How does it work?

Betamethasone 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 wide number of disease states, 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 itself (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

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

Suppression of the immune system in organ transplantation

Warning!

This medicine should be taken in the morning to mimic the natural production of corticosteroids by the body. It should be taken after food.

A steroid card will be supplied with this medicine. This contains details of the prescriber, type of steroid and dose taken and the duration of treatment. It should be carried at all times.

If this medicine is taken long term, any additional illness, trauma or surgery may require a temporary increase in the dose.

If individuals have not had chickenpox, they should avoid close personal contact with people with chickenpox or shingles (herpes zoster). If exposed, seek urgent medical attention as these diseases can be life-threatening in people whose immune system is suppressed.

This medicine should not be stopped abruptly but tapered down, especially when taken for longer than 3 weeks. The natural production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands is suppressed by this medicine and the body therefore becomes reliant on it.

This medicine may increase susceptibility to infections and also mask the symptoms of these infections.

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

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 the 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

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

Take this medication with or after food.

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