Betamethasone and Calcipotriene (Topical Application Route)

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

Proper Use

This medicine is for use on the skin or scalp only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or apply it on your face, under your arms, or on your groin area. Do not use it on skin or scalp areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if your symptoms have disappeared. Do not miss any doses. However, do not use this medicine more often or for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

The treated areas should not be bandaged or covered after the medicine is applied.

Do not use this medicine for treating skin problems other than the one for which it was prescribed by your doctor.

To use the ointment form:

• Apply enough medicine to the affected areas of your skin and rub in gently.
• Do not use the ointment for more than 4 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

To use the topical liquid form:

• Shake the bottle before using the medicine.
• Apply enough medicine to the affected areas on your scalp and rub it in gently.
• Do not wash your hair right after applying this medicine.
• Do not apply this medicine in the 12 hours before or after using any hair chemical treatments. Talk with your doctor first about it.
• Do not use the topical liquid for more than 8 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For psoriasis:
  • For topical dosage form (ointment):
    • Adults—Apply to the affected areas of the skin once a day. Treatment may be continued for up to 4 weeks or as determined by your doctor.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For topical dosage form (liquid):
    • Adults—Apply to the affected areas on the scalp once a day for 2 weeks or until the area is cleared. Treatment may be continued for up to 8 weeks or as determined by your doctor.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Keep the bottle of topical liquid in the carton when not in use. Use it within 3 months after it has been opened.

Copyright © 2012 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.