampoo on the face may cause your skin condition to worsen. Application of Etrivex shampoo on the face may induce perioral dermatitis (spotty red rash around the mouth). Application of Etrivex shampoo to the skin may cause thinning of skin and therefore it should never be used on the face or on other areas of the skin than the scalp. In order to avoid interaction with hair colour dying product, such as hair colour changes, Etrivex shampoo should be thoroughly rinsed. you have any unusual that you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. Yellow Card Scheme or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. –
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How to store it
Etrivex shampoo Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the bottle and the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in the original plastic bottle in order to protect from light. Discard the bottle 6 months after first opening. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Etrivex shampoo contains -The active substance is clobetasol propionate. Each gram (millilitre) of Etrivex shampoo contains 500 micrograms of the active ingredient Clobetasol propionate. The other ingredients are: ethanol, coco alkyl dimethyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, polyquaternium-10, sodium citrate, citric acid monohydrate and purified water. What Etrivex shampoo looks like and contents of the pack Etrivex shampoo is a thick, semitransparent liquid shampoo with an alcoholic smell that is colourless to pale yellow in appearance. Etrivex shampoo is available on prescription from your doctor in white high polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles of 60 ml or 125 ml fitted with polypropylene closure. The HDPE bottle of 30 fitted with polypropylene screw closure. Bottles contain 30 ml, 60 ml or 125 ml of shampoo (not all pack sizes may be marketed). Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer: Marketing Authorisation Holder: Galderma (U.K.) Limited, Evergreen House North, Grafton Place, London, England, NW1 2DX PL 10590/0052 Manufacturer: Laboratoires Galderma, –
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74540, Alby-sur-Chéran
France. This medicine is authorised in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Italy, Ireland and Portugal: Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo France, Belgium, Poland, Spain, Hungary, The Netherlands, Malta, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Iceland, Czech Republic, Norway, Greece, Slovakia and Finland: Clobex 500 micrograms/g shampoo This leaflet was last revised in May 2025
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GALDERMA Galderma Laboratories Product code: P203144-0 Product description: ETRIVEX SHA 125 Market: GBR Article: Leaflet Font size: 9 pt Flat size: 180×315 Fold size: 180×26,25 Pharmacod 2808 Pharmacode: GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Guillaume ANDRE GALDERMA
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INDUSTRIALIZATION DEPARTMENT LABORATOIRES GALDERMA
Galderma 74540 ALBY-SUR-CHERAN FRANCE –
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Printing Colors PMS 432U
DIELINES
Frequently asked questions about Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo
What is the active substance in Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo?
The active substance in Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo is clobetasol propionate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: CLARELUX 500 microgram/g cutaneous foam in pressurised container, Clobetasol propionate 500 microgram/g Shampoo, Clobetasol propionate 500 micrograms/g shampoo. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: clobetasol propionate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Topical treatment of moderate scalp psoriasis in adults.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Clobetasol propionate belongs to the most potent class of topical corticosteroids (Group IV) and prolonged use may result in serious undesirable effects (see section 4.4). If treatment with a local corticosteroid is clinically justified beyond 4 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid preparation should be considered. Repeated but short courses of clobetasol propionate may be used to control exacerbations (see details below).
Posology
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo should be applied directly on dry scalp once daily taking care to well cover and massage the lesions. An amount equivalent to around a half tablespoon (around 7.5 ml) per application is sufficient to cover all the scalp.
The total dosage should not exceed 50 g per week.
Method of administration
For cutaneous use on the scalp only.
After application, Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo should be kept in place without covering for 15 minutes. Hands should be washed carefully after application. After 15 minutes, the product must be thoroughly rinsed with water and / or hair can be washed by using an additional amount of regular shampoo if needed to facilitate washing. Then, hair can be dried as usual.
The treatment duration should be limited to a maximum of 4 weeks. As soon as clinical results are observed, applications should be spaced out or replaced, if needed, by an alternative treatment. If no improvement is seen within four weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.
Repeated courses of Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo may be used to control exacerbations provided the patient is under regular medical supervision.
Special population
Elderly
The safety and efficacy of Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo in geriatric patients aged 65 years and above have not been established.
Renal impairment
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo has not been studied in patients with renal impairment.
Hepatic impairment
Patients with severe liver dysfunction should be treated with special caution and closely monitored for side-effects.
Paediatric population
The experience in the paediatric population is limited. Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years of age. It is contraindicated in children under 2 years of age (see sections 4.3 and 4.4).
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo must not be applied on skin areas affected by bacterial, viral (varicella, herpes simplex, herpes zoster), fungal or parasitic infections, ulcerous wounds and specific skin diseases (skin tuberculosis, skin diseases caused by lues).
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo must not be applied to the eye and eyelids (risk of glaucoma, risk of cataract).
Children under 2 years of age.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Hypersensitivity to corticosteroids can be observed.
Therefore, Clobetasol propionate, is not recommended in patients who are hypersensitive to other corticosteroids.
Cases of osteonecrosis serious infections (including necrotizing fasciitis) and systemic immunosuppression (sometimes resulting in reversible Kaposi's sarcoma lesions) have been reported with long-term use of clobetasol propionate beyond the recommended doses (see section 4.2). In some cases patients used concomitantly other potent oral/topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressors (e.g. methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil). If treatment with local corticosteroids is clinically justified beyond 4 weeks, a less potent corticosteroid preparation should be considered.
