Betnesol Tablets

How does it work?

Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands which have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation. It works by acting within cells to prevent the release of certain chemicals that are important in the immune system. These chemicals are normally involved in producing immune and allergic responses, resulting in inflammation. By decreasing the release of these chemicals in a particular area, inflammation is reduced. This can help control a large number of diseases, characterised by excessive inflammation. They include severe allergic reactions, inflammation of the lungs in asthma and inflammation of the joints in arthritis. Betamethasone also decreases the numbers of white blood cells circulating in the blood. This, along with the decrease in inflammatory chemicals, can prevent the rejection of organ transplants, as it prevents the body from attacking foreign tissue. It is useful for the treatment of certain types of leukaemia, where there is an abnormally large production of certain white blood cells. It is also used to treat some diseases which are caused by the immune system attacking its own body. (auto-immune diseases). Betamethasone is used in much higher doses than the levels of corticosteroids produced naturally by the body, and as such, the usual actions of corticosteroids become exaggerated and can be observed as side effects of this medicine.

What is it used for?

A form of cancer of the bone marrow (myeloma)

Acute and lymphatic leukaemia

Allergy to any ingredient

Cancer of the lymph nodes

Diseases caused by the body's immune system attacking itself (autoimmune diseases such rheumatoid arthritis)

Inflammatory disorders e.g. asthma, arthritis, severe allergic reactions, Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus

Life threatening allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction)

Suppression of the immune system in organ transplantation

Warning!

Corticosteroid medicines taken by mouth should be taken in the morning to mimic the natural production of corticosteroids by the body. They should be taken after food.

If you are taking a corticosteroid for longer than three weeks you will usually be given a steroid card with your medicine. The card contains details of your prescriber, type of steroid, dose taken and the duration of treatment. It's purpose is to act as reminder that your medicine should not be stopped suddenly, and to provide information of your treatment in case of an accident. You should carry it with you at all times and show it to anyone who treats you (eg doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist).

If you are taking this medicine long-term, your doctor may need to temporarily increase your dose if you experience any any additional illness, trauma or surgery during treatment. Discuss this with your doctor.

If you have never had chickenpox you should avoid close personal contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster). If you are exposed you should your doctor urgently, as these diseases can be life-threatening in people who are taking long-term steroids and whose immune system is suppressed.

You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly, particularly if you have been taking it for longer than 3 weeks. This is because long-term use of the medicine suppresses the natural production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. This means that the body becomes temporarily reliant on the medicine. When it is time to stop treatment the dose should be tapered down gradually, to allow the adrenal glands to start producing adequate amounts of natural steroids again. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine may increase your susceptibility to infections and also mask the symptoms of these infections. Consult your doctor if you get an infection during treatment.

Use with caution in

Adolescents

Children

Decreased kidney function

Diabetes mellitus

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Family history of diabetes

Family history of glaucoma

Glaucoma

Heart failure

High blood pressure

History of or current mental disorder

History of steroid induced mental disturbances

History of tuberculosis

Liver failure

Osteoporosis

Peptic ulcer

Post-menopausal women

Previous muscle disease (myopathy) caused by steroids

Schizophrenia

Not to be used in

Infection throughout the body (systemic infection) unless treated with specific anti-infectives

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Discuss its use during breastfeeding with your doctor.

Label warnings

Dissolve or mix this medication with water before taking.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medication.

Take this medication with or after food.

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