Celestone Chronodose (Betamethasone sodium phosphate/betamethasone acetate) Drug / Medicine Information

NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia.

INJECTION

Betamethasone sodium phosphate/betamethasone acetate

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet?

This leaflet answers some common questions about Celestone Chronodose. It does not
contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using
Celestone Chronodose against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about being given this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine or in a safe place.

You may want to read it again.

What Celestone Chronodose is used for

Celestone Chronodose contains betamethasone as the active ingredient. Betamethasone
is a glucocorticoid and belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids.

Celestone Chronodose is used to treat symptoms associated with inflammatory processes
and/or allergic reactions, which may include:

swelling

redness

itching.

It may be used as part of the treatment for a number of different diseases such as
severe allergies, skin problems, asthma or arthritis.

Although Celestone Chronodose may relieve the symptoms of these diseases, it will
not cure them.

Celestone Chronodose can also be used to prevent respiratory distress syndrome in
premature infants.

Your doctor may have prescribed Celestone Chronodose for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Celestone Chronodose has been
prescribed for you.

Before you start Celestone Chronodose

When you must not receive it:

Celestone Chronodose should not be used if:

1. you have an allergy to:

Celestone Chronodose, or betamethasone

any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

any other cortisone-like medicines.

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing or a tight feeling in your chest

swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body

rash, itching, hives or flushed, red skin.

2. you have a fungal infection within your body or any other serious or long-term infections

Cortisone-like medicines such as Celestone Chronodose may decrease your resistance
and make infections spread.

3. you have recently been vaccinated against smallpox.

Cortisone-like medicines such as Celestone Chronodose must not be injected into unstable
joints, infected areas, intervertebral spaces or by the epidural route.

Celestone Chronodose must not be used if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Celestone Chronodose must not be used after the expiry date (EXP) has passed.

If you are not sure whether you should start Celestone Chronodose, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to receive it

Tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to:

any other medicines including other cortisone-like medicines

any other substances such as foods, dyes or preservatives.

you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant

If it is necessary for you to start Celestone Chronodose, your doctor will discuss
the benefits and risks of using it during pregnancy.

you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed

The active ingredients in Celestone Chronodose pass into breast milk and may affect
your baby. If there is a need to use Celestone Chronodose, your doctor will discuss
the benefits and risks of using it while breast-feeding.

you need any type of vaccination

Cortisone-like medicines such as Celestone Chronodose may lower your body’s immune
response and result in nervous system complications if used with a vaccine.

you have any of the following:

osteoporosis

emotional or mental health problems

stomach or intestinal problems, including ulcers

tuberculosis

Herpes infection of the eye

any other infections, including recent measles or chicken pox

kidney or liver problems

high blood pressure or heart problems

diabetes

myasthenia gravis

glaucoma

Cushing’s syndrome

thyroid problems

seizures

bruising or bleeding problems

Pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal gland)

Children

Cortisone-like medicines such as Celestone Chronodose can cause infections such as
chicken pox or measles to be more serious in children. These medicines can also slow
or stop growth in children or growing teenagers if used for a long time.

After Celestone Chronodose has been given this can cause low blood sugar levels in
newborns.

Taking other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you
buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines and Celestone Chronodose may interfere with each other. These include:

aspirin, salicylates, anti-inflammatory medicines

barbiturate sedatives

phenytoin, a medicine used to treat epilepsy

certain antibiotics such as rifampicin, clarithromycin and amphotericin b (amphotericin)

some cough and cold medicines

tablets or injections used to treat diabetes

hormone-type medicines including hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives

certain diuretics, also called fluid or water tablets

certain medicines used to treat heart failure

medicines used to stop blood clots

growth hormone

vaccines

certain antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole

some medicines used to treat HIV infection such as ritonavir and cobicistat-containing
products

You may need to take different amounts of your medicines or you may need to take different
medicines.

How Celestone Chronodose is used

How it is given

Celestone Chronodose is usually given by a doctor or nurse. How it is given and the
amount depends on the condition being treated.

