Is it safe to use Flutivate during pregnancy?

Q: I am in my 3rd trimester and have developed an itchy skin and rashes all over. The doctor prescribed 2 creams - Flutivate and Diagla mixed together and to be applied wherever there is itching. I applied this for a week and then read that Flutivate should not be used in pregnancy. I am now very scared. Will it adversely affect my baby?

A:Flutivate is the brand name; it contains fluticasone, a steroid. Oral use of this drug should be avoided since its safety during pregnancy in humans has not been established (which does not mean that it will cause any toxicity). Its topical use is not of concern because hardly any amount is absorbed. Hence nothing to worry.