Betamethacot Side Effects

Generic name: betamethasone topical

Note: This document contains side effect information about betamethasone topical. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Betamethacot.

Some side effects of Betamethacot may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to betamethasone topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical spray

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking betamethasone topical (the active ingredient contained in Betamethacot) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these signs that you may be absorbing betamethasone topical through your skin or gums:

• blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;

• uneven heartbeats;

• mood changes;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or

• feeling tired.

Less serious side effects of betamethasone topical may include:

• skin redness, burning, itching, or peeling;

• thinning of your skin; or

• blistering skin; or

• stretch marks.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to betamethasone topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical lotion, topical ointment, topical spray

Local

Skin atrophy may become evident within one to two months of use and is due to the inhibitory effect of corticosteroids on collagen formation. Skin on the face, axilla, and groin appear to be most susceptible to the adverse long-term effects of topical betamethasone. Use of high potency topical corticosteroids on these areas should be minimized or avoided.

Topical corticosteroid use may impair local immune response rendering the skin more susceptible to infections. Folliculitis has occasionally been reported.

Perioral dermatitis or rosacea-like dermatitis has occurred in patients treated with potent topical corticosteroids. These conditions may flare temporarily upon discontinuation of topical steroids, prompting patients to continue their use. If topical corticosteroids are discontinued, this flare and the initial dermatitis generally resolve over a few weeks.

Worsening of psoriasis has occurred in a few patients.

Local side effects have included burning, itching, dryness, and irritation, especially when applied to denuded skin. Long-term use of topical corticosteroids may result in skin atrophy and thinning, and the development of striae, telangiectasia, subcutaneous hemorrhage, and easy bruising and bleeding. Allergic contact dermatitis has occasionally been reported.

Endocrine

Adrenal suppression has been reported in patients with psoriasis using augmented betamethasone dipropionate at doses of approximately 50 grams per week. Plasma cortisol concentrations generally return to normal within one to two weeks following discontinuation of the drug, and in some cases return to normal during continued therapy. In a few cases adrenal failure has persisted up to four months.

If betamethasone dipropionate is to be used for an extended period of time, adrenal function should be evaluated periodically. Supplemental systemic steroids may be necessary during times of stress. Other less potent forms of betamethasone may cause adrenal suppression if used on large areas or with occlusive dressings.

Endocrine side effects have included suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in cushingoid features and symptoms of adrenal suppression following withdrawal of the drug. These effects are more likely when higher potency topical corticosteroids are used over extensive areas or when occlusive dressing are used. In addition, augmented betamethasone, and the ointment and emollient cream formulation of betamethasone generally provide better penetration, and thus, higher risk of adrenal suppression.

Ocular

Steroid-induced cataracts and glaucoma have been reported, most often in patients receiving betamethasone eyedrops (not available in the US). In one patient, permanent eye damage resulted from long term application of betamethasone cream to the eyelids.

Ocular side effects have included rare reports of glaucoma in patients using betamethasone on the face for long periods of time. Intraocular pressure does not always return to normal following discontinuation of the drug.

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects have included rare reports of osteoporosis. Avascular necrosis of the hips and vertebral fractures have been documented.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, miliaria, hypertrichosis, and vesiculation.

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