Into a muscle (e.g. allergic, skin and rheumatic conditions, bursitis)

1 mL, repeated weekly or more often if necessary

2 mL if the illness is severe

Into soft tissue (e.g. bursitis, fibrositis)

1 mL at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks

Into joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, pain relief)

0.25 to 2 mL

Into the skin (eg skin lesions, psoriasis)

not more than 1 mL at weekly intervals

How long it is given

Your doctor will decide how long you need to have this medicine. If you have been
receiving it for some time, the dose will be reduced gradually before stopping.

If too much is given (overdose)

A single overdose of Celestone Chronodose is unlikely to cause serious side effects.

Repeated use of high doses may result in more severe side effects, as listed under
Side Effects below.

Contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 if you think you or someone else
may have been given too much Celestone Chronodose.

While you are using Celestone Chronodose

Things you must do

If you become pregnant while being treated with Celestone Chronodose, tell your doctor
immediately.

If you are having emotional or physical stress such as serious infection, surgery
or injury, tell your doctor.

This may affect the dose of Celestone Chronodose you need.

Check with your doctor about drinking alcohol.

If you drink alcohol while receiving Celestone Chronodose, the risk of ulcers is increased.

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are being
treated with Celestone Chronodose.

If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are being treated with Celestone Chronodose.

Things you must not do

While you are being treated with Celestone Chronodose, and even after you stop it,
do not have any vaccinations without your doctor’s approval.

Things to be careful of

If Celestone Chronodose is injected into one of your joints, you should be careful
not to put too much stress or strain on that joint for a while, even if it begins
to feel better. Make sure your doctor has told you how much you are allowed to move
this joint while it is healing.

If redness or swelling occurs at the place of injection, and continues or gets worse,
check with your doctor.

Always check with your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any signs of a possible
infection, such as sore throat, fever, sneezing or coughing.

Celestone Chronodose may lower your resistance and make any infection you do get harder
to treat.

If you are having any laboratory tests, tell your doctor.

Celestone Chronodose may give false results in skin tests.

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are using Celestone Chronodose.

All medicines have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they
are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

When this medicine is used for short periods of time, side effects are usually rare.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have.

Older patients are more likely to develop high blood pressure or bone disease from
cortisone-like medicines. Women are especially at risk of developing bone disease.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following occur:

swelling of the face, lips or tongue that may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing

asthma, wheezing, shortness of breath

sudden or severe itching, skin rash, hives

fainting, seizures or fits

vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

bleeding from the back passage (rectum), black sticky bowel motions (stools) or bloody
diarrhoea

severe pain in the food pipe (oesophagus) or stomach

irregular heart rhythm.

These are serious reactions. You may need urgent medical attention.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

unusual weight gain, puffiness, swelling of the ankles or legs

muscle weakness with chronic fatigue, muscle loss, pain or cramps

tendon pain

joint pain

slow wound healing, thinning and breakdown of skin, bruising or reddish or purplish
spots under the skin, red face, increased sweating

headache or dizziness

menstrual irregularities

swelling of the face (moon face), acne

thirst or passing large amounts of urine

feeling ‘high’, mood swings, depression and strange thoughts, personality changes,
difficulty sleeping

visual disturbances or blurred vision

changes to your vision or pain in the eyes.

Very rarely, cortisone-like medicines given by injection may cause blindness if given
around the head and neck. Skin darkening or loss of pigment, skin breakdown, abscess
or redness, and joint damage caused by the injection, may also rarely occur.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice
any other side effects, check with your doctor.

After using Celestone Chronodose

Storage

Celestone Chronodose is usually stored in the doctor’s surgery or clinic, or at the
pharmacy.

It should be protected from light and kept at temperatures below 25°C.

Product description

What it looks like

Celestone Chronodose is a clear, colourless, suspension. It is available in 1mL glass
ampoules in packs of 2 and 5.

