Betamethasone Valerate

Betamethasone is a highly potent steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Betamethasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Betamethasone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use betamethasone topical if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• skin irritation after using steroid medicine;
• thinning of the skin where you will apply this medicine;
• cataracts or glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• liver disease;
• adrenal gland problems; or
• any type of skin infection.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks. If you apply betamethasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not use betamethasone topical on a child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Diprolene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old. Sernivo and Luxiq are not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply betamethasone topical over a large area of skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Use betamethasone topical regularly to get the most benefit. Stop using the medicine once your symptoms clear up.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks, or if it gets worse.

Do not use Diprolene for longer than 2 weeks in a row. Do not use Sernivo or Luxiq for longer than 4 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

The foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying betamethasone topical to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor's instruction.

Do not use betamethasone topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation where the medicine was applied; or
• signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmth, oozing).

Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
• increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
• muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common side effects may include:

• itching, redness, burning, stinging, or blistering of treated skin;
• skin bruising or shiny appearance; or
• folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about betamethasone topical.