Betnovate (Betamethasone Valerate 20g Cream)

What is Betnovate (Betamethasone Valerate 20g Cream)?

Betnovate (Betamethasone Valerate 20g Cream) is a trade name of the active ingredient Betamethasone. It is an active synthetic corticosteroid (analog of the hormone of adrenal cortex) of the local action, giving a fast effect in cases of the inflammatory dermatosis (skin diseases). This drug provides an anti-inflammatory local, anti-allergic, antiedematous and antiproliferative action. It has the stronger vasoconstrictive action than other glucocorticosteroids. It provides the stronger the narrowing of the blood vessels and reduces the blood circulation, and this stimulates less the development of the allergic reactions.

Betnovate cream is a rather safe drug by means of the local use. It is rather poor absorbed through the skin, so that it does not cause systemic effects.

Affecting the skin there is a prevention of the acentric accumulation of neutrophils, and it leads to the reduction of exudation, production of cytokines, inhibition of mugration of macrophages, leading to the reduction of the allergic and inflammatory processes.

How does Betnovate work?

Betnovate products contain the active ingredient betamethasone, which is a type of medicine called a topical corticosteroid. Betamethasone cream and ointment are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

Corticosteroids (also known as steroids) are medicines used for reducing inflammation. Skin inflammation may occur as a result of an allergic reaction, or irritation of the skin. It is caused by the immune system releasing substances that make blood vessels in the skin widen. This makes the irritated area become red, swollen, itchy and painful, as is seen in dermatitis or eczema.

When betamethasone is applied to the skin it acts inside cells to decrease the release of these inflammatory substances. This reduces swelling, redness and itching.

There is a range of potencies of corticosteroids available for application to the skin. Betnovate cream, ointment and lotion contain betamethasone valerate 0.1% and are classed as potent corticosteroids. They are prescribed to treat various inflammatory skin disorders that have not responded to milder steroids.

Betnovate cream is more suitable for moist, weeping areas of skin, while the thicker, more greasy ointment is more suitable for dry, scaly areas of skin. Betnovate lotion spreads easily and is more suitable for hairy areas of skin, or when minimal application to a large area of skin is needed.

Betnovate Common Use

• Betnovate Cream is applied externally to the affected parts of the skin and carefully rubbed.
• The cream should be used 2-3 times a day depending on the form of the disease, level of the severity, and reaction of the body to the treatment
• Do not apply much cream because it is not almost absorbed, and so the patient spends the part of the cream
• After the application it is better to use the maintaining dosage and apply the drug once per day, before going to bed.
• If necessary the occlusive dressings are used which are replaced every 24 hours (the dampening chamber causing loosening of the horny layer and faster penetration of the drug is created because of the evaporation of sweat and skin breathing)
• In order to avoid the relapses of the disease it is necessary to use the cream for several days after the complete disappearance of the symptoms. This way it is possible to achieve the results.

Side effects of Betnovate

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Skin irritation, eg redness, rash, itching or burning on application, or allergic inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). Stop using this medicine and consult your doctor if you think you have experienced a reaction or your skin condition appears to be getting worse.
• Spread or worsening of untreated infections.
• Thinning of the skin.
• Reduced skin pigmentation.
• Stretch marks (striae).
• Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).
• Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis).
• Prolonged use of this medicine on extensive areas of skin, broken or raw skin, skin folds or underneath airtight dressings may on very rare occasions result in enough corticosteroid being absorbed to have side effects on other parts of the body, for example a decrease in the production of natural hormones by the adrenal glands, or symptoms of Cushing's syndrome - see warning section above.

Betnovate (Betamethasone Valerate 20g Cream) side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it's necessary they'll report it for you.

• Model: Betnovate
• Brand: Glaxosmithkline