Ingredients

Active ingredient:

betamethasone sodium phosphate

betamethasone acetate

Inactive ingredients:

Benzalkonium chloride

Disodium edetate

Dibasic sodium phosphate

Monobasic sodium phosphate

Nitrogen

Water for Injections.

Sponsor

Organon Pharma Pty Ltd

Building A, 26 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113 Australia 

Australian Registration Number

AUST R 18777

Date of Preparation

February 2022

RCN100000544-AU

Side Effects, Dosage, Uses and More

Highlights for betamethasone

1. Betamethasone injectable suspension is available as a brand-name drug. It’s also available as a generic drug. Brand name: Celestone Soluspan.
2. Betamethasone also comes in topical forms, including a cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray, and foam.
3. Betamethasone injectable suspension is used to treat inflammation and pain from a variety of conditions. These conditions include multiple sclerosis, arthritis, skin disease, and blood disorders.

• Infection risk warning: Steroids such as betamethasone suppress your body’s immune system. This makes it harder for you to fight infections. Long-term use of betamethasone and using it in higher doses may increase your chances of getting an infection. It may also hide the symptoms of any infection you may have.
• Anaphylactic reaction warning: In rare cases, this drug can cause an anaphylactic reaction. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include swelling of the face and throat, and trouble breathing. If you have a history of allergic reaction to corticosteroids, tell your doctor before using this drug.

Betamethasone injectable suspension is an injected drug. It’s given by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. You won’t administer this drug yourself.

Betamethasone injectable suspension is available as the brand-name drug Celestone Soluspan. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name drug.

Betamethasone is also available in topical forms, including a cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray, and foam.

Why it’s used

Betamethasone is used to decrease inflammation and pain from a number of conditions. It’s approved for:

• multiple sclerosis
• allergic conditions
• skin disease
• stomach disorders
• blood disorders
• eye disorders
• kidney problems, such as having protein in your urine
• breathing disorders
• cancer
• arthritis
• hormone-related disease, such as thyroid problems

How it works

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid drug, sometimes called a steroid. Steroids reduce the amount of inflammatory chemicals your body makes. They also reduce your body’s natural immune response, which helps to control inflammation.

Betamethasone injectable suspension doesn’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with betamethasone include:

• Increased blood sugar level. Symptoms may include:
  • confusion
  • more frequent urges to urinate
  • feeling sleepy, thirsty, and hungry
• Trembling, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and fast heartbeat
• Low potassium level, which can cause muscle pain and cramps
• Skin changes, such as:
  • pimples
  • stretch marks
  • slow healing
  • hair growth
• Signs of infection, including:
  • fever
  • chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
• Mood and behavior changes
• Menstrual changes, such as spotting or skipping a period
• Vision changes, including blurred vision
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Sweating
• Restlessness
• Nausea

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Fever
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Seizure
• Blue skin color
• Infection. Signs may include:
  • cough
  • fever
  • chills

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Betamethasone injectable suspension can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you might be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Your healthcare provider will look out for interactions with your current medications. Always be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, or vitamins you’re taking.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

This drug comes with several warnings.

Warning for pregnant women

Studies have shown a higher rate of cleft palates when steroids are given to pregnant animals. However, there are no adequate studies to tell us whether this occurs in humans.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. This drug should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Warning for women who are breastfeeding

Betamethasone can pass through breast milk and may slow growth in a developing child. Betamethasone may also decrease the amount of breast milk that your body produces. Talk to your doctor if you use betamethasone and want to breastfeed.

While using betamethasone, avoid coming into contact with people who have chickenpox or measles. These conditions are more severe in people using steroids such as betamethasone, and they can make you very sick.

Your doctor will determine a dosage that’s right for you based on your individual needs. Your general health may affect your dosage. Tell your doctor about all health conditions you have before your doctor or nurse administers the drug to you.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Betamethasone may be used for short-term or long-term treatment. How long you use it will depend on the disease you’re treating. This drug comes with risks if you don’t use it as prescribed.

If you don’t use it at all: Your symptoms won’t get better. You may experience more pain and inflammation.

