Bethamethasone dipropionate

Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age or older. Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented), 0.05% is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age and older. ( 1 )

• Apply a thin film of betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) to the affected skin areas once or twice daily
• Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved
• Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) is a high-potency corticosteroid
• Treatment with betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) should not exceed 50 g per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Wash hands after each application
• Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site
• Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) is for topical use only
• It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use
• Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once or twice daily
• Discontinue therapy when control is achieved
• Use no more than 50 g per week
• Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician

Cream, 0.05%. Each gram of betamethasone dipropionate cream USP (augmented), 0.05% contains 0.64 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in a white cream base. Cream, 0.05% ( 3 )

• Use of betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented)
• In pediatric patients younger than 13 years of age is not recommended due to the potential for HPA axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions ]
• In an open-label HPA axis safety trial in subjects 3 months to 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis, betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented), 0.05% was applied twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 58% (range 35% to 95%). …

Clinical trials of betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) included 104 subjects who were 65 years of age and over and 8 subjects who were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. …

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information)
• Inform patients of the following: Discontinue therapy when control is achieved, unless directed otherwise by the physician
• Use no more than 50 grams per week
• Avoid contact with the eyes
• Advise patients to report any visual symptoms to their healthcare providers
• Avoid use of betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) on the face, underarms, or groin areas unless directed by the physician
• Do not occlude the treatment area with bandage or other covering, unless directed by the physician. …

• Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented), is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation
• Hypersensitivity to any component of this medicine

Effects on endocrine system: Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) can cause reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factor(s) include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. …

The most common adverse reaction reported in 0.4% of adult patients is stinging. ( 6.1 ) The most common adverse reactions reported in 10% of pediatric patients are signs of skin atrophy, telangiectasia, bruising, shininess. ( 6.1 , 8.4 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc., at 1-866-923-4914 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. …

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no available data on betamethasone dipropionate cream (augmented) use in pregnant women to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. …

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from freezing.

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.