Betamethasone

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About Betamethasone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as corticosteroids.

Betamethasone can be used to treat severe asthma, allergic conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disease and other inflammatory disorders.

Betamethasone is available in tablet, soluble tablet and injection form

It is also sometimes known as Betnelan; Betnesol. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Betamethasone

Before taking Betamethasone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have suffered stress, trauma or had surgery or are about to have an operation
• if you have septicaemia, TB (tuberculosis), or have a family history of these conditions
• if you are suffering from any kind of infections including chicken pox, shingles or measles or have been in contact with anyone who has them
• if you suffer from high blood pressure, epilepsy or heart problems or have a family history of these conditions
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from diabetes mellitus or glaucoma or have a family history of these conditions
• if you suffer from osteoporosis or if you are a woman who has gone through the menopause
• if you suffer from psychosis or have a family history of mental health problems
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease)
• if you have a peptic ulcer or any gastric intestinal disorder or have a history of these conditions
• if you suffer from an underactive thyroid
• if you have recently had a vaccination or are about to have one
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Betamethasone

• Take Betamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• DO NOT stop taking Betamethasone without speaking to your doctor first. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
• You must follow the printed instructions you have been given with your medication.
• Each dose of Betamethasone must be taken with or immediately after food. If you are taking it as a single dose, take it with or immediately after breakfast.
• If you have been prescribed soluble Betamethasone you must dissolve or mix it in water before taking.
• Try to take Betamethasone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Betamethasone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• Betamethasone is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Betamethasone.
• If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chicken pox or suspects they might have them, you must see your doctor as soon as possible.
• If you have been given a steroid treatment card, carry it with you at all times.
• Before having any kind of medical treatment including dental treatment or any medical tests you must show your treatment card or tell them that you are taking Betamethasone.

Can Betamethasone cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Indigestion, stomach ulcers, bloating, oesophageal (gullet) ulcer, thrush, weakness of the upper arms and legs, thinning of the bones, irregular or no menstrual periods, upper body weight gain, excess hair growth, increased appetite, increased susceptibility to infections, euphoria (feeling high), depression, sleep problems, eye infections, eye discomfort, slower healing, thinning of the skin, bruising, stretch marks, rash, acne, swollen ankles, nausea (feeling sick), malaise (general feeling of being unwell) or hiccups.

Important: If you experience pain and swelling in one leg or breathlessness speak to your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other side effects not mentioned in this leaflet.

How to store Betamethasone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 10/02/2005   

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