Betnovate lotion (Betamethasone)

Betnovate contains a medication called betamethasone valerate. It belongs to the steroid group of medicines. It works by reducing inflammation and immune system activity and inhibiting the activity of certain immune cells. This medication is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. Betnovate lotion is an alternative to Betnovate cream and ointment. 

The choice of topical steroid preparation is down to personal preference. Here are some of the key features that make Betnovate lotion an ideal treatment compared to creams and ointments:

• Ease of application: Betnovate lotion is a liquid formulation that can be especially useful for covering larger areas of the body or for application to the scalp.
• Non-greasy: lotion formulas are less greasy compared to ointments, which some patients may feel more comfortable with. This lotion has fast absorption 
• Cooling sensation: some patients find that the lotion formula can provide a soothing and cooling sensation because of the consistency. This would be beneficial for those with itching and discomfort from their skin condition.

Ingredients

The active ingredient is betamethasone valerate. Each 10 ml contains 0.01 ml of betamethasone (0.1% w/w) as valerate.

The other ingredients are methyl hydroxybenzoate, xanthan gum, cetostearyl alcohol, liquid paraffin, isopropyl alcohol, glycerol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, sodium citrate, citric acid and purified water.

How to use Betnovate lotion:

• Always follow the directions given by your doctor
• Wash your hands 
• Gently apply and rub a small amount of lotion into the skin until it has soaked in
• You usually apply Betnovate lotion once or twice a day
• If your skin condition does not improve within 2-4 weeks then speak to your doctor

Betnovate Lotion does not always cause side effects, however, like all medicines, they are possible. Side effects are normally associated with Betnovate Lotion being applied incorrectly or being used in higher doses or quantities than recommended.

The most common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) associated with Betnovate Lotion can include:

• Itching
• Local skin burning
• Skin pain

Very rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people) can include

• An increased risk of infection
• An allergic skin reaction where the lotion is applied
• Rash, itchy bumpy skin or redness of the skin
• Thinning and dryness of your skin and it may also damage or wrinkle more easily
• Stretch marks may develop
• Blood vessels under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable
• An increase or reduction in hair growth or hair loss and changes in skin colour
• Weight gain, rounding of the face
• Bones can become thin, weak and break easily
• Cloudy lens in the eye (cataract) or increased pressure in eye (glaucoma)
• A decrease in the level of the hormone cortisol in your blood
• Increased blood sugar levels or sugar in the urine
• High blood pressure

For a full list of side effects, see the Betnovate Lotion patient information leaflet here.

If you are experiencing any side effects not listed or have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the above description and patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for “MHRA yellowcard” in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.