Clobex (clobetasol propionate) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain skin conditions. Clobex can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include treatment site reactions and hair loss.

Depending on the prescribed dosage form, Clobex is used in adults to treat the following conditions:

Note: Clobex should not be used to treat rosacea or perioral dermatitis.

The active ingredient in Clobex is clobetasol propionate. The drug comes as a topical lotion, spray, and shampoo.

Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that Clobex can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their treatment with Clobex spray, shampoo, and lotion. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects at the treatment site include:

  • burning
  • itching
  • irritation
  • dryness

Below are some of the mild side effects reported with Clobex. These side effects can vary depending on the form of Clobex being used.

Mild side effects reported in people using Clobex spray for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis include:

Mild side effects reported in people using Clobex shampoo for moderate to severe scalp psoriasis include:

  • treatment site reactions, such as:
    • burning
    • itching
    • irritation
    • dryness
  • hair loss
  • spider veins*
  • thinning skin
  • headache

Mild side effects reported in people using Clobex lotion for dermatoses include:

  • treatment site reactions, such as:
    • burning
    • itching
    • irritation
    • dryness
  • thinning skin
  • spider veins*

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Clobex treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Also note that wrapping the treatment site with any sort of dressing may raise the risk of developing treatment site reactions. Because of this, wrapping an area of skin treated with Clobex is not recommended unless directed by your doctor.

Clobex may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Serious side effects have been reported with Clobex spray, shampoo, and lotion. These include endocrine system changes (see “Side effects explained” below).

If you develop serious side effects while taking Clobex, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Clobex, visit MedWatch.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Clobex can cause an allergic reaction.

But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of Clobex spray, shampoo, and lotion.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Clobex treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Clobex, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Clobex’s side effects.

How do side effects of Clobex lotion compare with those seen with clobetasol propionate ointment for lichen sclerosus?

Clobetasol propionate is the active ingredient in both Clobex lotion and clobetasol propionate ointment. Both medications are also approved to treat dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus.

These medications have similar side effects because they have the same active ingredient. Both can cause burning, itching, and irritation at the treatment site. Spider veins and skin thinning can also occur.

Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about expected side effects with use of Clobex or clobetasol propionate ointment.

Does Clobex cause long-term side effects?

It’s possible. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re using a drug, even if you’ve used it for a long time. They also include side effects that may not go away, even after you stop using the drug.

Most of Clobex’s side effects are temporary and go away shortly after you start or stop Clobex treatment.

Examples of possible long-term side effects reported in studies of Clobex spray, shampoo, and lotion include:

Talk with your doctor to learn more about possible side effects of Clobex and how long they may last.

Can Clobex cause weight gain?

No. This wasn’t a side effect reported in clinical studies of Clobex spray, shampoo, or lotion.

However, weight changes may occur as a result of certain endocrine system effects caused by using topical Clobex. This is a serious and uncommon side effect of using topical Clobex. It happens because Clobex can be absorbed into your body through your skin. See the “Side effects explained” section for more information.

Talk with your doctor if you have additional questions about what to expect with Clobex treatment.

Learn more about some of the side effects Clobex may cause.

Endocrine system changes

Endocrine system changes were an uncommon side effect reported in studies of Clobex spray, shampoo, and lotion. Your endocrine system consists of many organs and glands, such as your adrenal gland and pancreas. These organs and glands communicate with one another by producing certain hormones, including cortisol and insulin.

Topical Clobex can affect the production of these hormones. This is because topical Clobex can be absorbed into your body through your skin.

Certain factors may raise your risk of developing endocrine system changes. These include:

  • applying steroids over a large area of your body
  • using stronger steroids
  • using steroids for a longer period of time

Using multiple steroids at the same time can also raise this risk.

Endocrine system changes may result in the development of certain conditions, such as:

  • Adrenal insufficiency: This condition, also called Addison’s disease, occurs when your adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Adrenal insufficiency symptoms may include weight loss, muscle weakness, and tiredness.
  • Cushing syndrome: This is a condition caused by having too much cortisol, which is hormone made by your adrenal glands. Cushing syndrome symptoms may include easy bruising, high blood pressure, tiredness, muscle weakness, and weight gain.
  • Increased blood sugar levels: Topical Clobex may affect your blood sugar levels. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels may lead to diabetes. Symptoms of increased blood sugar levels may include tiredness, headaches, blurred vision, frequent urination, and increased thirst.

What might help

Talk with your doctor about all your medical conditions and the medications you take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Your doctor will help determine whether Clobex is the right treatment for you.

Use Clobex as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest period of time to manage your condition. Talk with your doctor right away if you develop any side effects of endocrine system changes.

Spider veins

Spider veins are a common side effect reported in studies of Clobex shampoo and lotion. This is a condition that causes abnormal changes in blood vessels. The symptoms include

  • weblike, discolored marks or patterns on your skin
  • itching

What might help

Use Clobex as prescribed. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage for the shortest period of time to manage your condition. This will lower your risk of developing side effects. Talk with your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of blood vessel changes.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Clobex treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Clobex affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Clobex.

Warnings

Clobex can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Clobex is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Clobex. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.