If you stop using it suddenly: Your symptoms may return. This can include pain and inflammation.

What to do if you miss an appointment: If you miss an appointment to receive the injection, call the doctor’s office to reschedule as soon as you can.

How to tell if the drug is working: You should have less pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor to see if this medication is working for you.

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes betamethasone for you.

General

• How often you receive your injection will depend on the condition being treated and how well you respond to the drug. You may use the drug as often as 3 or 4 times per day, or as little as once per week. For some joint problems, a single dose may be enough to relieve your pain and symptoms. Your doctor will decide how often you receive the drug.
• Be sure to keep all your doctor’s appointments. This is to be sure you receive your injection on a timely basis.
• You should be able to drive home after receiving betamethasone.

Travel

Betamethasone is given as an injection in a hospital or doctor’s office. If you’re planning to travel and will miss an appointment for an injection, tell your doctor. You may need to find somewhere to get the injection during your travels. Or your doctor may decide to change your dosing plan.

Additional tests needed

You may need to have lab tests done after you start using betamethasone. These tests may be done to make sure you don’t have any side effects from the medication, and to make sure the drug is working for you.

Prior authorization

Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Betamethasone Injection Suspension – Drink-Drink

Betamethasone Key Features

1. Betamethasone Injection Suspension is available as a branded product. It is also available as a generic drug. Trade name: Celeston Soluspan.
2. Betamethasone is also available in topical forms, including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray, and foam.
3. Betamethasone Injectable Suspension is used to treat inflammation and pain in a variety of conditions. These conditions include multiple sclerosis, arthritis, skin diseases, and blood disorders.

Important warnings

• Exposure warning: Steroids, such as betamethasone, suppress the body’s immune system. This makes it difficult to fight infections. Long-term use of betamethasone and its use in higher doses may increase your chances of infection. It can also hide the symptoms of any infection you may have.
• Anaphylactic reaction warning: Rarely, this drug may cause an anaphylactic reaction. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include swelling of the face and throat, as well as difficulty breathing. If you have a history of allergic reactions to corticosteroids, tell your doctor before using this drug.

What is betamethasone?

Betamethasone Injectable Suspension is an injectable formulation. It is given by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting. You will not self-administer this drug.

Betamethasone injectable suspension is available as brand name. Celeston Soluspan . It is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than their brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in all dosages and forms as brand-name drugs.

Betamethasone is also available in topical formulations including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray and foam.

Why it is used

Betamethasone is used to reduce inflammation and pain in a number of conditions. It is approved for:

• multiple sclerosis
• allergic conditions
• skin disorders
• stomach disorders
• blood disorders
• eye disorders
• kidney problems such like the presence of protein in the urine
• respiratory disorders
• oncology
• arthritis
• hormonal disorders such as thyroid problems

How does it work?

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid drug, sometimes called a steroid. Steroids reduce the amount of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body. They also reduce your body’s natural immune response, which helps control inflammation.

Side effects of betamethasone

Betamethasone injectable suspension does not cause drowsiness, but may cause other side effects.

More common side effects

More common side effects that may occur with betamethasone include:

• Increased blood sugar. Symptoms may include:
  • confusion
  • more frequent urination
  • feeling sleepy, thirsty and hungry
• Trembling, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and heart palpitations
• Low potassium levels, which can cause muscle pain and cramps
• Skin changes such as:
  • acne
  • stretch marks
  • slow e healing
  • hair growth
• Signs of infection, including:
  • fever
  • chills
  • coughing
  • sore throat
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Menstrual changes such as spotting or missed periods
• Vision changes, including blurred vision
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• sweating
• restlessness

9000 5 Nausea

Serious side effects

Call your doctor if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms are life threatening or if you think you need emergency medical attention. Serious side effects and their symptoms may include the following:

• wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Fever
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Seizure
• Blue skin color
• Infectious disease. Signs may include:
  • cough
  • fever
  • chills

Credentials: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information does not replace medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a doctor who knows your medical history.

