HOE Fobancort Cream

HOE Fobancort Cream is a combination topical medicine containing Fusidic Acid 2% and Betamethasone, formulated as a cream base for the short-term treatment of inflamed skin conditions that are also infected or at risk of bacterial infection, such as infected eczema or infected dermatitis. Fusidic acid is a potent topical antibiotic active against Staphylococcus aureus and other susceptible bacteria, while betamethasone is a potent corticosteroid that reduces the redness, swelling, itching, and inflammation associated with the affected skin.

As a prescription-only medicine in Malaysia, HOE Fobancort Cream should only be used under a doctor’s guidance, applied to a clearly defined area of infected, inflamed skin for a limited duration. Because it combines a potent steroid with an antibiotic, it is not intended for long-term or unsupervised use, and a doctor’s assessment helps ensure the cream is appropriate for the specific skin condition being treated.

Fusidic acid works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping susceptible bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus from multiplying and helping clear the underlying skin infection, while betamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, suppresses the local inflammatory and immune response in the skin, reducing redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort. Together, the combination treats both the infection and the inflammation driving the skin condition at the same time.

HOE Fobancort Cream should only be applied as directed by a doctor, typically as a thin layer over the affected area after the skin has been gently cleaned and dried. Hands should be washed before and after application (unless the hands are the area being treated), and the cream should not be applied to broken skin, open wounds, or near the eyes, mouth, or mucous membranes unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

The cream is generally applied thinly to the affected area two to three times daily, or as prescribed, for a short course usually not exceeding one to two weeks unless a doctor advises a longer duration. Treatment duration and frequency should not be extended beyond what is prescribed, as prolonged use of the corticosteroid component can lead to skin thinning and other local side effects.

HOE Fobancort Cream is typically valid for up to 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture when unopened and stored correctly; once opened, it is generally advisable to use the cream within a few months, and the exact expiry date should always be checked on the tube and carton before use.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the tube tightly closed after each use to prevent contamination. Keep out of reach and sight of children, and discard the cream if it is past its expiry date or shows signs of separation or discolouration.

• Known hypersensitivity to fusidic acid, betamethasone, or any ingredient in the cream
• Untreated bacterial, viral (such as herpes or chickenpox), or fungal skin infections not covered by the antibiotic component
• Acne vulgaris, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
• Use on the face for prolonged periods without close medical supervision
• Application to broken skin, open wounds, or ulcerated areas unless specifically directed by a doctor

• Concurrent use with other topical corticosteroids on the same area may increase the risk of skin thinning and should be avoided unless directed by a doctor
• Occlusive dressings over the treated area can increase systemic absorption of betamethasone and should only be used if specifically advised
• Extensive application over large areas or broken skin may increase systemic absorption, particularly relevant in children
• No clinically significant oral drug interactions are expected with normal topical use, but a doctor or pharmacist should be informed of all other topical treatments being used

• Apply only a thin layer to the affected area — using more than needed does not improve results and increases the risk of side effects.
• Wash your hands before and after applying the cream, unless the hands themselves are the area being treated.
• Do not use the cream for longer than your doctor has prescribed, as extended use of the steroid component can thin the skin.
• Avoid covering the treated area with an airtight or occlusive dressing unless your doctor specifically advises it.
• Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, or on open wounds and broken skin.
• Follow up with your doctor if the skin condition does not improve, or looks worse, within the prescribed treatment period.
• Avoid using other topical steroid or antibiotic creams on the same area at the same time unless your doctor directs you to.
• Keep the tube tightly closed in a cool, dry place, and discard it once past the expiry date or once opened for more than a few months.

HOE Fobancort Cream is a prescription-only combination antibiotic-corticosteroid cream in Malaysia, and DoctorOnCall requires an online medical consultation so a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and appropriateness of use before it is dispensed. It is intended for short-term use on a clearly defined infected, inflamed area, and patients should follow up with their doctor if the condition does not improve within the prescribed treatment period or worsens at any point.