Betamethasone belongs to a group of medicines called "topical steroids". It helps relieve inflammation, redness and itching that may occur with certain skin problems, such as psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales) and eczema (a skin condition characterised by patches of red and itchy skin).
This medicine is classified as a moderate to very potent topical steroid. Your doctor will decide the appropriate potency of topical steroid for your condition.
Apply Betamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often, over a larger area, or for a longer period than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine is available as a cream, ointment, gel, lotion, and foam.
If you are using the cream, ointment, gel, or lotion, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Clean and dry the affected area before application.
- Apply a thin layer of cream, ointment, gel, or lotion to the affected area(s) and rub gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Wash your hands after using.
- Replace the cap of the tube.
If you are using the foam, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands.
- Turn the container upside-down and put a small amount of the preparation onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not place it directly into your hands.
- Apply a thin layer of this medicine to the affected area(s). Rub gently on the scalp until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
- Wash your hands after using.
Avoid contact with eyes or mouth. Rinse immediately with water if this medicine gets into your eyes or mouth. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.
Do not use with occlusive dressing unless instructed by the doctor.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication. Do not use Betamethasone longer than prescribed.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens during treatment.
If you are using Betamethasone for a long time, do not stop using this medicine suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Once your skin condition starts to get better, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- untreated skin infection caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses
- acne (also known as pimple)
- rosacea (skin flushing or blushing usually around your nose and cheeks)
- spotty red rashes of the skin around your mouth
- itching of the skin around your anus or genitals
- itchy skin without inflammation
as Betamethasone may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of local allergic reactions to other steroids.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Betamethasone to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not apply on skin that is broken, infected, or discharging fluid or pus.
Do not apply this medicine on the face, groin, armpits, within skin folds, or nappy area unless instructed by your doctor.
This medicine in its various forms can be flammable. To avoid burns, do not smoke or go near naked flames. Fabrics (e.g. dressing, clothing, bedding) that have been in contact with Betamethasone may burn more easily and must be washed to reduce product build-up or risk of any serious fire hazards.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. skin tests), inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Monitoring of the growth (e.g. height) may be necessary for children using Betamethasone.
Betamethasone may cause any of the following side effects: stretch marks, redness, dryness, and thinning of the skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- rounding of the face, unusual weight gain in the upper back or belly, poor wound healing, severe headache
- fruity-smelling breath, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination
If this medicine is used continuously over a prolonged period, a withdrawal reaction may occur in some individuals within days or weeks after stopping the treatment. Alert your doctor if you develop severe redness (which can spread beyond the initial area treated), itching, burning or stinging sensation, and peeling of the skin. These could be signs of a withdrawal reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Store the topical foam below 25°C. Keep away from heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture the container.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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