Fusidic Acid 2% Cream (Fucidin) 15g

Fusidic acid 2% cream (Fucidin) is a prescription-only antibiotic cream. At Ways Pharmacy it is used for a small area of impetigo when hydrogen peroxide 1% antiseptic cream — the usual first treatment — is not suitable or has not worked. It is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed the sores and confirmed that an antibiotic cream is appropriate. Keeping antibiotic creams for when they are really needed helps reduce antibiotic resistance.

How to access this medicine

1. Choose and pay. Check out with the cream.
2. Online health questionnaire and ID check. After payment you complete a short questionnaire and confirm your identity by uploading photo ID or showing it on a video call. You also upload clear photos of the sores.
3. Pharmacist speaks with you. A GPhC-registered pharmacist contacts you by phone or video to go through your answers and confirm whether this medicine is suitable. Children aged 1 and over can be treated through the online service, but a parent or guardian must be present on the video call.
4. If suitable, supplied the same day. Orders approved by 3pm on a weekday are posted the same day (see our shipping policy), or you can collect from Holborn once approved. If the medicine is not suitable — including when the pharmacist recommends self-care instead — you receive a full refund.

There is no separate consultation fee. If the medicine you chose is not suitable, the pharmacist may suggest another option.

About this medicine

Antiseptic first, antibiotic if needed

In line with NICE guidance, our pharmacists normally offer hydrogen peroxide 1% cream (Crystacide) first for a small area of impetigo. Fusidic acid is the alternative when hydrogen peroxide is unsuitable, has not worked, or the pharmacist's assessment shows an antibiotic cream is needed. If you order fusidic acid and hydrogen peroxide is more appropriate, the pharmacist will explain the options.

Dosage

• Adults and children aged 1 and over: apply a thin layer to the sores 3 times a day for 5 days
• Gently clean the sores with soap and water and pat dry before applying; wash your hands before and after
• One tube is supplied for each episode. If the sores have not improved within 3 to 5 days, you need a new assessment rather than a repeat supply
• Do not use it for longer than advised, as this increases the risk of resistance

Stay off school, nursery or work until 48 hours after starting treatment. Do not share towels, flannels or bedding.

Warnings and who should not take this medicine

• Babies under 1 year old
• Large fluid-filled blisters (bullous impetigo), 4 or more sores or patches, or infection that is spreading quickly
• Fever, feeling unwell, or skin around the sores that is hot, swollen, red and painful (possible cellulitis)
• Sores on or right next to the eye, or open wounds in the area
• Impetigo twice or more in the past 12 months, or treatment for this episode has already failed
• A weakened immune system, or eczema, chickenpox or scabies in the same area
• Anyone allergic to fusidic acid or any ingredient in the cream
• Tell the pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Call 999 or go to A&E for signs of sepsis, such as confusion, very fast breathing, mottled or very pale skin, or a rash that does not fade when pressed.

Possible side effects

Mild irritation, burning, stinging, itching, redness or a rash where the cream is applied. Stop using it and get medical advice if the skin reaction is severe or the infection gets worse, and get urgent help for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing.

More about our impetigo service.

Regulatory information

• Legal status: Prescription-only medicine (POM), supplied under a Patient Group Direction after pharmacist assessment
• Pharmacy: Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET · GPhC-registered premises 9012227
• Patient information leaflet: electronic Medicines Compendium (emc)
• Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme

This page gives factual information about a prescription-only medicine and is not an advertisement to the public. It is supplied only after a pharmacist has assessed that it is suitable for you.