Betamethasone Acetate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone AS-e-tate), Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone SOE-dee-um FOS-fate)

Treats inflammation, severe allergies, flare-ups of ongoing illnesses, and many other medical problems. May also be used to decrease some symptoms of cancer. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

Brand Name(s):

Active Injection Kit BLM-1, Active Injection Kit BM, BL-Contrast Kit, Betalido, Betalido-C Kit, Betaloan Suik, Celestone Soluspan, Marbeta-25, Marbeta-L, Pod-Care 100C, Pod-Care 100CG, Pod-Care 100CMX

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, joint, skin, or lesion on your skin.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Some medicines can affect how betamethasone sodium phosphate/betamethasone acetate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Aminoglutethimide, amphotericin B, carbamazepine, cholestyramine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, digitalis, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir
  • Birth control pills (including estrogen)
  • Antibiotic medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Cobicistat-containing products
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
• You may need to be on a salt-restricted diet or take potassium supplements. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, a recent heart attack, thyroid problems, diarrhea, stomach or bowel problems (including ulcer, colitis, diverticulitis), kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, eye problems, pheochromocytoma (adrenal tumor), any kind of infection (including amebiasis, worm infestation, cerebral malaria, herpes simplex in the eye), myasthenia gravis, mental problems, or a history of tuberculosis (TB). Tell your doctor if you have had a brain injury.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High blood pressure
  • Adrenal gland problems
  • Eye or vision problems, including cataracts, increased eye pressure, and glaucoma
  • Cancer (including Kaposi's sarcoma), when used for a long time
  • Increased risk for stomach or bowel perforation (tear or hole)
  • Joint problems
  • Increased risk of osteoporosis
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are receiving this medicine. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Your dose may need to be adjusted, depending on your medical condition. Tell your doctor about any extra stress or anxiety in your life, including other health concerns and emotional stress. Your dose might need to be changed for a short time while you have extra stress.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

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, pain or watering in your eyes
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles, cold feeling, weakness, tiredness, weight loss
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Slow growth in children, bone pain
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or joints
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• Pain, burning, redness, or swelling under your skin where the needle is placed
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, face, or waist

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