Betnovate Cream/Ointment

• You should find that Two fingertips of cream will treat both hands or one foot Three fingertips of cream will treat one arm
• Six fingertips of cream will treat one leg
• Fourteen fingertips of cream will treat the front and back on one trunk
• Do not worry if you find that you need a little more or a little less than this – it is only a rough guide

For a child:

• It should not be used in children under one year of age.
• The smaller the child the less you use.
• A child of 4 years needs about a third of the adult amount.

What’s the dose?

Usually used two or three times a day.

Could it interact with other tablets?

• There are no known interactions between Betnovate and other medications.

Herbal products should only be taken after talking with your doctor.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Like all medicines, Betnovate cream can have side effects.
Most people find using this cream causes no problems when used in the right amount for the correct length of time.
IF you find your condition gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to the cream or have a skin infection which needs other treatment. The excipient Chlorocresol may cause allergic reactions.

Using more than the correct amount may:

• thin the skin so that it damages easily
• allow the active ingredients to pass through the skin and affect other parts of the body, especially in infants and children.

Repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time may sometimes cause changes in hair growth and skin colour, itching, a burning sensation or reddening of the skin where the cream was applied.

Rarely, when used on psoriasis (or on stopping treatment) it may make the condition worse e.g. a pustular form of the disease may occur. That is why, if used in this condition, your doctor will want to see you regularly.

If you feel unwell or have any unusual discomfort you do not understand, tell your doctor as soon as possible.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

• There are no known interactions between alcohol and Hydrocortisyl.
• Always ask you doctor or pharmacist however as other medications you are taking may have a bearing on this.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

• You should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks you need to take it.
• You should only breast-feed your baby while taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or midwife.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://irishskinfoundation.ie/news/detail/drug-availability-bulletin-betnovate-and-eumovate-creams-and-ointments

http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2126867.PA1077_002_001.353e07f7-678a-44e1-bdbb-72ccce5ac51f.000001Betnovate%20C%20PIL.141217.pdf

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a6308/betnovate-cream-ointment-lotion-betamethasone/

http://www.drugs.com/cons/betnovate.html

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/707