Betamethasone Dipropionate

About Betamethasone Dipropionate

Labels describe the regular cream and lotion as medium potency, and there is also a regular ointment. The augmented products are stronger: the augmented cream is labeled high potency, and the augmented ointment, lotion and gel super-high potency. A spray for plaque psoriasis in adults, and combinations with clotrimazole or calcipotriene, are separate products.

The augmented cream is capped at 50 g a week, and the augmented ointment, lotion and gel at 50 g (50 mL of lotion) a week for no more than two weeks in a row. Most labels are for people 12 or 13 and older, since children absorb more through the skin. The labels advise against bandaging treated skin, and the augmented forms are kept off the face, groin, underarms and thinned skin.

MedlinePlus lists burning, itching, acne, unwanted hair growth, bruising and skin color changes among the side effects. Absorbed steroid can suppress the adrenal glands and, rarely, cause Cushing’s syndrome or high blood sugar, and topical steroids can raise the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Diprolene ointment is still sold; Diprolene AF cream and Diprolene lotion are listed by the FDA as discontinued, and MedlinePlus marks older brands such as Diprosone as discontinued.

Taking Betamethasone Dipropionate

How to take it

Apply a thin film once or twice a day, as prescribed, and rub it in gently, or massage in a few drops of lotion. Wash your hands afterwards and keep it out of the eyes. Stop when the skin is controlled, and tell the prescriber if it has not improved within two weeks.

If you miss a dose

Apply it as soon as you remember, unless the next application is nearly due; then skip it. Do not apply extra to make up.

Storage

At room temperature, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not let the cream or lotion freeze.

Interactions to know about

Other steroid products add to the total dose; the Diprolene label says not to combine it with other steroid-containing products without asking the prescriber. If a skin infection develops, the prescriber may add treatment for it. When breastfeeding, keep it off the nipple and areola.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Betamethasone Dipropionate differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

The creams and ointments, regular and augmented, are older generics with several makers, so quotes differ mainly by fee, markup and tube size. The augmented gel has few makers, and a prescription for Diprolene ointment that does not allow substitution is priced as a brand.

Each form and family is a separate product, so a quote covers only what is written, and a pharmacy that does not stock a less common form, such as the gel, has to order it.

Ways to pay less for Betamethasone Dipropionate without insurance

• Check whether the prescription says augmented, and if it names Diprolene, ask the prescriber whether a generic would do.
• Ask for the quantity the course needs, within the label’s weekly and two-week limits.
• If the gel or lotion is quoted high, ask whether a cream or ointment of the same potency would suit you.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Betamethasone Dipropionate

1. 1.Is my prescription for the regular or the augmented form?
2. 2.How much can I use in a week, and for how many weeks?
3. 3.Which parts of my body should I keep it off?
4. 4.Can I use it with my other steroid creams or medicines?
5. 5.What if my skin has not improved after two weeks?

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