Description
How it works
Fucibet contains two active ingredients that work together:
- Fusidic acid (2%) – an antibiotic
- Targets bacteria on the skin, especially Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of infected eczema.
- Stops the bacteria from making proteins they need to grow, so they can’t multiply and spread.
- Betamethasone valerate (0.1%) – a potent corticosteroid (steroid)
- Strong anti-inflammatory steroid.
- Reduces redness, swelling and itching by blocking the release of inflammatory chemicals and narrowing widened blood vessels in the skin.
Together, they:
- Treat bacterial infection in the skin
- Quickly reduce inflammation, redness, and itch from eczema or dermatitis
- Help the skin to heal and feel more comfortable
- The antibiotic kills the bacteria that is causing the infection, while the corticosteroid reduces swelling, redness and itchiness in your skin.
Who it may be suitable for
From the SmPC and UK references, this cream is indicated for:
- Adults and children over 1 year of age
- With eczema or dermatitis that is:
- Inflamed, red and itchy, and
- Confirmed or suspected to be infected with bacteria (e.g. weeping, yellow crusts, sudden worsening)
Typical situations where Fucibet may be used:
- Infected atopic eczema (including patches that have become weepy or crusted)
- Contact eczema that has become infected
- Other eczematous dermatoses with secondary bacterial infection (e.g. discoid eczema, stasis eczema, seborrhoeic eczema)
On 24 HR Pharmacy, Fucibet appears under Eczema → Prescription Only Medicines → Skin Health, and is used specifically where eczema or dermatitis is both inflamed and infected.
You’ll complete an online eczema consultation so a prescriber can confirm that:
- A bacterial infection is likely, and
- A potent steroid + antibiotic is appropriate and safe for you.
Who it may not be suitable for
From the SmPC and clinical guidance, do not use Fucibet:
- If you are allergic to fusidic acid, betamethasone valerate, or any ingredients (e.g. cetostearyl alcohol, chlorocresol).
- On children under 1 year.
- For non-infected eczema – it is not a general eczema cream.
- For any of these conditions (it can make them worse):
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth)
- Fungal infections (e.g. ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush)
- Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, warts)
Use only with medical advice if:
- You need to treat large areas of skin
- You have thin or delicate skin, especially on the face, genitals or skin folds
- You have psoriasis, diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding – see below
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Fucibet should be used only if clearly needed and on the advice of a doctor, in small amounts and for the shortest possible time.
- Breastfeeding: Can sometimes be used on small areas, but do not apply to the breasts, and always follow medical advice.
Side Effects
The main possible side effects are:
- Itchy rash and skin inflammation in the treated area
- Worsening of your eczema
- Burning feeling
- Itching
- Dry skin
- Application site pain
- Application site irritation
From the SmPC and other UK sources, most side effects are local skin reactions, especially if the cream is used for longer than recommended or on large areas:
Common local effects:
- Burning or stinging where the cream is applied
- Itching or irritation
- Redness or dryness
- Worsening of eczema in some cases
These are usually mild and short-lived. If they are severe or do not improve, you should stop using Fucibet and seek advice.
With longer or inappropriate use (steroid-related effects):
- Skin thinning (atrophy) and easy bruising
- Stretch marks (striae)
- Visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia)
- Changes in skin colour (lightening or darkening)
- Acne-like eruptions or worsening of psoriasis
- Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth)
Systemic steroid effects (rare, but more likely if used long-term on large areas or under occlusion, especially in children):
- Adrenal suppression and Cushing-like features (weight gain, “moon face”)
- Slowed growth in children
- Raised blood sugar or blood pressure
- Eye problems (blurred vision, glaucoma, cataracts)
Antibiotic-related concerns:
- Overuse or repeated courses can encourage antibiotic resistance, meaning fusidic acid may become less effective in the future.
Stop using Fucibet and get urgent medical help if you:
- Experience severe rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (possible allergic reaction)
- Notice severe burning, blistering, or oozing at the application site
- Develop worsening redness, pus or spreading infection despite using the cream
Side effects can also be reported to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme (details are in the Patient Information Leaflet).
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Key facts:
- Medicine name: Fucibet Cream
- Active ingredients (per 1 g of cream):
- Fusidic acid 20 mg (2%)
- Betamethasone 1 mg as betamethasone valerate 1.214 mg (0.1%)
- Type: combination of topical antibiotic + potent corticosteroid
- Indication: treatment of eczema and other eczematous dermatoses in adults and children over 1 year where there is confirmed or suspected bacterial infection with fusidic-acid-sensitive organisms.
- Form: white to off-white cream, for cutaneous (skin) use only
- Typical regimen: small quantity twice daily for up to 2 weeks
- Excipients with known effects:
- Cetostearyl alcohol – may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis)
- Chlorocresol – may cause allergic reactions
- Paraffin – fabrics that contact the cream can become more flammable (keep away from naked flames).
- Legal category: Prescription-only medicine (POM) in the UK.
- From 24 HR Pharmacy: orders approved before 3 pm (Mon–Fri) are usually dispatched the same day.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet before using this medicine.
