Betamethasone Valerate

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. This product is flammable and the contents under pressure. Keep it away from heat and open flame. Do not puncture or burn it. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use only on the skin. Apply to the scalp as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening).

To apply this medication, turn the container upside down, and spray out a small amount on a clean, cool surface (such as a small plate or saucer). Dispense only enough foam to cover the affected areas on the scalp. Do not spray the foam directly on your hands since warm skin will cause the foam to melt too quickly. Using your fingers, scoop up some of the foam and gently massage it into the affected area until the foam is absorbed. Repeat until the entire affected area is treated. Discard any leftover drug from the saucer. Do not cover the treated area with bandages or other dressings unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Do not wash or rinse the medication off immediately after applying it. Wash your hands with soap and water after each use.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this occurs, rinse thoroughly with water and call your doctor if irritation lasts.

This medication is flammable until dry. Avoid smoking or being near open flames while using the medication and until the medication has dried.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Do not apply large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects may increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 2 weeks of treatment or if it gets worse.

Burning, itching, or stinging may occur when you apply this medication, but usually only last a short time. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stretch marks, skin thinning/discoloration, acne, extreme/unwanted hair growth, small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis).

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using betamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, a lowered immune system.

Do not use this medication if you have a scalp infection. Corticosteroids can make skin infections worse and more difficult to treat. Tell your doctor if you have a skin infection so it can be treated. Tell your doctor promptly if your condition does not improve or if you have worsening skin symptoms.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.