Before Using

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of betamethasone topical in children 13 years of age and older. However, because of this medicine's toxicity, it should be used with caution. Children may absorb large amounts through the skin, which can cause serious side effects. If your child is using this medicine, follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. Use in children 12 years of age and younger is not recommended.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of betamethasone topical spray in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. Use is not recommended in children.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of betamethasone topical in the elderly.

Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of betamethasone topical spray have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Cataracts or
  • Cushing's syndrome (adrenal gland disorder) or
  • Diabetes or
  • Glaucoma or
  • Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or
  • Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
  • Infection of the skin at or near the place of application or
  • Large sores, broken skin, or severe skin injury at the place of application or
  • Liver failure—May increase risk for more side effects.
  • Perioral dermatitis (skin problem) or
  • Rosacea (skin problem)—The gel should not be used in patients with these conditions.