BETAMETHASONE

Indication
Mechanism of action
Side Effects
Precautions

Self Medication Guide For Common Illnesses

Read this leaflet carefully before taking your medicine. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any further questions about your medicine.

1. Generic Name or Active Ingredient:

Betamethasone

2. Uses:

Available as creams or ointments to relieve inflammation, itching and redness due to eczema or psoriasis.

3. How This Medicine Works:

It is a potent corticosteroid which works to reduce the release of chemicals from the skin which cause inflammation and itching.

4. Do Not Apply This Medicine If:

You are allergic to betamethasone or any other ingredient in the product.
You suffer from acne rosacea, skin rashes around the mouth, or widespread plaque psoriasis.
The patient is a child aged less than 1 year.

5. Before You Start To Apply This Medicine

Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you are allergic to any other medication.
Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you have any other health problems.
Inform your pharmacist or doctor if you are or plan to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Consult a doctor before using this medicine in children.

6. Using With Other Medication:

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medication, vitamins, herbal preparations or supplements as they may interfere with this medicine.

7. How To Apply This Medicine

Follow the directions on your medication label carefully, and ask your pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. (hyperlink DIS)

a) How to apply

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medication.
Apply a thin layer to the affected part, preferably after a hot bath.

b) When to apply

Apply 1-2 times daily, or as directed by your pharmacist or doctor.

c) How long to apply

Up to 14 days, or as directed by your pharmacist or doctor.
In children, use for a maximum of 7 days.

d) If you forget to apply

Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine. Do not double the dose.

8. While Using This Medicine:

a) Things you should do:

Inform your pharmacist or doctor that you are using betamethasone.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, or you suffer from any allergic reaction.

b) Things you must NOT do:

Do not apply on your face, neck area, or skin flexures unless advised by your doctor.
Do not use for long periods of time over large areas of the body.
Do not share your medication with anyone.

In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.

9. Side Effects:

All medicines may have some unwanted side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any side effects which are severe or persistent.

Possible side effects: