Betamethasone (Diprolene) skin cream, gel, lotion, or ointment

What is betamethasone skin cream, gel, lotion, or ointment?
BETAMETHASONE (Alphatrex®, Diprolene® AF, Diprosone®, Uticort®) 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 cream, gel, and ointment are available. Generic lotion is not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I use topical betamethasone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

acne caused by acne rosacea or acne vulgaris
any type of active infection including 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 topical 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 cream, gel, lotion or ointment is for external use only; do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film to the affected areas and rub in gently. Do not use your medicine more often than directed or for a longer period of time than ordered by your prescriber or health care professional. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Do not bandage or wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are to use a dressing (covering) over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it.

Do not get betamethasone in the eyes, nose or mouth. If it does get on these areas, rinse off right away.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children, especially those under the age of 13. Special care may be needed. Do not use this medicine on the diaper area of a child.

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. Do not use other products containing corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, with betamethasone cream without first talking to your health care provider.

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 topical 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
lack of healing of the skin condition
painful, red, pus-filled blisters in hair follicles
severe burning and continued itching of the skin
thinning of the skin, with easy bruising, 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):

burning, itching, or irritation of the skin
dry skin
increased redness or scaling of the skin

What should I watch for while taking topical 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.

Older patients are more likely to have damaged skin through aging, and this may increase side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2-30 degrees C (36-86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Betamethasone (Diprolene) skin cream, gel, lotion, or ointment

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