TARGETS:

BENEFITS:

Inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme that produces melanin.

Promotes the degradation of melanosomes.

Melasma

Lentigines (i.e. sun spots, freckles, age spots)

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (e.g. dark spots left by acne)

SIDE EFFECTS:

Possible side effects include redness, dryness, peeling, itching, burning, and irritation at the application side. Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a blue-black discoloration of the skin. The risk of ochronosis increases with prolonged use of hydroquinone and continued sun-exposure. To avoid this, periodic breaks from hydroquinone are needed. Always make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on use. There have been no reported incidences of cancer from topical application of hydroquinone in humans. Though health concerns are related to oral ingestion of hydroquinone, concerns over topical toxicity and carcinogenesis have been raised but not validated when the product is used correctly as directed under the supervision of an appropriately trained, licensed physician.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Contact your dermatology provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Is hydroquinone cream safe?
  Though not common, some people have reported serious side effects from using hydroquinone cream, including rashes, swelling of the face, and blue-black skin discoloration. Because of this, you should only use hydroquinone cream if you're under the care of a healthcare provider. Typically, your provider will only prescribe hydroquinone cream to you for a short period of time. Talk with your provider if you have questions about the safety of hydroquinone cream.

• How long does it take for hydroquinone cream to work?
  When you first start hydroquinone cream, your provider will typically ask you to use this medication for 2-3 months. If you don't notice any improvements on your dark spots after this time, your provider will talk with you about other treatment options. Have a discussion with your provider about how long you should use hydroquinone cream before you start treatment. This medication is only meant to be used short-term to lower the risk of serious side effects, like rash and skin discoloration.

• Does hydroquinone cream cause cancer?
  It's not clear whether hydroquinone cream will cause cancer in humans. But animal studies show that hydroquinone cream can cause cancer in animals. Keep in mind that hydroquinone cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and cause you to absorb more ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To much exposure to UV rays can raise the risk of skin cancer. If you're concerned about your risk of cancer while using hydroquinone cream, talk to your healthcare provider.

• Is hydroquinone cream a steroid?
  No hydroquinone cream isn't a steroid, it's depigmenting agent. It lightens your skin by preventing your body from making the pigment melanin. Some of the side effects that you might experience with hydroquinone cream are similar to some side effects of topical steroids, such as skin redness and discoloration.

• Is hydroquinone cream safe to use during pregnancy?
  Hydroquinone cream should be avoided in pregnancy. There aren't any studies that looked at the safety of using hydroquinone cream during pregnancy, so it's unknown if the medication can cause harm to your unborn baby. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about safer alternatives to use during pregnancy.

• How Hydroquinone cream works?
  Hydroquinone cream is a depigmenting agent used to lighten skin color. It temporarily blocks your body from making melanin, a type of pigment that gives your skin its color.