$Unique_ID{BRK01851}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BETAMETHASONE VALERATE (TOPICAL)}
$Subject{betamethasone valerate (various manufacturers)
Betatrex (Savage)
Beta-Val (Lemmon)
Valisone (Schering)
Valisone Reduced Strength (Schering)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BETAMETHASONE VALERATE (TOPICAL)
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     betamethasone valerate (various manufacturers)
     Betatrex (Savage)
     Beta-Val (Lemmon)
     Valisone (Schering)
     Valisone Reduced Strength (Schering)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenocorticosteroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     betamethasone
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Cream (0.01% and 0.1%)
     Ointment (0.1%)
     Lotion (0.1%)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a
       tightly closed container.

USES

     Your adrenal glands naturally produce certain cortisone-like chemicals.
These chemicals are involved in various regulatory processes in the body (such
as those involving fluid balance, temperature, and reaction to inflammation).
Betamethasone valerate belongs to a group of drugs known as
adrenocorticosteroids (or cortisone-like medications).  It is used to relieve
the skin inflammation (redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort) associated
with conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and poison ivy.  How this drug
acts to relieve these disorders is not completely understood.

TREATMENT

     Before applying this medication, wash your hands.  Then, unless your
doctor gives you different instructions, gently wash the area of the skin
where the medication is to be applied.  With a clean towel, pat the area
almost dry; it should be slightly damp when you put the medicine on.
     If you are using the lotion form of this drug, shake it well before
pouring out the medicine.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the
bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the
ingredients evenly and equalize the doses.
     Apply a small amount of the medication to the affected area in a thin
layer.  Avoid applying medication to cuts or open wounds.  Do not bandage the
area unless your doctor tells you to do so.  If you are to apply an occlusive
dressing (like kitchen plastic wrap), be sure you understand the instructions.
Wash your hands again after application.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, apply the dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next application.  In that case, do
not apply the missed dose; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not put twice as much on your skin at the next application.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Acne, burning sensation, itching, rash, or skin dryness.
     If the affected area is extremely dry or scaling, the skin may be
moistened before applying the medication by soaking in water or by applying
water with a clean cloth.  The ointment form is probably better for dry skin.
     A mild, temporary stinging sensation may occur after this medication is
applied.  If this persists, contact your doctor.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blistering, increased hair growth, irritation of the affected area, loss of
skin color, secondary infection of the area being treated, or thinning of the
skin with easy bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication should not interact with any other medications as long as
it is used according to directions.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to betamethasone valerate or other
adrenocorticosteroids (such as amcinonide, clocortolone, cortisone, desonide,
desoximetasone, dexamethasone, diflorasone, flumethasone, fluocinolone,
fluocinonide, fluorometholone, flurandrenolide, halcinonide, hydrocortisone,
methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, and triamcinolone).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had blood vessel
disease, chicken pox, diabetes mellitus, fungal infection, peptic ulcers,
shingles, tuberculosis, tuberculosis of the skin, vaccinia, or any other type
of infection, especially at the site currently being treated.
     * If irritation develops while using this drug, immediately discontinue
its use and notify your doctor.
     * This product is not for use in the eyes or on mucous membranes; contact
may result in side effects.
     * Use this drug only for your current condition.  Do not use it for
another problem or give it to others to use.
     * Do not use this product with an occlusive wrap unless your doctor
directs you to do so.  Systemic absorption of this drug is increased if
extensive areas of the body are treated, particularly if occlusive bandages
are used.  If it is necessary for you to use this drug under a wrap, follow
your doctor's instructions exactly; do not leave the wrap in place longer than
specified.
     * If you are using this medication on a child's diaper area, do not put
tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on the child.  This may lead to
increased systemic absorption of the drug and a possible increase in side
effects.
     * Elderly patients and younger children have naturally thinner skin, and,
therefore, the drug is more likely to be absorbed.  Report any adverse
effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  If large amounts of
this drug are applied for prolonged periods, some of it will be absorbed and
may cross the placenta.  Although studies in humans have not been conducted,
birth defects have been observed in the offspring of animals that were given
large oral doses of this type of drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your
doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  If absorbed through the skin,
small amounts of this type of drug pass into breast milk and may cause growth
suppression or a decrease in natural adrenocorticosteroid production in the
nursing infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
