Drug Name

Betnovate (Betamethasone)

Drug Uses

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat certain skin infections like redness, itching, and swelling caused due to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and seborrhea.

How it is taken

The best way to use Betnovate is as recommended by your doctor.
The medication is gently and thoroughly massaged over the affected area gently 2 to 3 times daily. There must be enough medication to cover the area with a thin film. In certain conditions, the affected area may need to be covered with a dressing.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Betnovate is a corticosteroid that is used to cure severe inflammation caused by a variety of skin ailments.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Betnovate, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Safety Information

Do NOT use Betnovate if:

•     you are allergic to any ingredient in Betnovate
•     you are taking mifepristone
•     you have a systemic fungal infection
•     you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine
•     you have a certain bleeding disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Betnovate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

•     if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
•     if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
•     if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
•     if you have a history of bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure [CHF]), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, any mental or mood problems, or low blood potassium levels
•     if you have or have recently had a bacterial, fungal, malarial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; shingles; or a head or brain injury
•     if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test
•     if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus
•     if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
•     if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox)
•     if you have a history of joint surgery or any joint problems (eg, fracture, infection).

Some medicines may interact with Betnovate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

•     Aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or troleandomycin because side effects, such as adrenal gland or nervous system problems (eg, seizures), may occur
•     Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they may decrease Betnovate's effectiveness
•     Aspirin, live vaccines, mifepristone, or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Betnovate.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Betnovate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

•     Betnovate may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
•     If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
•     Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Betnovate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
•     Diabetes patients - Betnovate may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
•     If you use Betnovate for an extended period of time, your body may not produce enough natural steroids for up to several months after you stop using it. Severe symptoms may occur if you experience injury, surgery, infection, or loss of blood electrolytes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these events. You may need to begin taking additional corticosteroids.
•     If you have had Betnovate injected into a joint and you experience increased pain along with swelling, decreased joint movement, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, contact your doctor.
•     Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Betnovate.
•     Lab tests, including adrenal function tests and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Betnovate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
•     Betnovate may have benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in newborns or infants. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
•     Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Betnovate.
•     Betnovate should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
•     Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Betnovate while you are pregnant. Betnovate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Betnovate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

If you suddenly stop taking Betnovate, you may have withdrawal symptoms, These may include unbalanced hormones (in both men and women).

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

•     burning or itching of the skin;
•     dark red spots on the skin;
•     infection;
•     lack of healing of the skin condition;
•     painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles;
•     severe burning and continued itching of the skin;
•     thinning of the skin, with easy bruising, sunburn more likely especially on the face.

Other serious side effects can develop if you use Betnovate for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•     burning, itching, or irritation of the skin;
•     dry skin;
•     increased redness or scaling of the skin.

More Information

Betnovate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.