The
following information is a summary about Diprolene (Betamethasone)
. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Brand names: Alphatrex® , Betatrex® , Beta-Val® ,
Diprolene® , Diprolene® AF , Diprolene® Lotion , Luxiq®
, Maxivate®.
Diprolene USES
Diprolene Betamethasone is used to treat the itching,
redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and
discomfort of various skin conditions.
Diprolene DIRECTIONS
Betamethasone comes in ointment, cream, lotion, and aerosol
(spray) in various strengths for use on the skin. It
is usually applied one to four times a day. Follow the
directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you
do not understand. Use betamethasone exactly as directed.
Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than
prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas
of your body or wrap or bandage the treated area unless
directed to do so by your doctor. Wash or soak the affected
area thoroughly before applying the medicine, unless
it irritates your skin. Then apply the ointment or cream
sparingly in a thin film and rub it in gently. To use
the lotion on your scalp, part your hair, apply a small
amount of the medicine on the affected area, and rub
it in gently. Protect the area from washing and rubbing
until the lotion dries. You may wash your hair as usual
but not right after applying the medicine. To apply an
aerosol, shake well and spray on the affected area holding
the container about 3 to 6 inches away. Spray for about
2 seconds to cover an area the size of your hand. Take
care not to inhale the vapors. If you are spraying near
your face, cover your eyes. Avoid prolonged use on the
face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases
and armpits unless directed by your doctor. If you are
using betamethasone on your face, keep it out of your
eyes. If you are using betamethasone on a child's diaper
area, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
Such use may increase side effects. Do not apply cosmetics
or other skin preparations on the treated area without
talking with your doctor. If your doctor tells you to
wrap or bandage the treated area, follow these instructions:
* Soak the area in water or wash it well. * While the
skin is moist, gently rub the medication into the affected
areas. * Cover the area with plastic wrap (such as Saran
Wrap or Handi-Wrap.) The plastic may be held in place
with a gauze or elastic bandage or adhesive tape on the
normal skin beside the treated area. (Instead of using
plastic wrap, plastic gloves may be used for the hands,
plastic bags for the feet, or a shower cap for the scalp.)
* Carefully seal the edges of the plastic to make sure
the wrap adheres closely to the skin. If the affected
area is moist, you can leave the edges of the plastic
wrap partly unsealed or puncture the wrap to allow excess
moisture to escape. * Leave the plastic wrapping in place
as long as instructed by your doctor. Usually plastic
wraps are left in place not more than 12 hours each day.
* Cleanse the skin and reapply the medication each time
a new plastic wrapping is applied. Call your doctor if
the treated area gets worse or if burning, swelling,
redness, or oozing of pus develops.
Diprolene SIDE EFFECTS
Although side effects from betamethasone are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms
are severe or do not go away: * drying or cracking of
the skin * acne * itching * burning * change in skin
color If you experience any of the following symptoms,
call your doctor immediately: * severe skin rash * difficulty
breathing or swallowing * wheezing * skin infection (redness,
swelling, or oozing pus)
Diprolene PRECAUTIONS
Before using betamethasone, * tell your doctor and pharmacist
if you are allergic to betamethasone or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
cancer chemotherapy agents, other topical medications,
and vitamins. * tell your doctor if you have an infection
or have ever had diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, a circulation
disorder, or an immune disorder. * tell your doctor if
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant while using betamethasone, call
your doctor immediately.
Diprolene DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep,
antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as fluoxetine
or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
psychiatric medicine (e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type
drugs, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine.
Also, report use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Diprolene OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately.
Diprolene NOTES
Do not share Diprolene with others. Medical examinations
including the nose are generally performed during prolonged
use of this product to check for side effects. Inform
all your doctors you use (or have used) Diprolene.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Diprolene as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the
dose to catch up.
Diprolene STORAGE
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly
closed, and out of reach of children. Store it according
to the package instructions. Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed. Do not use it to
treat other skin conditions. Talk to your pharmacist
about the proper disposal of your medication.
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