Directions
Always use Fucibet exactly as your prescriber and the patient leaflet advise.
From the SmPC (fusidic acid/betamethasone 20 mg/g + 1 mg/g cream):
Usual dose (adults & children over 1 year)
- Apply a small amount of cream to the infected, inflamed area
- Twice daily (usually morning and evening)
- A single treatment course should not normally exceed 2 weeks
Your prescriber may recommend a shorter course in children (often around 5–7 days) and will advise if a repeat course is appropriate.
Step-by-step application
Based on the SmPC, PIL and UK pharmacy guidance:
- Prepare the skin
- Gently wash the area with water or a mild, soap-free cleanser.
- Pat dry – don’t scrub or pick at crusts.
- Apply a thin layer
- Squeeze a small amount onto a clean fingertip.
- Apply a thin film over the affected skin only – just enough to lightly cover it.
- Gently rub in until the cream disappears.
- After application
- Wash your hands (unless your hands are the area being treated).
- If you use moisturisers (emollients) as part of your eczema care, let Fucibet absorb fully (around 20–30 minutes) before applying them.
- How long to use it
- Keep using it for the full course prescribed, usually up to 14 days.
- Do not use continuously for more than 2 weeks without medical review – longer use increases the risk of steroid side effects and antibiotic resistance.
Important precautions
From the SmPC and NHS-style guidance:
- For skin use only – do not swallow or use in the eyes.
- Avoid use on:
- Face, genitals, or skin folds, unless specifically told by your doctor
- Broken skin, ulcers or open wounds
- Do not cover with airtight dressings (including cling film or very tight bandages) unless your doctor has told you to – this greatly increases absorption and side-effect risks.
- Do not use it as a general moisturiser or on large body areas.
- Do not use it to prevent infection – only for active, suspected bacterial infection.
Missed a dose?
The leaflet-style advice is simple:
- If you forget to apply Fucibet,
- Apply it as soon as you remember, then
- Continue with your usual twice-daily schedule.
- If it’s almost time for your next application, skip the missed one and just apply at the usual time.
- Do not apply extra cream or “double up” to make up for a missed dose – this increases the chance of irritation and steroid side effects without improving the infection.
If you repeatedly forget doses and your skin is not improving, speak to your doctor or prescriber for advice.
FAQs
What is Fucibet used for?
Fucibet is used to treat eczema or dermatitis that is both inflamed and infected with bacteria. It combines Fusidic acid, an antibiotic that targets the bacteria, and Betamethasone valerate, a potent steroid that reduces redness, swelling, and itching. It is not intended for ordinary, non-infected eczema, acne, rosacea, or fungal/viral infections.
How long can I use Fucibet for?
The SmPC states that a single treatment course should not normally exceed 2 weeks. In children, a shorter course is often used (around 5–7 days, as advised by the prescriber). If there is no clear improvement within this time, or if your symptoms worsen, you should be reviewed by a doctor or prescriber.
Can Fucibet be used on the face?
Generally no, unless a doctor specifically advises it and only for a very short period. Facial skin is thinner and more prone to side effects like skin thinning, visible veins, and steroid-induced rashes. Because Fucibet is a combination of a potent steroid and an antibiotic, it is usually reserved for short courses on body areas rather than long-term facial use.
Does Fucibet treat fungal or viral infections (like ringworm or cold sores)?
No. Fucibet only treats bacterial infections and is not effective against fungal infections (such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, or thrush) or viral infections (such as cold sores, herpes, warts, chickenpox, or shingles). Using it for these conditions can actually worsen or mask the infection.
Is Fucibet suitable for long-term use?
No. It is designed for short-term courses only (up to 2 weeks). Long-term or frequent repeated use increases the risk of skin thinning, stretch marks, steroid withdrawal reactions, and antibiotic resistance. For ongoing eczema control, doctors usually recommend regular emollients and, if needed, intermittent use of other treatments.
Can I use moisturisers or other eczema creams with Fucibet?
Yes—in fact, moisturisers are important. Apply Fucibet first in a thin layer to the infected area and allow it to absorb fully for about 20–30 minutes. Then, apply your usual emollient around and over the area. Avoid using other steroid or antibiotic creams on the same area at the same time unless your prescriber has specifically advised this.
Can I use Fucibet while pregnant or breastfeeding?
In pregnancy, Fucibet is not usually considered first-line treatment; it should only be used if your doctor feels the benefits outweigh any potential risks, and then only in small amounts for short periods. If used while breastfeeding, you must avoid applying the cream to the breasts and keep treatment to small areas for a short time. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, please tell your prescriber during your 24 HR Pharmacy consultation so they can choose the safest option for you.
How do I get Fucibet from 24 HR Pharmacy?
To order, visit the Fucibet product page on 24 HR Pharmacy and click “Start Eczema Consultation.” Complete the secure online medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber; if Fucibet is appropriate for your condition, they will issue a private prescription. Approved orders placed before 3 pm (Mon–Fri) are usually dispatched the same day.
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