Advantan

What is Advantan?

Advantan is a prescription medicine applied to the skin. It contains the active substance methylprednisolone aceponate, a synthetic corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are substances related to hormones naturally produced by the body. When applied to inflamed skin, they reduce redness, swelling, irritation, and itching. Advantan is intended for short-term treatment of inflammatory skin conditions where milder treatments are not sufficient.

The medicine is available in several formulations, including cream, ointment, fatty ointment, and emulsion. The choice of formulation depends on the skin type, the location of the affected area, and the nature of the inflammation.

Advantan does not cure chronic skin conditions. It is used to control symptoms during flare-ups and to restore skin stability under medical supervision.

What is it used for?

Advantan is prescribed for inflammatory skin conditions that respond to corticosteroids. These include:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Irritant contact dermatitis
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Certain localised forms of psoriasis
• Other non-infectious inflammatory skin disorders as assessed by a physician

These conditions often cause redness, itching, swelling, scaling, or thickened skin. In many patients, symptoms occur in episodes or flare-ups.

Advantan is typically used during active inflammation. Once symptoms improve, treatment is usually reduced or stopped. Long-term continuous use is generally avoided unless specifically advised by a physician.

For many inflammatory skin conditions, treatment also includes regular use of emollients (moisturisers) to support the skin barrier. Corticosteroids control inflammation, while moisturisers help restore and protect the skin.

How does it work?

The active ingredient, methylprednisolone aceponate, works by reducing inflammation in the skin.

When the skin becomes irritated or inflamed, the immune system releases substances that cause redness, itching, and swelling. Advantan reduces the production and activity of these inflammatory substances. This leads to:

• Reduced redness
• Less swelling
• Decreased itching
• Relief of skin discomfort

It also narrows small blood vessels in the affected area, which helps reduce visible inflammation.

When used as prescribed, Advantan mainly works locally in the skin. However, if applied over large areas, for prolonged periods, or under airtight dressings, more of the medicine can be absorbed into the body. In rare cases, excessive use may affect the body’s natural hormone balance. For this reason, treatment duration and application area are carefully evaluated by a physician.

Who should not use Advantan?

Advantan should not be used in the following situations:

• Allergy to methylprednisolone aceponate or any of the ingredients
• Untreated bacterial skin infections
• Viral skin infections such as herpes simplex, shingles, or chickenpox
• Fungal skin infections without appropriate antifungal treatment
• Tuberculosis affecting the skin
• Syphilitic skin lesions
• Rosacea on the face
• Perioral dermatitis
• Skin reactions following vaccination in the affected area

Caution is required when using Advantan:

• On the face
• Around the eyes
• In infants and young children
• On large skin areas
• Under occlusive (airtight) dressings
• For extended treatment periods

A licensed physician will assess whether Advantan is appropriate based on your medical history and current symptoms.

Dosage and use

Advantan must be used exactly as prescribed by a physician.

It is generally applied as a thin layer to the affected skin once daily, unless otherwise directed. The exact duration and formulation depend on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, patient age, and treatment response.

Treatment is usually limited to the shortest duration necessary to control inflammation. Once improvement occurs, the physician may recommend reducing frequency or discontinuing treatment. This approach helps minimise the risk of side effects.

The medicine should be applied to clean, dry skin. Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Do not cover treated areas with airtight dressings unless specifically instructed.

If symptoms do not improve within the expected timeframe, medical reassessment is necessary.

Possible side effects of Advantan

Like all corticosteroids applied to the skin, Advantan may cause side effects, particularly if used for prolonged periods or on sensitive areas.

Possible local side effects include:

• Burning or stinging sensation
• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Skin thinning (atrophy)
• Stretch marks (striae)
• Visible small blood vessels
• Acne-like reactions
• Changes in skin pigmentation

Long-term or inappropriate use increases the likelihood of these effects.

Rarely, if large amounts are absorbed through the skin, systemic effects may occur. These are uncommon when the medicine is used according to medical instructions.

If signs of infection develop during treatment, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, medical advice should be sought.

Important safety information

Advantan is intended for short-term control of inflammatory flare-ups. It is not designed for continuous long-term maintenance without medical supervision.

Responsible use of topical corticosteroids involves:

• Using the lowest effective strength
• Limiting treatment duration
• Avoiding unnecessary large-area application
• Regular medical evaluation when repeated courses are required

In chronic conditions such as eczema, flare management often involves alternating between corticosteroids during active inflammation and moisturisers during stable phases.

Use on the face requires particular caution because facial skin is thinner and more sensitive to corticosteroids. Prolonged use in this area increases the risk of skin thinning.

Avoid applying Advantan near the eyes. Long-term exposure near the eye area may increase the risk of eye-related complications.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, topical corticosteroids should only be used if clearly indicated. Large-area and prolonged use should be avoided. Do not apply to the breast area during breastfeeding.

Because Advantan primarily acts locally, interactions with other systemic medicines are unlikely. However, concurrent use of other topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressive treatments should only occur under medical supervision.

When to seek medical help

Seek medical advice if:

• Symptoms worsen or fail to improve
• Signs of skin infection appear
• Severe irritation develops
• Skin becomes unusually thin or fragile
• You experience visual disturbances when using the product near the eyes

Urgent medical attention is required if symptoms of a severe allergic reaction occur, such as swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash.