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.

CELESTONE® – M – MyDr.com.au

Betamethasone valerate

Consumer Medicine Information

What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Celestone M.

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 this medicine against the benefits it is expected to have for you.

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

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Celestone M is used for

Celestone M contains the active ingredient called betamethasone valerate.

It is a type of cortisone and belongs to the group of medicines called corticosteroids. Celestone M is classified as a moderately strong topical corticosteroid.

Celestone M is used on the skin to relieve the redness, swelling, itching and discomfort of many skin problems such as:

• Psoriasis (a stubborn skin disorder with raised, rough reddened areas covered with dry, fine silvery scales)
• Eczema (an often itchy skin condition with redness, swelling, oozing of fluid, crusting which may lead to scaling)
• other types of dermatitis

Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Before you use Celestone M

When you must not use it

Do not use Celestone M if you have an allergy to:

• other medicines containing betamethasone valerate
• any other corticosteroid(s)
• any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include wheezing, skin rash and hives.

Do not use Celestone M if you have:

• a viral skin infection (such as cold sores, shingles or chicken pox)
• a fungal skin infection (such as thrush, tinea or ringworm)
• tuberculosis of the skin
• acne rosacea
• inflammation around the mouth
• skin conditions with ulcers

unless your doctor tells you.

Ask your doctor to be sure you do not have any of these conditions.

Do not use Celestone M just before having a bath, shower or going swimming. If you do you may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.

Do not use Celestone M if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Do not use Celestone M after the expiry date. A use-by date is shown on the tube and carton of Celestone M Cream. If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.

Before you start to use it

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

1. you have allergies to:

• any other medicines
• any other substances, such as foods, dyes or preservatives.

2. you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine when pregnant.

3. you are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine when breast-feeding. Do not apply this medicine to the breasts before breast feeding.

4. you have any other medical conditions, especially if you have an infection.

Using other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other creams, ointments or lotions or taking any other medicines. This includes any that you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may affect the way others work. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to tell you what to do when using Celestone M with other medicines.

How to use Celestone M

How to use it

Apply a thin film of Celestone M Cream to the affected skin two to three times daily. Massage gently until it disappears.

It is important to use Celestone M exactly as your doctor has told you. If you use it less often than you should, it may not work as well and your skin problem may not improve.

Using it more often than you should may not improve your skin problem any faster and may cause or increase side effects.

Follow these instructions only if you have been asked to use Celestone M under an occlusive dressing:

• apply a thin layer of Celestone M on the affected area
• cover with a light gauze dressing followed by a water-resistant plastic wrap on top
• extend the plastic wrap over the edges of the treated area
• seal the edges to normal skin using adhesive tape
• leave the dressing undisturbed for 1 to 3 days
• apply new occlusive dressings 3 to 4 times during the treatment period as needed

How long to use it

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how long to use Celestone M.

Do not use Celestone M for longer than your doctor tells you.

If you are not sure how long to use this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to use it

If it is almost time for your next application, skip the one you missed and apply the next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise use it as soon as you remember, and then go back to using your medicine as you would normally. Do not apply twice the amount to make up for the application you missed. If you have trouble remembering to use your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you swallow it

Telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Phone 13 11 26) or go to the accident and emergency centre at your nearest hospital immediately if anyone swallows Celestone M. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Keep the telephone numbers of these places handy.

While you are using Celestone M

Things you must do

Discontinue Celestone M immediately if it causes irritation or sensitisation.

Tell all doctors and pharmacists who are treating you that you are using Celestone M.

Tell your doctor if you feel that Celestone M is not helping your condition or if your skin condition worsens or seems infected.

Tell your doctor if, for any reason, you have not used Celestone M exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, your doctor may think that it was not effective and change your treatment unnecessarily.

If you become pregnant while using Celestone M, tell your doctor.

Things you must not do

Do not use Celestone M under dressings or on large areas of skin unless your doctor tells you. If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering) to be applied over Celestone M, make sure you know how to apply it.

Since occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of side effects, use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Do not use plastic pants or tight fitting nappies if Celestone M is to be used on the nappy area of young children.

Do not use Celestone M in or near the eyes.

Do not use Celestone M on the face unless your doctor tells you to. Use only a small amount and stop when the condition has cleared.

Do not give Celestone M to anyone else even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.

Do not use Celestone M to treat other conditions unless your doctor tells you. Your doctor has prescribed Celestone M especially for you and your condition. If you use it for another condition, it may not work or make the condition worse.

Things to be careful of

Do not use large amounts for a long time. If you use large amounts for a long time, the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of side effects increase.

Ask your doctor if you are concerned about the length of time you have been using Celestone M.

Only use Celestone M on skin areas that rub together such as under the arm or in the groin area if your doctor tells you.

Children and adolescents should be followed closely by the doctor, since this medicine is absorbed through the skin and can affect growth or cause other unwanted effects.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor if you do not feel well while you are using Celestone M.

Celestone M helps most people with skin problems but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.

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.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

• burning
• itching
• irritation
• infection or dryness of skin
• irritation or redness of the face
• increased hair growth
• acne
• change in skin colour
• thinning of skin with easy bruising
• maceration of the skin
• stretch marks
• infection of the hair roots
• rash around mouth area
• contact dermatitis
• heat rash
• secondary infection
• dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin
• tingling
• warm feeling
• scaling skin
• visual disturbances or blurred vision

Celestone M may cause other side effects.

Side effects that may happen with oral or injectables corticosteroids may also occur with corticosteroids used on the skin, especially in infants and children.

Other side effects not listed above also occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

Ask your doctor if you don’t understand anything in this list.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

After using Celestone M

Storage

Keep Celestone M in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.

Do not store Celestone M or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.

Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep Celestone M where children cannot reach it. Keep the medicine away from pets. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor tells you to stop using Celestone M or it has passed its expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any that is left over.

Product Description

What it looks like

Celestone M Cream is a white to off-white cream. It is packed in 100 g tubes.

Ingredients

Celestone M Cream contains:

• betamethasone as valerate 0.2 mg/g
• chlorocresol (preservative)
• cetomacrogol 1000
• cetostearyl alcohol
• liquid paraffin
• white soft paraffin
• monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate
• phosphoric acid
• purified water

Supplier

Organon Pharma Pty Limited
Building A, 26 Talavera Road,
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
AUSTRALIA

Australian Registration Number

Cream – AUST R 18778

Date of Preparation

21 July 2022

RCN: 100001004AU

Published by MIMS September 2022

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.