Betamethasone Dipropionate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone dye-PROE-pee-oh-nate)

Treats skin pain, swelling, and itching. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Lotion, Ointment, Spray

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or burns. Rinse it off right away if it does get on these areas.
• Avoid using this medicine on the face, groin, underarms, or on thin areas of the skin application site unless directed by your doctor. Do not use on skin areas that may rub or touch together.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Cream, gel, lotion, or ointment: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Aerosol foam: Turn the can upside down and squirt a small amount onto a small plate or other cool surface. Then pick up small amounts of the foam and massage it into your scalp. Do not squirt the foam onto your hands because it will melt if you hold it too long.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. The aerosol foam is flammable. Do not use it near heat, open flame, or while smoking. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • High blood sugar
  • Eye problems (including cataracts, glaucoma)
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• If your symptoms do not improve after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, or if they get worse, check with your doctor.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blurred vision or changes in vision, eye pain
• Color changes on the skin, dark freckles, easy bruising, muscle weakness
• Redness, swelling, drainage, or pus on the skin
• Severe itching, burning, or skin irritation
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild stinging, burning, itching, redness, or dryness at the application site

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088