betamethasone and calcipotriene topical

What is the most important information I should know about betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Betamethasone is a highly potent steroid. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• too much calcium in your blood or urine;
• an adrenal gland disorder;
• cataracts or glaucoma;
• liver disease;
• severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness);
• a skin infection; or
• if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy).

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, apply this medicine to the smallest skin area and for the shortest amount of time possible to treat your psoriasis.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

How should I use betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene doses may not be the same for adults and children. Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label when using this medicine on a child (ages 12 to 17 years).

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

You may need blood or urine tests while using this medicine.

You should stop using this medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

You should not stop using betamethasone and calcipotriene suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Do not allow the foam to freeze. Throw away any unused foam 6 months after you first opened the can.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

High doses or long-term use of betamethasone and calcipotriene topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on your face, underarms, groin area, or areas of thin skin.

What are the possible side effects of betamethasone and calcipotriene?

• worsening of your skin condition;
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• high calcium levels --confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss;
• high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin --weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common side effects may include:

• skin irritation, rash, itching, redness, or hives;
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, triamcinolone, and others); or
• any other medicine to treat psoriasis.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect betamethasone and calcipotriene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about betamethasone and calcipotriene.