TheraRadar
Data updated: Jun 17, 2026

TRI-LUMA (fluocinolone acetonide)

Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists
Dermatology Approved 2002-01-18

TRI-LUMA Cream is a triple-combination product containing fluocinolone acetonide (corticosteroid), hydroquinone (melanin synthesis inhibitor), and tretinoin (retinoid). It is indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma of the face and must be used in conjunction with sun avoidance measures, such as sunscreen. It is not indicated for maintenance therapy, as melasma typically recurs after treatment is discontinued. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI, or in pregnant and nursing women.

Source: FDA Label • GALDERMA LABS LP • Corticosteroid

How TRI-LUMA Works

The exact mechanism of action of the active ingredients in TRI-LUMA Cream for the treatment of melasma is unknown. The formulation combines the anti-inflammatory effects of a corticosteroid (fluocinolone acetonide), the depigmenting effects of a melanin synthesis inhibitor (hydroquinone), and the keratolytic effects of a retinoid (tretinoin).

1
Indication
--
Phase 3 Trials
24
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2002-01-18
Routes
TOPICAL
Dosage Forms
CREAM

Companies

TRI-LUMA Approval History

2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
7 FDA actions from 2002 to 2015
Jan 2015 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Nov 2014 SUPPL
Mfg · Manufacturing (CMC)
Mar 2014 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What TRI-LUMA Treats

1 indications

TRI-LUMA is approved for 1 conditions since its original approval in 2002. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Melasma
Source: FDA Label

GALDERMA LABS LP's other novel FDA approvals

Other CDER-designated drugs from the same sponsor (2016–2025).

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Clinical Trial Registry

5 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT05844982 AL Protocol AL UG1EY014231 Ph 3 recruiting Intravitreal Faricimab Injections or Fluocinolone Acetonide (0.19 mg) Intravitreal Implants vs Observation for Prevention of VA Loss Due to Radiation Retinopathy
NCT01781936 Iluvien Pro00033019 Ph 1 completed Pilot Study of a Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Insert (FA-i) to Treat Intermediate-, Posterior-, or Panuveitis
NCT00695318 results posted C-01-08-004 Ph 2 terminated Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Inserts in Geographic Atrophy
NCT00770770 FAVOR results posted C-01-08-006 Ph 2 terminated Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Inserts for Vein Occlusion in Retina
NCT01304706 results posted C-01-11-008 Ph 3 completed Fluocinolone Acetonide in Diabetic Macular Edema (FAME) Extension Study
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Active Pipeline

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Ongoing clinical trials by development phase

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

TRI-LUMA FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

TRI-LUMA is indicated for the treatment of Melasma.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.