Patient
Information Leaflet
Betnovate®
scalp application
betamethasone valerate
IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THIS
CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT
Following
this advice gives the application a chance to work
safely and effectively.
What you
should know about Betnovate scalp application
Betnovate
scalp application 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 taken as tablets or
injections).
What is
in your scalp application
The slightly
gelled liquid contains:
The active
ingredient - betamethasone 0.1% w/w (as betamethasone
valerate) in a base containing carbomer, isopropyl
alcohol, sodium hydroxide and purified water
The scalp
application is packed in 100 ml bottles.
What
your scalp application does
Betnovate
scalp application is a strong and rapidly effective
treatment for some scalp conditions such as psoriasis
and dermatitis.
Betnovate
scalp application also contains an alcohol which has an
antiseptic effect.
Before
you use your scalp application
This
application has been prescribed to treat the scalp
problem that you showed to your doctor.
DO NOT put
it on any other skin problems, especially infections of
the scalp, as it could make them worse.
Tell your
doctor BEFORE starting the treatment:
- If
you have had an allergy to any creams, ointments or
scalp applications in the past
- If
you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
Even so,
your doctor may still want you to use it.
Eyes - DO NOT let the scalp
application run into your eyes.
Children - DO NOT use on a
child under one year of age.
How to
use your scalp application
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 it for a long time (such as nearly
every day for many weeks or months)
If your
doctor has prescribed the scalp application for
psoriasis you should let your doctor review your
progress at regular intervals, as such treatment needs
careful supervision.
This scalp
application 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.
When washing
or shampooing your hair, apply the scalp application
after drying your hair.
Betnovate
scalp application is inflammable so
keep it away from fire and do not dry your hair
near fire or a naked flame.
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 scalp application, apply the
correct dose when you remember or if it is close to your
next application then wait until this time.
Guidance on how to use the scalp application
If your
doctor has told you in detail how to use the
application then keep to that advice otherwise:-
Morning
and evening:-
|
1. Unscrew the cap on the bottle and place
the nozzle on the part of the scalp that
needs treating. |
|
|
2. Gently squeeze the bottle until the area
to be treated is completely covered with a
thin layer of liquid. You can gently rub it
into the scalp if you wish. |
|
3. Your scalp will feel cool until the
liquid has dried off. The active ingredient
is then left on your scalp. |
|
4. As soon as the scalp problem looks better
use once a day or less. |
For
a child:
It
should not be used in children under one year of
age.
Never
use more than is needed to cover the scalp
condition.
Do not
use for a long time (nearly every day for weeks or
months).
Do not
cover with an airtight dressing.
Has the
scalp application any side effects?
Most people
find using this application causes no problems when used
in the right amount for the correct length of time. (See
above).
IF you find your condition
gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to it or
have a scalp infection or if you think the application
is causing any side effects
STOP USING THE SCALP APPLICATION 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
scalp and affect other parts of the body, especially
in infants and children. The use of airtight
bandages or dressings over the treated areas
increases this risk.
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
scalp application is applied.
Repeated
courses of topical steroids over a long time may
sometimes cause changes in hair growth and skin colour.
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.
YOU WILL FIND OUT
MORE ABOUT YOUR SCALP APPLICATION ON THE BACK OF THIS
LEAFLET
Where to
keep your scalp application
As with all
medicines keep this scalp application safely away from
children.
Keep it away
from fire as it is inflammable. Store below 25 °C.
What to
do with any unused scalp application
If your
doctor stops your treatment, return what is left to a
pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.
Do not use
the scalp application after the expiry date on the
carton and bottle.
Remember
This
application 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.
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