Betamethasone Overview

(bay ta METH a sone)

Beta-Val®; Celestone®; Celestone® Soluspan®; Diprolene®; Diprolene® AF; Luxiq®

Betaderm; Betaject™; Betnesol®; Betnovate®; Celestone® Soluspan®; Diprolene® Glycol; Diprosone®; Ectosone; Prevex® B; Taro-Sone; Topilene®; Topisone®; Valisone® Scalp Lotion

Betnovate; Celestone; Cronolevel; Diprofast; Dipronova; Diprosone; Diprospan; Erispan

Corticosteroid, Systemic; Corticosteroid, Topical

• This medicine does not mix well with many medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• If you have an allergy to betamethasone or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have a serious yeast infection.

• Betamethasone replaces an important chemical produced in the body.

• It blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing or preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.

• It prevents or reduces irritation and swelling.

• It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

• In pregnant women, it helps strengthen the baby's lungs.

Oral:

• Take this medicine in the morning if taking once a day.

• Take this medicine with food to prevent stomach upset.

• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Take calcium and vitamin D as recommended by healthcare provider.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

• To use on the scalp, part your hair. Apply medicine to affected area. Rub in gently. Let it dry. You may wash your hair as usual.

Injection:

• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

All forms:

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Oral:

• Check blood sugar as directed by healthcare provider.

• Store at room temperature.

• The injection will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 10:56:16.0

Modified: 2010-03-25 14:09:57.0

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