Long-term continuous therapy with corticosteroids, use of occlusive mobcaps, treatment of large surface areas especially in children can enhance absorption and lead to a higher risk of systemic effects. In such cases, medical supervision should be increased and patients may be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids induced by prolonged use especially on large surface areas has caused reversible adrenal suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome in some patients. Such systemic effects resolve when treatment is stopped. However, abrupt discontinuation can lead to acute adrenal insufficiency, especially in children.
Patient with severe diabetes mellitus should be treated with special caution and closely monitored for side-effects.
Topical corticosteroids should be used with caution as development of tolerance (tachyphylaxis) may occur as well as local toxicity such as skin atrophy, infection and telangiectasia of the skin.
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo is only intended for the treatment of scalp psoriasis and should not be used to treat other skin areas. In particular, Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo is not recommended for use in the face, intertriginous areas (axillae and genitoanal regions) and on other erosive skin surfaces as this could increase the risk of adverse events such as atrophic changes, telangiectasia, corticosteroid-induced dermatitis or secondary infection. The face, more than other areas of the body, may exhibit atrophic changes after prolonged treatment with potent topical corticosteroids.
In rare instances, treatment of psoriasis with corticosteroids (or its withdrawal) is thought to have provoked generalised pustular psoriasis in case of intensive and prolonged topical use.
Clobetasol propionate, is not recommended in patients with acne vulgaris, rosacea or perioral dermatitis.
There may be a risk of post-treatment rebound or relapse upon abrupt discontinuation of treatment with clobetasol propionate. Medical supervision should therefore continue in the post-treatment period.
If Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo does enter the eye, the affected eye should be rinsed with copious amounts of water.
Patients should be instructed to use Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo for the minimum amount of time necessary to achieve the desired results. If signs of local intolerance appear, application should be suspended until they disappear. If signs of hypersensitivity appear, application should be stopped immediately.
In order to avoid interaction with hair colour dying product, such as hair colour changes, clobetasol propionate shampoo should be thoroughly rinsed.
Visual disturbance
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Paediatric population
In this age group, growth retardation may also be observed in case of systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo should not be used in children and adolescents between 2 and 18 years of age.
If Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo is used in children and adolescents below 18 years of age, the treatment should be reviewed weekly.
This medicine contains 100 mg alcohol (ethanol) in each gram which is equivalent to 10% w/w.
It may cause burning sensation on damaged skin.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
No interaction studies have been performed.
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data from the use of topical clobetasol propionate in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown.
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Breast-feeding
Systemically administered corticosteroids pass into breast milk. Damage to the infant is not reported to date. Nevertheless, as there are no adequate data on the possible milk transfer of topical clobetasol propionate and its biological or clinical repercussions, Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo should not be prescribed to breastfeeding women unless clearly indicated.
Fertility
No clinical data is available. See section 5.3.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Summary of the safety profile
During clinical development of Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo, in a total of 558 patients receiving Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo, the most commonly reported adverse drug reaction was skin burning sensation. Its incidence was about 2.8%. Most adverse events were rated as mild to moderate and they were not affected by race or gender. Clinical signs of skin irritation were uncommon (0.2%). No serious drug-related adverse events were reported during any of the clinical trials.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions are classified by System Organ Class and frequency, using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10), common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10), uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100), rare (≥ 1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (< 1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) and were reported with Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo in clinical studies and post-marketing (see Table 1).
Table 1 – Adverse reactions
System Organ Class
Frequency
Adverse reactions
Endocrine disorders
Uncommon
Adrenal suppression
Cushing syndrome
Eye disorders
Uncommon
Eye stinging/burning
Eye irritation
Ocular tight sensation
Uncommon
Glaucoma
Not known
Vision, blurred (see also section 4.4)
Immune System Disorders
Uncommon
Hypersensitivity
Nervous System disorders
Uncommon
Headache
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common
Skin burning sensation, Folliculitis
Uncommon
Pain of skin
Skin discomfort
Pruritus
Acne
Skin oedema
Telangiectasia
Psoriasis (aggravation)
Alopecia
Dry skin
Urticaria
Skin atrophy
Skin irritation
Skin tightness
Uncommon
Allergic contact dermatitis, erythema, rash
As Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo is to be kept in place for only 15 minutes before rinsing, systemic absorption is seldom observed (see section 5.2) and therefore, the risk of appearance of HPA axis suppression is very low compared to non rinsed potent corticosteroids products. Should HPA axis suppression occur, it is likely to be transient with a rapid return to normal values.
Cataract has been reported when corticosteroids where applied to the eyes or eyelids.
Immunosuppression and opportunistic infections have been reported in case of prolonged use of potent topical corticosteroids in rare instances.
Growth retardation may be observed in children in case of systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids.
Although not observed with Etrivex 500 micrograms/g shampoo, prolonged and/or intensive treatment with potent corticosteroid preparations may cause striae, purpura, and generalised pustular psoriasis.
Rebound effects may occur upon discontinuation of treatment.
When applied to the face, very potent corticosteroids can also induce perioral dermatitis or worsen rosacea.
There are reports of pigmentation changes, pustular eruptions and hypertrichosis with topical corticosteroids.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Acute overdose is very unlikely to occur, however, in the case of chronic overdose or misuse, the features of hypercortisolism may appear and in this situation, treatment should be discontinued gradually. However, because of the risk of acute adrenal suppression, this should be done under medical supervision.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Etrivex 500 micrograms/g Shampoo. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.