Uses

This medication is used to treat dry, scaly skin conditions. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce swelling, itching, and redness. Salicylic acid belongs to the same class of drugs as aspirin (salicylates). It causes the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer by increasing the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolving the substance that acts as "cement" between the cells. This effect helps to shed the skin cells, soften the top layer of skin, and decrease scaling and dryness.

How To Use

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually twice daily (in the morning and evening) or as directed by your doctor. Wash your hands after using unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Do not apply the medication in or around the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, or anus. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Do not apply more often or use longer than prescribed because doing so may increase the risk of side effects.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or does not improve after 1 week.

Side Effects

Burning, irritation, or skin peeling may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• skin thinning/discoloration
• extreme hair growth
• acne
• small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)
• stretch marks

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur:

• unusual/extreme tiredness
• weight loss
• headache
• swelling ankles/feet
• increased thirst/urination
• vision problems

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to betamethasone or salicylic acid; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone); or to aspirin or other salicylates (such as magnesium salicylate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• poor blood circulation
• immune system problems
• certain infections (including viral infections such as vaccinia/chickenpox/herpes simplex, fungal infections, tuberculosis of the skin)

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor regularly so your child's height can be checked.

This medication is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers younger than 18 years should not use this medication if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness, or if they have just been given a live virus vaccine, without first consulting a doctor about Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.

During pregnancy, this product should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• other aspirin/salicylate products
• other corticosteroid products (such as prednisone)

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hearing changes (such as loss of hearing, ringing in the ears).

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Do not store or use the lotion form of this medication near an open flame or heat. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.