About Betnovate Cream
Betnovate Cream contains Betamethasone (as Valerate) 0.1%. Betamethasone cream is a potent corticosteroid (steroid) applied to the skin. It reduces redness, swelling and itching in skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It should be used thinly, for the shortest time needed.
Uses of Betnovate Cream
- Eczema and dermatitis
- Psoriasis (not widespread plaque psoriasis)
- Other inflamed, itchy skin conditions that respond to steroids, as advised by your doctor
Benefits
In inflamed skin conditions
It calms inflammation, easing redness, swelling and itching, which helps the skin settle. It controls symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.
Side effects
Side effects are more likely with large areas, long use, use under a bandage, or on thin skin such as the face. Use it only as directed.
Common
- Burning or stinging where applied
- Itching or irritation
- Dry skin
Get medical help if you notice
- Thinning of the skin, stretch marks or visible small blood vessels with long use — talk to your doctor
- Skin infection getting worse (more redness, pus, spreading rash) — stop and see your doctor
- Blurred vision or other vision changes — see your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash spreading, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Wash and dry your hands. Apply a thin layer to the affected skin only and rub in gently, as often as your doctor advises. Wash your hands afterwards, unless the hands are being treated. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor tells you to. Keep it away from the eyes. Use it on the face, groin or armpits only if your doctor says so.
How it works
It is a corticosteroid that reduces the activity of the immune cells and chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin.
Safety advice
Alcohol Safe
No interaction with alcohol is known.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it, on small areas for a short time.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor first. Do not apply it to the breast area unless told to, and wipe it off before feeding if so.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect driving.
Kidney Consult your doctor
There is no specific advice for kidney disease. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions.
Liver Consult your doctor
There is no specific advice for liver disease. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions.
If you miss a dose
If you forget to apply it, apply it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next application, skip the missed one. Do not apply extra.
Quick tips
- Use a thin layer, only on the affected skin, for as long as your doctor advises.
- Do not use it on acne, rosacea, or untreated skin infections such as fungal infections, cold sores or chickenpox.
- Do not share it or use it for other rashes without advice.
- Do not stop suddenly after long use — ask your doctor how to reduce it.
- Use only small amounts on children, and only if a doctor advises it.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Fluorinated corticosteroid
- Therapeutic class
- Dermatological
- Action class
- Potent topical corticosteroid
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Ritonavir and itraconazole | May increase the amount of steroid in the body, raising the risk of side effects |
| Other steroid creams or ointments on the same area | Adds to the risk of skin thinning and other side effects |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Betamethasone valerate cream prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); EMC SmPC: betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream; NICE BNF: topical corticosteroids). Pharmacist review pending.