Betamethasone may interact with other medicines.

Betamethasone Injection Suspension may interact with other medicines, herbs or vitamins you are taking. An interaction is when a substance changes how a drug works. This may harm or interfere with the drug. Your healthcare provider will monitor interactions with your current medications. Always be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, or vitamins you are taking.

Registration data: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. However, because drugs interact differently for each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information does not replace medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about potential interactions with all prescription medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Betamethasone Warnings

This drug has several warnings.

Pregnancy Warning

Studies have shown higher rates of cleft palate when pregnant animals are given steroids. However, there are no adequate studies to tell us if this happens in humans.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Warning for breastfeeding women

Betamethasone may pass into breast milk and may slow the growth of a developing baby. Betamethasone can also decrease the amount of breast milk your body makes. Talk to your doctor if you are using betamethasone and want to breastfeed.

When using betamethasone, avoid contact with people who have chickenpox or measles. These conditions are more severe in people using steroids such as betamethasone and can make you very sick.

How to use betamethasone

Your doctor will determine the dosage that is right for you based on your individual needs. Your general health may affect dosage. Tell your doctor about any health conditions you have before your doctor or nurse administers the medicine to you.

Registration data: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that all possible dosages are included in this list. This information does not replace medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Use as directed

Betamethasone may be used for short or long term treatment. How long you use it will depend on the disease you are treating. This drug comes with risks if you do not use it as prescribed.

If you don’t use it at all: Your symptoms will not improve. You may experience more pain and inflammation.

If you suddenly stop using it: Your symptoms may return. This may include pain and inflammation.

What to do if you miss an appointment: If you miss an appointment for an injection, call your doctor’s office to reschedule it as soon as you can.

How to know if the drug will work: You should have less pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor to see if this medicine is working for you.

Important considerations for the use of betamethasone

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes betamethasone for you.

General

• How often you get an injection will depend on the condition you are treating and how well you respond to the drug. You can use the drug 3 to 4 times a day or just once a week. For some joint problems, one dose may be enough to relieve pain and symptoms. Your doctor will decide how often you will receive the drug.
• Be sure to follow all doctor’s orders. This is necessary for the timely receipt of the injection.
• You will be able to go home after taking betamethasone.

Travel

Betamethasone is given by injection in a hospital or doctor’s office. If you are planning a trip and miss an appointment for an injection, let your doctor know. You may need to find a place to inject during your travels. Or your doctor may decide to change your dosing plan.

More tests needed

You may need to have lab tests after you start using betamethasone. These tests may be done to make sure you don’t have side effects from the medicine and to make sure the medicine is working for you.

Prior Authorization

Many insurance companies require prior authorization for this drug. This means that your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

Registration data: Drink-Drink has made every effort to ensure that all information is accurate, complete and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained in this document is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or side effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not mean that a drug or combination of drugs is safe, effective, or suitable for all patients or for all specific uses.

Betamethasone: side effects, dosage, uses and more

contents

• Infection risk warning: Steroids such as betamethasone suppress your body’s immune system. This makes it difficult to fight infections. Long-term use of betamethasone and its use in higher doses may increase your chances of infection. It can also hide the symptoms of any infection you have.
• Anaphylactic reaction warning: In rare cases, this medicine may cause an anaphylactic reaction. This is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include swelling of the face and throat and difficulty breathing. If you have a history of allergic reactions to corticosteroids, tell your doctor before using this medicine.

Betamethasone injection suspension is a drug that is administered by injection. It is given by a medical professional in a clinical setting. You will not use this medicine alone.

Betamethasone injection suspension is available under the brand name Celestone Soluspan. It is also available as a generic drug. Generics usually cost less than branded versions. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as brand name medicines.

Betamethasone is also available in topical formulations including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, spray and foam.

