HYDROCORTISONE VALERATE 2 mg/g Cream
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
- It's designed to calm down inflammation — so the redness, swelling, and itching that come with conditions like eczema should ease up, usually within a few days of consistent use. I...
- What exactly is this cream supposed to do for my skin?
- That's a really important question. Hydrocortisone is generally meant for short courses — typically a few weeks. Long-term or widespread use can cause side effects like skin thinni...
- How long can I keep using it? Is it okay to use every day long-term?
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Hydrocortisone may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII 4Q93RCW27E
A synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid that's crosslinked for stability. It acts as a thickener and gelling agent in creams and gels, helping the medicine spread evenly and maintain its texture.
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Methylparaben is a preservative derived from benzoic acid that prevents growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold in medicines. It extends the product's shelf life and maintains safety during storage.
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Petrolatum is a purified mineral oil-based jelly derived from petroleum. In medicines, it acts as an emollient, lubricant, and moisture barrier to soften skin, reduce friction, and help prevent water loss from formulations.
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Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
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A mineral salt derived from phosphoric acid, used as a buffer to maintain the pH balance of the medication and help stabilize the active ingredients.
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A synthetic emulsifier and surfactant derived from stearic acid. It helps oils and water mix together in liquid medicines and creams, and improves how the product spreads and feels on the skin.
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UNII V56DFE46J5
Steareth-2 is a synthetic emulsifier made from stearic acid and ethylene oxide. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in the formulation and may improve how the medicine spreads or dissolves.
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UNII 2KR89I4H1Y
Stearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from natural oils or made synthetically. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping mix ingredients together and give the product the right texture.
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Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
10 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.386 | $5.79 / 15 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.6219 | $9.33 / 15 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.6643 | $9.96 / 15 g |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/gthis 00713-0720-15 | Cosette | 1 tube | $0.386 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/g 51672-1290-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $0.386 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/g 68180-0954-01 | Lupin | 1 tube | $0.386 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| hydrocortisone valerate cream 2 mg/g 21922-0007-04 | Encube | 1 tube | $0.610 | AB | FDA listed | +58% |
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/g 00713-0560-15 | Cosette | 1 tube | $2.119 | AB | Availability likely | +449% |
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/g 51672-1292-01 | Sun | 1 tube | $2.119 | AB | Availability likely | +449% |
| Hydrocortisone Valerate 2 mg/g 68462-0836-17 | Glenmark | 1 tube | $2.796 | — | FDA listed | +624% |
| hydrocortisone valerate cream 2 mg/g 71335-2723-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| hydrocortisone valerate cream 2 mg/g 71335-2843-01 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| hydrocortisone valerate cream 2 mg/g 72162-2301-04 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00713-0720-15 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0713-0720-15) / 15 g in 1 TUBE | $0.3862 / g | $5.79 | 2021-07-01 | Active |
| 00713-0720-37 | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0713-0720-37) / 45 g in 1 TUBE | $0.2185 / g | $9.83 | 2021-07-01 | Active |
| 00713-0720-60 | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (0713-0720-60) / 60 g in 1 TUBE | $0.2698 / g | $16.19 | 2021-07-01 | Active |
Per g, this pack runs about 77% above the cheapest pack (NDC 00713-0720-37, $0.2185 vs $0.3862 NADAC).
In Medicaid, this is the most-dispensed pack of this product — about 54% of fills over the last four reported quarters. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 00713-0720-15?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of HYDROCORTISONE VALERATE 2 mg/g Cream?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% is a medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses in adult patients.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% should be applied to the affected area as a thin film two or three times daily depending on the severity of the condition. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary.
Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% should not be applied in the diaper area if the patient requires diapers or plastic pants as these garments may constitute occlusive dressing.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae, and miliaria. In controlled clinical studies involving pediatric patients one month to 2 years of age (n=29), the incidence of adverse experiences, regardless of relationship to the use of hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2%, was approximately 21%.
