Betamethasone, Topical (Psoriasis)

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is used on the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Do not start or stop taking any other medicine without your healthcare provider’s advice.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: corticosteroid

Generic and brand names: betamethasone spray, topical; Sernivo

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used on the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Acne or rosacea
• Diabetes
• Liver problems

Tell your provider if you are scheduled to have surgery. Also tell your provider if you have any kind of infection, including skin infections.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use the medicine only as often as your healthcare provider prescribes. Using too much medicine or using it too often can increase the risk of side effects from absorption into your body. This medicine can affect your adrenal glands if you use too much or use it too long. Do not use this medicine for longer than 4 weeks in a row.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine on children under age 18.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Shake it well before using. This medicine is for external use (on the skin) only. Do not use it on the scalp, face, underarms, or groin area, unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider. Keep it away from the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Do not bandage or cover the area where you put the medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Do not wear tight fitting clothing over the area being treated.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

Do not give this medicine to children unless directed to do so by a healthcare provider.

Do not use this medicine for other skin problems unless your healthcare provider approves. Do not give this medicine to others who may seem to have a similar skin problem.

If your condition does not improve within 4 weeks, contact your healthcare provider.

This medicine may cause brief and mild stinging when you first put it on. If you develop any new irritation or swelling while using this medicine, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider right away.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

If you have diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar test results. Talk to your healthcare provider before you change your diet or dosage of diabetes medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe skin irritation, pain, or unusual skin changes; unexplained weight gain; swelling around your face, neck, or upper back.

Other: Mild stinging, burning, itching, or thinning skin where you use the medicine; change in sense of taste.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other medicines, especially steroid products, on your skin unless your healthcare provider approves.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Discard the medicine after 28 days.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.