Why it is used

Betamethasone is used to reduce inflammation and pain in a variety of conditions. Approved for:

• Multiple sclerosis
• allergic conditions
• skin disease
• stomach disorders
• blood disorders
• eye disorders
• kidney problems , such as protein in urine
• respiratory disorders
• Cancer
• artritis
• hormonal disorders such as thyroid problems

How it works

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid medication, sometimes called a steroid. Steroids reduce the amount of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body. They also reduce your body’s natural immune response, which helps control inflammation.

Betamethasone injection suspension does not cause drowsiness but may cause other side effects.

More common side effects

More common side effects that may occur with betamethasone include:

• Raised blood sugar. Symptoms may include:
  • confusion
  • more frequent urination
  • feeling sleepy, thirsty, and hungry
• Trembling, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat

900 05 Low potassium levels, which can cause muscle pain and cramps.

• Skin changes such as:
  • arrive
  • stretch marks
  • slow healing
  • hair growth
• Signs of infection, including:
  • high fever
  • chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Menstrual changes such as spots or missed periods
• Changes in vision, including blurred vision
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Sweating
• Nemir
• nausea

Serious side effects

Call your doctor if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms seem life-threatening or if you think you need emergency medical attention. Serious side effects and their symptoms may include the following:

• wheezing
• breast lift
• Fever
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• seized
• Blue skin color
• Infectious disease. Signs may include:
  • cough
  • fever
  • chills

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. But because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information does not replace medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a doctor who knows your medical history.

Betamethasone Injection Suspension may interact with other medicines, herbs or vitamins you are taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. It can be harmful or prevent the medicine from working well. Your doctor will monitor interactions with your current medications. Always be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, herbs, or vitamins you are taking.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that these data include all possible interactions. This information does not replace medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about potential interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

This medicine comes with several caveats.

Pregnancy warning

Studies have shown higher rates of cleft palate when steroids are given to pregnant women. However, there are no relevant studies that can tell us if this happens in humans.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Warning for breastfeeding women

Betamethasone may pass into breast milk and slow the growth of a developing baby. Betamethasone can also decrease the amount of breast milk produced by the body. Talk to your doctor if you are using betamethasone and want to breastfeed.

When using betamethasone, avoid contact with people with measles or measles. These conditions are more severe in people taking steroids such as betamethasone and can lead to serious illness.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs. Your general health may affect dosage. Tell your doctor about any illnesses you had before your doctor or nurse gave you the medicine.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most current and up-to-date information. But because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible doses. This information does not replace medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the doses that are right for you.

Betamethasone can be used for short-term or long-term treatment. How long you use it will depend on the disease you are treating. This medicine is dangerous if you do not use it as directed.

If you do not use it at all: symptoms will not improve. You may feel more pain and inflammation.

If you suddenly stop using it: symptoms may return. This may include pain and inflammation.

What to do if you miss an appointment: If you miss an appointment to get an injection, call your doctor to postpone your appointment as soon as possible.

How to know if a medicine is working: You should have less pain and swelling. Talk to your doctor and find out if this medication works for you.

Important considerations for using betamethasone

Keep this in mind if your doctor prescribes betamethasone.

Basic Information

• How often you get an injection will depend on the condition you are treating and how well you are responding to the medicine. You can use the medicine up to 3 or 4 times a day, or for as little as a week. For some joint problems, one dose may be enough to relieve pain and symptoms. Your doctor will decide how often you will take the medicine.
• Be sure to keep track of all your doctor’s examinations. This will definitely give you an injection in a timely manner.
• You will be able to go home after taking betamethasone.

Travel

Betamethasone is given by injection in a hospital or doctor’s office. If you are planning a trip and miss your injection appointment, let your doctor know. You may need to find an injection somewhere while traveling. Or your doctor may decide to change your dosing plan.

More tests needed

After you start using betamethasone, you may need to have lab tests done. These tests may be done to make sure the medicine is not causing side effects and that the medicine is working for you.

Prior approval

Many insurance companies require prior approval for this drug. This means that your doctor will need to get insurance company approval before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to ensure that all information is correct, complete, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and experience of a licensed healthcare professional. Always check with your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, instructions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or side effects.