Reported reactions included stinging (10%), eczema (7%), fungal infection (3%), and gastrointestinal disorder (3%). In controlled clinical studies involving pediatric patients 2 to 12 years of age (n=153), the incidence of adverse experiences, regardless of relationship to the use of hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2%, was approximately 10%. Reported reactions included stinging (3%), burning skin (2%), infection (Body as a Whole) (2%).
Skin irritation, eczema, pruritus, application site reaction, rash, rash maculopapular, and dry skin were all reported at incidences of approximately 1%. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-922-1038 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects, Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. Dermal embryofetal developmental studies were conducted in rabbits and rats with hydrocortisone valerate cream, 0.2%.
Hydrocortisone valerate cream, 0.2%, was administered topically for 4 hours/day, rather than the preferred 24 hours/day, during the period of organogenesis in rats (gestational days 5-16) and rabbits (gestational days 6-19). Topical doses of hydrocortisone valerate up to 9 mg/kg/day (54 mg/m 2 /day) were administered to rats and 5 mg/kg/day (60 mg/m 2 /day) were administered to rabbits. In the absence of maternal toxicity, a significant increase in delayed skeletal ossification in fetuses was noted at 9 mg/kg/day [2.5X the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) based on body surface area (BSA) comparisons] in the rat study.
No malformations in the fetuses were noted at 9 mg/kg/day (2.5X MRHD based on BSA comparisons) in the rat study. Indicators of embryofetal toxicity, significant decrease in fetal weight at 2 mg/kg/day (1X MRHD based on BSA) and a significant increase in post-implantation loss and embryo resorption at 5 mg/kg (3X MRHD based on BSA), were noted in the rabbit study. A significant increase in delayed skeletal ossification in fetuses was noted at 5 mg/kg/day (3X the MRHD based on BSA comparisons) in the rabbit study.
Increased numbers of fetal malformations (e.g., cleft palate, omphalocele and clubbed feet) were noted at 5 mg/kg/day (3X MRHD based on BSA comparisons) in the rabbit study. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety of this product in pediatric patients has not been established. There is no data on adrenal suppression and/or growth suppression. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing’s syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids.
They are therefore also at a greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. (See PRECAUTIONS ) HPA axis suppression, Cushing’s syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids.
Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels, and an absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
Geriatric Use Clinical studies of hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects (see PRECAUTIONS ).
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Like other topical corticosteroids, hydrocortisone valerate has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins.
It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 . Pharmacokinetics The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier.
Occlusive dressings with hydrocortisone for up to 24 hours have not been demonstrated to increase penetration; however, occlusion of hydrocortisone for 96 hours markedly enhances penetration. Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption.
Studies performed with hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% indicate that it is in the medium range of potency as compared with other topical corticosteroids.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Hydrocortisone Valerate Cream USP, 0.2%, is supplied in the following tube sizes: 15 g NDC 0713-0720-15 45 g NDC 0713-0720-37 60 g NDC 0713-0720-60 STORAGE Store between 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% contains hydrocortisone valerate, 11,2l-dihydroxy-17-[(l-oxopentyl)oxy]-(11β)-pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. Chemically, hydrocortisone valerate is C 26 H 38 O 6 .
It has the following structural formula: Hydrocortisone valerate has a molecular weight of 446.58. It is a white to off white, crystalline powder, soluble in ethanol, chloroform and acetone, slightly soluble in isopropanol and insoluble in water. Each gram of hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% contains 2mg hydrocortisone valerate in a hydrophilic base composed of carbomer 980, dibasic sodium phosphate, methylparaben, polyoxyl 2 stearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium lauryl sulfate, steareth-100, stearyl alcohol and white petrolatum. chem-structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. The treated skin area should not be bandaged, otherwise covered or wrapped, so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.
Hydrocortisone valerate cream USP, 0.2% should not be applied in the diaper areas as diapers or plastic pants may constitute occlusive dressings. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .) This medication should not be used on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by the physician. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved.
If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact the physician.