Nuvari
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Hydroquinone (Topical) Side Effects, Dosing and Safety

Important Safety Information

GLOW Protocol

Contraindications

Prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or to any of the ingredients of the product. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or for children (12 years and under) has not been established.

Full prescribing information

Transcribed word for word from the FDA label for HYDROQUINONE 4% (hydroquinone, topical), effective July 10, 2026. Source details

Indications

HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAM is indicated for the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.

Warnings and Precautions

Since this product contains no sunscreen, an effective broad spectrum sun blocking agent should be used and unnecessary solar exposure avoided, or protective clothing should be worn to cover bleached skin in order to prevent repigmentation from occurring. Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. If this condition occurs, discontinue treatment and consult your physician. The majority of patients developing this condition are Black, but it may also occur in Caucasians and Hispanics.

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse reactions have been reported: dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbital areas, erythema, and stinging. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may develop. If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately.

Drug Interactions

- Patients are cautioned on concomitant use of medications that are known to be photosensitizing.

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C - Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Pregnancy Category C - Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed. Teratogenic Effects: Nursing Mothers - It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when topical hydroquinone is administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use - Safety and effectiveness for pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.

Source

Every clinical sentence on this page is transcribed word for word from the U.S. FDA prescribing information for the product below. Nothing is summarised or rewritten. Sections describing the approved product's dosage forms, administration devices, packaging and storage are not included, because Nuvari dispenses a compounded formulation.

FDA label
HYDROQUINONE 4% (hydroquinone, topical)
Label effective date
July 10, 2026
Retrieved
August 16, 2026
SPL set id
595dfc50-ee6f-41b5-ab5b-4c293aee342b
Source system
openFDA drug/label (api.fda.gov) — U.S. FDA structured product labeling
Read the full label
DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine