Halobetasol Propionate

Halobetasol is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Halobetasol topical (for the skin) is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.

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

You should not use halobetasol if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• an adrenal gland disorder;
• liver disease; or
• if you plan to have surgery.

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

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 breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply halobetasol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Halobetasol topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

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.

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

Shake the foam before each use.

Apply a thin layer of halobetasol topical to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

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

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

This medicine is for short-term use only (2 weeks, or up to 8 weeks for psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

If you use halobetasol to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

You may need medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should not stop using halobetasol suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Keep halobetasol topical foam away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

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.

High doses or long-term use of halobetasol topical 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.

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, scalp, underarms, or groin area.

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

Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with halobetasol unless your doctor tells you to.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects may include:

• burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin;
• pain where the foam was applied;
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
• stretch marks;
• spider veins;
• headache; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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 healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about halobetasol topical.