This product contains 2 drugs (betamethasone and
calcipotriene) and is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Some brands of
this medication are also used to treat psoriasis on the body. Betamethasone
is a very strong corticosteroid drug that helps decrease the swelling,
redness, and itching of the skin that occurs with this condition.
Calcipotriene, which is also known as calcipotriol in other countries, is a
form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells so
that they do not build up into thickened, scaly skin
patches.
This medication should not be used if you have certain
types of psoriasis (skin patches with pus-filled blisters, psoriasis with
intense redness/shedding/oozing). Consult your doctor for more
information.
This product is not recommended for use in children
because they may be at an increased risk for side effects. See also Side
Effects and Precautions sections.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the scalp. Do not apply
this product 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to your hair.
Shake the bottle well before use. Part your hair, apply the product only to
the affected area(s) of the scalp, and gently rub in as directed by your
doctor, usually once daily. Wash your hands after using, but do not wash
your hair right after applying this product. Avoid getting any medication
in the eyes or ears. If this occurs, immediately rinse with plenty of
water. Do not apply this product to the face, underarms, or groin
area.
If your doctor has directed you to use this product on
your body, follow your doctor's directions for how much to use and where to
use it. Apply to affected areas and gently rub in. Wash your hands after
using.
Do not use this medication more often or for longer than
directed. Do not use more than 100 grams of this product a week unless
directed and closely monitored by your doctor. Do not bandage, wrap, or
cover the treated area unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Do not
use this product on large areas of damaged skin. Following these
instructions helps to reduce your risk of side effects.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse. It may take up to 2 weeks to see any
improvement.
Itching, burning, redness, or irritation of the skin may
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- skin thinning/discoloration/"stretch marks"
- small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)
- worsening of psoriasis
This medication may rarely cause an increase in the
level of calcium in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor right away if you
notice any of the following unlikely but serious side
effects:
- mental/mood changes
- unexplained constipation
- pink/bloody urine
- painful urination
Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed
from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too
much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in
people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the
skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects
occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to betamethasone or calcipotriene; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of:
- a certain mineral imbalance (high calcium levels in the blood
or urine)
- thin skin in the area to be treated
- liver disease
If you have a skin infection (such as chickenpox, herpes
simplex) or a skin problem other than psoriasis, it should be treated
before you start this medication. Betamethasone and other corticosteroid
drugs can slow down your body's response to antibiotic drugs and make it
more difficult to clear an infection.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Your doctor
may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this product.
Ask your doctor for details.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time
or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to
respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment,
or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that
you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past
few months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily
slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor
regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal gland
function) may be done while you are using this medication, especially if
you use this drug for an extended period of time or apply it over large
areas of the body. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your
doctor for more details.
Try to identify and reduce the triggers that may worsen
your psoriasis (such as stress, skin injury, smoking). Discuss with your
doctor additional ways to control symptoms.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate. Keep the
medication in the outer carton when not in use. Once the bottle is opened,
this medication expires after 6 months. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.