Betnovate Ointment (30g)

Betnovate ointment contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate, which is a strong corticosteroid. This medicine is usually prescribed to treat inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. Betnovate ointment should only be used when weaker topical corticosteroids have proven ineffective. This ointment is most suited to areas of skin that are very dry or scaly.

Betnovate ointment belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. These medicines all have anti-inflammatory action. The skin on our bodies can become inflamed in response to an irritant or allergen. When this occurs, it triggers a release of a chemical within the body, which causes the affected area skin to swell and itch. In many cases, this can cause considerable discomfort and pain. Corticosteroids, such as Betnovate ointment, work by inhibiting the release of this inflammation-causing chemical, thus reducing the associated swelling and discomfort.

Betnovate ointment is also available in a generic alternative, betamethasone ointment. Generics have identical medicinal properties to the branded equivalents, but will likely be less expensive price due to not carrying a branded name.

As well as eczema, Betnovate ointment can be used to treat the following skin disorders:

Psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic reaction to insect bites, prurigo nodularis, neurodermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, haemorrhoids, discoid lupus erythematosus, generalised erythroderma, lichen planus.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for Eczema can include;

Moisturisers and emollients

Bath and Shower Gels

Cotton Gloves (To keep from scratching)

Antihistamine tablets (To ease the itching)

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

This medicine is unsuitable for you if you are allergic to any of the ointment’s ingredients.

Betnovate ointment can cause the following conditions to worsen:

• Acne
• Perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth)
• Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, herpes, chicken pox)
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections (e.g. thrush, athlete’s foot)
• Rosacea (a flushing of the skin around the nose)

Do not use this medicine for inflamed skin around the genitals or anus unless specifically advised to do so.

Consult your GP if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions to steroid medicines
• Are applying Betnovate under an airtight dressing
• Have a large area of affected skin
• Are using Betnovate on the face, especially near the eyes
• Are applying Betnovate to broken skin or skin folds
• Have psoriasis
• Are using Betnovate on a chronic leg ulcer
• Are pregnant or may become pregnant

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

Apply this product thinly and carefully to the affected area(s). this should be done one or two times per day. This dose can be decreased once symptoms begin to improve.

If you have been using airtight dressings on the inflamed skin, clean the affected area before using the ointment, and apply a new dressing. Remember to wash your hands after each application.

It is advised not to use Betnovate for more than four weeks. Talk to your GP if you do not notice improved symptoms after two to four weeks of regular treatment. This medicine should not be used for more than five days by children or on any facial skin.

You may be using other topical medicines alongside Betnovate ointment. If this is the case, you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes between applications. This will prevent any medicine from becoming diluted.

The active ingredient contained in Betnovate ointment is:

Betamethasone valerate 0.1% (as valerate)

Betnovate ointment also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Betnovate ointment, however, if you do they can include:

An itching or burning sensation on the affected area

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.