patient information leaflet betnovate lotion

Patient Information Leaflet

Betnovate® lotion

betamethasone valerate

IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT

Following this advice gives the lotion a chance to work safely and effectively.

What you should know about Betnovate lotion

Betnovate lotion is one of a group of medicines called topical steroids.

”Topical“ means they are put on the skin. Topical steroids reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. (They should not be confused with ”anabolic” steroids misused by some body builders and athletes).

What is in your lotion

The lotion contains:

The active ingredient - betamethasone (as valerate) 0.1% w/w
a preservative - methyl hydroxybenzoate
in a base containing xanthan gum, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, cetomacrogol 1000, glycerol, isopropyl alcohol, sodium citrate, citric acid, and purified water

The lotion is packed in 100ml bottles.

What your lotion does

Betnovate lotion is a strong and rapidly effective treatment for inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Before you use your lotion

This lotion has been prescribed to treat the skin problem that you showed to your doctor.

DO NOT put it on any other skin problems as it could make them worse, especially:

acne and conditions called rosacea (severe flushing of the skin on and around the nose) and perioral dermatitis (spotty red rash around the mouth)
skin conditions such as cold sores, herpes, chicken pox, impetigo, ringworm, athletes foot and thrush

DO NOT use it around the anus (back passage) or genitals (private parts) unless your doctor has told you to do so.

Tell your doctor BEFORE you start to use the lotion:

If you have had an allergy to any creams, ointments or lotions in the past
If you think you may be pregnant

Even so, your doctor may still want you to use the lotion.

Face -

YOU SHOULD NOT normally use on the face where the skin thins easily - BUT if your doctor has advised you to use it on the face then, if possible, the course of treatment should not last more than five days. It is important that you DO NOT let the lotion get in your eyes.

Children -

DO NOT use on a child under one year of age, or under the nappy, or airtight dressing of an infant older than one year. (These make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin).

How to use your lotion

If your doctor has told you in detail HOW MUCH to use and HOW OFTEN then keep to this advice.

If you are not sure then follow the advice in this leaflet.

Unless told by your doctor

YOU SHOULD NOT use more than this.
YOU SHOULD NOT use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as nearly every day for many weeks or months).

If your skin problem does not improve in two to four weeks tell your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed the lotion for psoriasis you should let your doctor review your progress at regular intervals, as such treatment needs careful supervision.

This lotion is for use only on the skin. If any is accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill so do not delay; ask your doctor what to do or contact your nearest hospital emergency department.

It is important to follow the instructions on this leaflet. If, on a few occasions by mistake you apply more than the recommended amount do not worry.

If you forget to apply your lotion, apply the correct dose when you remember or if it is close to your next application then wait until this time.

Guidance on how much lotion to use

Betnovate lotion is often prescribed when the skin problem covers a large area. A little lotion will cover a wide area much easier than a cream or ointment.

If your doctor has told you in detail how to use the lotion keep to that advice otherwise:-

Two or three times a day, after washing your hands, spread over the area of skin to be treated the smallest amount of lotion that will cover it, then gently rub it in until it has all disappeared. Unless used for treating the hands wash them again after using the lotion. Anyone who helps to rub in the lotion should also do the same or wear disposable plastic gloves.

As soon as your skin condition begins to improve you can use your lotion less often.

If you have particularly thick patches of psoriasis, for example on your elbows and knees, your doctor may want you to apply the lotion overnight under an airtight dressing. Continue to apply the lotion in this way until your doctor advises you otherwise.

For a child:

It should not be used in children under one year of age.

The smaller the child the less you use.

A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than five days unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer.

YOU WILL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR LOTION ON THE BACK OF THIS LEAFLET

Has the lotion any side effects?

Most people find using this lotion causes no problems when used in the right amount for the correct length of time (as mentioned previously in this leaflet).

IF you find your condition gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to the lotion or have a skin infection.

STOP USING THE LOTION AND TELL YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Using more than the correct amount may:

thin the skin so that it damages easily
allow the active ingredient to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body, especially in infants and children, and during pregnancy

If you have been using Betnovate regularly, it is important to take your doctors advice before stopping treatment.

You may notice some burning, irritation and/or itching where the lotion is applied.

Repeat courses of topical steroids over a long time may sometimes cause changes in hair growth and skin colour.

Striae (stretch marks) may develop and surface veins may become more noticeable.

Very rarely, when used on psoriasis (or on stopping treatment) it may make the condition worse eg. a pustular form of the disease may occur. That is why, if used in this condition, your doctor will want to see you regularly.

If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Where to keep your lotion

As with all medicines keep this lotion safely away from children.

Store below 25 °C.

What to do with any unused lotion

If your doctor stops your treatment, return any unused lotion to a pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to. Do not use the lotion after the expiry date on the carton and bottle.

Remember

This lotion was prescribed for YOU so never give it to someone else to try - even if they seem to have the same problem. There may be reasons why it could harm that person.

Medicine: betnovate lotion