What is Betamethasone Valerate? Uses, warnings & side effects

Follow the prescriber’s instructions. Do not use more than directed.

This medicine usually does not require instructions. Ask the prescriber or other healthcare provider for directions on how to apply the medicine.

This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, mouth, anus, or vagina. 

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you apply a dose.

Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the treated skin unless instructed otherwise.

Applying betamethasone cream or ointment: 

• Apply a thin layer of the cream or ointment to the affected skin one, two, or three times daily. Two times daily is the most common dosage.

• Rub it in gently.

• Store the medicine at room temperature.

Applying betamethasone lotion: 

• Apply a few drops to the affected skin twice daily. 

• Massage it gently into the skin.

• Store the medicine at room temperature.

Applying betamethasone foam: 

• Please read the Patient Information sheet and follow the instructions.

• Apply twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.

• Apply only enough foam to cover the affected area.

• Do not smoke when applying doses.

• To apply a dose, first turn the can upside down.

• Press the nozzle to dispense foam onto a surface such as a saucer. Do not dispense into your hand, or the foam will melt.

• Take a small amount of foam with your fingers, move the hair away over part of the affected skin, and massage the foam gently into the skin.

• Repeat this process until the entire affected scalp area has been covered.

• Throw away any remaining foam that has been dispensed but not used.

• Allow the medicine to dry.

• Do not rinse or wash the hair immediately after applying a dose.

• Store at room temperature. Do not let it get too cold or too hot.

• Keep the can away from direct sunlight, fire, flames, or direct heat.

Apply the missed dose as soon as possible.

If it’s almost time for the next dose, apply that dose and skip the missed dose.

Return to the normal dosing schedule.

Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have ever reacted to betamethasone or other corticosteroids.

Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider.

Tell other doctors you are using this medicine.

• Betamethasone valerate can distort the results of some medical tests.

Before starting prescription betamethasone, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Any history of reactions to topical corticosteroids

• Thinning of the skin at the application site

• Infection at the application site

• Diabetes 

• Liver problems

• Adrenal gland problems

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

Betamethasone can cause skin changes such as skin thinning.

• Contact the prescriber if you notice significant skin changes on the treatment area.

If the drug gets into the bloodstream, betamethasone can cause serious side effects, including:

• Adrenal gland problems

• Elevated blood sugar

• Eye problems (glaucoma or cataracts)

• Cushing’s syndrome (physical changes due to corticosteroid exposure)

• Growth inhibition in children

The drug is more likely to get into the bloodstream and cause serious side effects when:

• Doses are applied over large areas of the skin

• Too much medicine is applied to the skin

• The drug is used over long periods of time

• Occlusive dressings or diapers are placed over the treated area

• The medicine is applied to skin that has sores, cuts, or similar damage

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should apply betamethasone to the smallest area of skin possible.

If symptoms do not improve or get worse, contact the prescriber.

Before starting betamethasone valerate, tell the prescriber about all the drugs and supplements regularly taken, particularly other corticosteroids.

Tell other healthcare professionals about betamethasone treatment before they prescribe new medications.