Betnovate RD Ointment
betamethasone valerate
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
- If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
In this leaflet:
1 What Betnovate RD is and what it is used for
2 Before you use Betnovate RD
3 How to use Betnovate RD
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store Betnovate RD
6 Further information
What Betnovate RD is and what it is used for
Betnovate RD contains a medicine called betamethasone valerate. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It helps to reduce swelling and irritation.
Betnovate RD is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
RD stands for 'Ready Diluted', it contains less active ingredient than Betnovate. It is used:
- for milder skin problems, or
- to keep your skin problem under control after Betnovate has improved it.
Before you use Betnovate RD
Do not use Betnovate RD:
- if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone valerate or any of the other ingredients of Betnovate RD (listed in Section 6)
- on a child under 1 year
- to treat any of the following skin problems, it could make them worse:
- acne
- severe flushing of skin on and around your nose (rosacea)
- spotty red rash around your mouth (perioral dermatitis)
- itching around your back passage or private parts - unless your doctor has told you to do so
- viral infections, such as cold sores, herpes or chicken pox
- fungal infections, such as ringworm, athletes foot or thrush
- skin blisters or sores that are caused by bacterial infections, such as impetigo.
Do not use if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnovate RD.
Take special care with Betnovate RD
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your medicine if:
- you are applying the ointment under an airtight dressing, including a child's nappy. These dressings make it easier for the active ingredient to pass through the skin. It is possible to accidentally end up using too much.
- you have psoriasis, your doctor will want to see you more often.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
How to use Betnovate RD
Always use Betnovate RD exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Using this medicine
- You usually apply Betnovate RD 2 or 3 times a day. This may be reduced as your skin begins to get better.
- This ointment is for use on your skin only.
- Do not use more than the amount prescribed for you.
- Do not use on large areas of the body for a long time (such as every day for many weeks or months) - unless your doctor tells you to.
- The germs that cause infections like warm, moist conditions under bandages or dressings so always clean the skin before a fresh dressing is put on.
- If you are applying the ointment on someone else make sure you wash your hands after use or wear disposable plastic gloves.
- If your skin problem does not improve in 2 to 4 weeks, talk to your doctor.
Guidance on how to apply the ointment
1 Wash your hands.
2 Gently rub the correct amount of ointment into the skin until it has all disappeared. You can measure how much Betnovate RD to use with your fingertip. This picture shows one fingertip unit.
3 Unless you are meant to apply the ointment to your hands as a part of the treatment, wash them again after using the ointment.
For an adult
You should find that:
- two fingertips of ointment will cover both hands or one foot
- three fingertips of ointment will cover one arm
- six fingertips of ointment will cover one leg
- fourteen fingertips of ointment will cover the front and back of the body.
Do not worry if you find you need a little more or a little less than this. It is only a rough guide.
For a child
- Do not use it on children under 1 year of age.
- The smaller the child the less you will need to use.
- A child of 4 years needs about a third of the adult amount.
- A course of treatment for a child should not normally last more than 5 days - unless your doctor has told you to use it for longer.
If you have psoriasis
If you have thick patches of psoriasis on your elbows or knees, your doctor may suggest applying the ointment under an airtight dressing. It will only be at night to help the ointment to start working. After a short period of time you will then apply the ointment as normal.
If you apply the Betnovate RD to your face
You should only apply the ointment to your face if your doctor tells you to. It should not be used for more than 5 days, as the skin on your face thins easily. Do not let the ointment get into your eyes.
If you use more Betnovate RD than you should
If, by mistake on a few occasions you use more than you should, do not worry. If you apply a lot or a lot is accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible.
If you forget to use Betnovate RD
If you forget to apply your ointment, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you are next meant to apply it, wait until this time.
If you stop using Betnovate RD
If you use Betnovate RD regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it.
If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Betnovate RD can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop using Betnovate RD and tell your doctor as soon as possible if:
- you find that your skin condition gets worse or becomes swollen during treatment. You may be allergic to the Betnovate RD, have an infection or need other treatment.
- you have psoriasis you may get raised bumps with pus under the skin. This can happen very rarely during or after treatment and is known as pustular psoriasis.
Other side effects you may notice when using Betnovate RD include:
Common (affects less than 1 in 10 people)
- a feeling of burning, irritation or itching where the ointment is applied.
Side effects if you use Betnovate RD for a long time, you use a lot each time you apply it, or you apply it under an airtight dressing:
Very rare (affects less than 1 in 10,000 people)
- stretch marks may develop
- veins under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable
- increased hair growth and changes in skin colour
- thinning of your skin and it may also damage more easily
- weight gain, rounding of the face and high blood pressure. These are more likely to happen in infants and children.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store Betnovate RD
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
- Do not use Betnovate RD after the expiry date on the tube end or carton (Exp). The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not store above 30°C.
- Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help protect the environment.
Further information
What Betnovate RD ointment contains
- The active ingredient is betamethasone valerate. Each 1 g contains 0.25 mg of betamethasone (0.025% w/w) as valerate.
- The other ingredients are liquid paraffin and white soft paraffin.
What Betnovate RD looks like and contents of the pack
Within each carton is a tube with a plastic screw cap, which contains 100 g of ointment.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Product Licence held by
Manufactured by
If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who will advise you. Other sources of information are:
You may also be able to find out more from books in public libraries.
Other formats:
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name
Betnovate RD Ointment
Reference number
10949/0022
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
Leaflet date: October 2007
Betnovate is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
© 2007 GlaxoSmithKline group of companies
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