Betamethasone (Diprolene) skin aerosol
What is betamethasone skin aerosol?
BETAMETHASONE (Alphatrex®, Diprolene®, Diprosone®) is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. Betamethasone treats skin problems that are accompanied by itching and swelling. Generic betamethasone skin aerosol is not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I use betamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- infection, measles, tuberculosis, herpes or chickenpox
- large areas of burned or damaged skin
- skin wasting or thinning
- an unusual or allergic reaction to betamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
If you are going to use betamethasone for a long time your prescriber or health care professional needs to know if you have:
- diabetes
- glaucoma or cataracts
How should I use this medicine?
Betamethasone skin aerosol is for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label exactly. Wash your hands before and after use. Shake the canister well. Hold upright about 6 inches from the skin. Apply a short spray (three seconds) to the affected area. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects. Corticosteroid skin preparations should only be used for brief periods and infrequently in older patients.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with betamethasone?
There are no known interactions between betamethasone skin preparations and other drugs.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about other skin products you are using. Do not apply betamethasone at the same site as other skin preparation without advice.
What side effects may I notice from using betamethasone?
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
- painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
- thinning of the skin, sunburn more likely especially on the face
Other serious side effects can develop if you use
betamethasone 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):
- dry skin
- unusual increased growth of hair on the face or body
What should I watch for while taking betamethasone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve after one week of betamethasone use. It is important not to use more betamethasone than prescribed. Do not use for more than 14 days. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the prescriber’s instructions carefully. Covering the area where betamethasone is applied can increase the amount that passes through the skin and increase the risk of side effects.
Do not get betamethasone in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. Do not inhale the vapors; this can cause irritation to the lungs and increase the risk of side effects.
This aerosol contains alcohol and can catch fire. Keep away from lighted matches, cigarettes and other naked flames.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/1/2001 ]
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