Drug Name

Benoquin Cream 20% (monobenzone topical)

Drug Uses

Benoquin Cream is used to permanently depigment (lighten) skin in people with a condition called vitiligo. Depigmenting (lightening) darker skin around areas of skin affected by vitiligo helps even out the coloring and appearance of the skin.

Benoquin Cream is not for treating freckles, cafe-au-lait spots, sun damage, melanoma, jaundice, or other pigmentation disorders not caused by vitiligo.

Benoquin Cream may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

It may take up to 4 months of treatment with monobenzone to complete the depigmentation of treated skin. Tell your doctor if your condition does not begin to improve after a month of using this medication.

Skin treated with monobenzone may be especially sensitive to sunlight or irritation for the rest of your life.

Using monobenzone may also cause changes in the color of your untreated skin. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about possible depigmentation of other skin areas not affected by vitiligo.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Benoquin Cream (for the skin) is a depigmenting agent. It works by increasing the amount of skin pigment molecules (melanin) eliminated from skin cells in the body.

Missed Dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Benoquin Cream at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Benoquin Cream. Do not use Benoquin Cream on any areas that are not affected by vitiligo.

Monobenzone is not to be used as a cosmetic bleaching agent.

Before using Benoquin Cream, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether monobenzone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using monobenzone and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation, burning, swelling, or itching.
Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin irritation;
• mild skin redness or itching; or
• mild swelling of treated skin.

More Information

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of monobenzone applied to the skin is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.