Uses

This medication is used to treat a type of skin condition (plaque psoriasis) on the elbows and knees. Betamethasone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that may occur with plaque psoriasis. This medication is a strong corticosteroid.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using betamethasone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only.

Before applying the patch, wash the area you will be using for the patch gently and thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse and dry with a clean, dry towel. Remove the patch from the pouch and apply as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. You should wear the patch for at least 20 hours but no more than 24 hours. Apply a new patch every 24 hours. After removing the old patch, wait 30 minutes before applying a new patch.

You may cut the patch into smaller sizes to fit the area to be treated.

If the patch begins to peel, you may tape the edges to the skin. Do not cover the patch completely with tape or dressing.

Avoid getting the patch wet. Do not wear the patch during bathing or showering. Take baths or showers at times that you normally change the patch.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not use more than 5 patches at one time.

Use this medication only for the condition prescribed. Once your skin condition is under control, you should stop using betamethasone unless directed by your doctor. Do not use it for longer than prescribed. According to the manufacturer, you should not use this drug for longer than 30 days.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse after 30 days.

Side Effects

Itching at the application site may occur. If this effect lasts or gets 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:

• stretch marks
• skin thinning/discoloration
• acne
• extreme/unwanted hair growth
• "hair bumps" (folliculitis)

Skin infections can become worse when this medication is used. Tell your doctor right away if redness, swelling, or irritation does not improve.

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 betamethasone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); 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:

• poor blood circulation
• immune system problems

Do not use on sores or on skin that is infected or thinning.

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.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

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.

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

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, similar medications pass 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 (including 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:

• corticosteroids taken by mouth (such as prednisone)

Overdose

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

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

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

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.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the patch in the pouch until ready to use. 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.