Betamethasone Valerate (On the skin)

bay-ta-METH-a-sone VAL-er-ate

Treats swelling and itching of the skin. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Drug classes

Corticosteroid, Intermediate (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Betamethasone topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Betamethasone foam is used for scalp problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid).

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Cream, Foam, Lotion, Ointment

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Foam: Turn the can upside down and spray a small amount onto a cool surface, such as a plate. Do not spray the foam into your hand, because the foam will melt. Use your fingers to pick up the foam and rub it into your skin.

Do not inhale this medicine or use it near heat or an open flame. Do not puncture, break, or burn the aerosol can.

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 in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Tell your doctor if you are using any other steroid medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to betamethasone.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tell your doctor if you have diabetes. This medicine may raise the levels of sugar in your blood or urine.

Children may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine. This medicine may also slow your child’s growth. If you think your child is not growing properly while he is using this medicine, talk with your doctor.

Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

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

Bulging of the soft spot on your baby’s head

Headaches and problems with vision

Signs of skin infection, such as swelling, redness, warmth, pus, or oozing

Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

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

Acne or tiny pimples on the skin, dry skin

Burning, itching, or irritation where the medicine is applied

Changes in skin color

Excessive hair growth

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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Beta-Val, Betacort Scalp Lotion, Betamethacot, Betnovate, Betnovate-1/2, Celestoderm-V, Celestoderm-V/2, Ectosone Mild-Lotion, Ectosone Regular-Cream, Ectosone Regular-Lotion, Ectosone Scalp Lotion, Luxiq, Metaderm Mild, Metaderm Regular, Novo-Betamet, Qualisone, Valisone

There may be other brand names for this medicine.