Betamethasone Dipropionate, Topical

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: corticosteroid

Generic and brand names: betamethasone dipropionate, topical; betamethasone benzoate, topical; Diprolene AF; Maxivate

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to help relieve itching, swelling, redness, and rash.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine.

Tell your provider if you are going to have surgery. Also tell your provider if you have any kind of infection.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine is for external use (on the skin) only. Do not use it on the face, underarms, or groin area, unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider. Keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose.

This medicine comes in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, and ointment.

Before you apply the medicine, wash your skin with mild soap and warm water. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

Put a thin layer of medicine on the area where you need it. Gently massage the medicine into the skin until the medicine disappears.

Use it only as often as your healthcare provider prescribes. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. Stop using the medicine when the skin condition clears up.

Do not bandage or cover the area where you put the medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Do not wear tight fitting clothing over the area being treated.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not give this medicine to others who may seem to have a similar skin problem. Do not give this medicine to children unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider.

Do not use this medicine for other skin problems unless your healthcare provider approves.

If your condition does not improve within 2 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.

An adult should supervise the use of this medicine by a child. Do not use this medicine for diaper rash. Do not put tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child when the skin problem is in the groin area.

This medicine may cause brief and mild stinging when you first put it on. If you develop any new irritation or swelling while using this medicine, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider right away.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Increased skin irritation, pain, or signs of infection (such as blisters with pus).

Other: Acne, rounding (fattening) of the face, light spots on the skin, increased hair growth, hair loss, mild stinging or burning, dry skin, itching.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.