What is betamethasone and calcipotriene?
Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid. It reduces swelling, relieves itching, and constricts blood vessels.
Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene is a combination drug used to treat psoriasis vulgaris.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about betamethasone and calcipotriene?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Before using betamethasone and calcipotriene, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can affect betamethasone and calcipotriene. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using betamethasone and calcipotriene?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
low or high levels of calcium in your blood;
liver or kidney disease;
severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness); or
a skin infection.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use betamethasone and calcipotriene, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Tell your doctor if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using betamethasone and calcipotriene, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known if betamethasone and calcipotriene pass into breast milk or if this medicine could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This medicine should not be used on a child.