BETNOVATE OINTMENT 30G

A valid prescription needed upon order collection

• It is used for the relief of inflammation, itchiness and redness of the skin in the treatment of some skin problems, like eczema (common skin disorder that causes the skin to become itchy and red).
• Some types of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).
• It is available as an ointment and a cream that are applied on the skin.  

• If you have an allergy to Betamethasone valerate, or any other corticosteroid or any of the ingredients present in this product.
• If the package is ripped or has signs of tampering.
• If the expiry date mentioned on the medication box has passed.
• If you experience an allergic reaction or skin irritation upon use of this cream/ointment. 
• If you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you may be suffering from other skin problems (e.g. fungal or bacterial skin infections, anal or genital itching, cold sores, shingles, chickenpox, skin tuberculosis, skin ulcers, acne, skin inflammation around the mouth).
• The use of this medicine for other skin disorders may worsen your problem. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. 
• If you have poor blood circulation in the skin area (to prevent skin sores known as ulcers).
• In children under the age of 1 year, unless recommended by your doctor.

• Stop the medication right away and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you develop any allergic or skin reactions to any of the ingredients present in this cream/ointment such as skin itchiness, skin redness, shortness of breath, skin rash, swelling of the face or neck, decreased blood pressure and dizziness.
• This medicine is designed for external topical use only. Do not swallow this product. 
• Avoid contact of the cream/ointment with your lips, eyes, mouth, sensitive areas of the neck and angles of the nose in order to avoid irritation. In case of accidental contact, make sure to rinse the area very well with warm water and then pat dry.
• Talk to your doctor immediately if you, or your child develop any vision problems (e.g. blurred vision). 
• Make sure not to use any occlusive dressings if you have a skin infection. 
• Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have an allergy to any other medicines, dyes, foods or preservatives, if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, breastfeeding or plan on breastfeeding, if you have any other health problems (especially if you suffer from an infection). 
• Make sure to tell your healthcare providers that you are using this medicine. 
• Talk to your doctor if your skin condition is getting worse or infected or if it does not seem to get better. 
• Talk to your doctor if you do not use this product as directed to make sure that he/she does not change you to another therapy thinking that this medicine did not work for you. 
• Do not share this medicine with anyone else even if they have the same signs.
• Do not use tight-fitting nappies or plastic pants if this product is to be used on the nappy area of young children. 
• Do not apply this medicine under tight fitting clothes to avoid skin thinning. 
• Do not use this medicine for a long period of time on large areas to prevent its excessive absorption and subsequent undesirable side effects. 
• Do not use this product for other purposes. 

• Possible side effects include allergy reactions (like rash, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, lumpy rash, wheezing, swelling of the eyelids, lips, face and mouth, chest tightness, fainting and difficult breathing).
• Rash around the mouth area, increase in hair growth, heat rash, acne, change in skin color, stretch marks or streaks on the skin and infection of the hair follicles.
• Common side effects include itching, skin dryness, redness and burning.
• Other side effects (more likely to happen with prolonged use of this product on large skin areas especially if applied under tight dressings) include stomach ulcers, delayed wound healing, high blood pressure, eye problems (e.g. elevated pressure in the eye known as glaucoma, cataracts and blurred vision),
• Increased chance of infection, acne, excessive growth of facial and body hair, muscle weakness and increased body fluid. 

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medications including topical products (e.g. creams, lotions, ointments).  

• Apply a thin layer of cream/ointment and gently massage it into the affected area as directed by your doctor.

• Use of this medicine is not recommended in children unless recommended by your doctor.
• If recommended by the doctor, he/she should follow up closely with the child to check for the development of any undesirable side effect. 

• Wash and dry your hands before and after using the cream/ointment (do not wash your hands after using it if it is being used for the skin of your hands). 
• Make sure to replace the cap on the tube after using the cream/ointment in order to avoid leakage of the medicine. 
• Make sure to follow the directions of your healthcare provider.
• Make sure to keep the cream/ointment away from your eyes. If accidental contact happens, wash your eyes thoroughly with running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Make sure not to apply the cream/ointment below a dressing (e.g. bandage or plaster) in order to prevent excessive absorption of the medicine and subsequent undesirable side effects. 
• Do not use this cream/ointment on your face unless directed by your doctor.
• If your skin condition does not improve after a week, make sure to contact your doctor right away. 
• Do not use this cream/ointment on skin wounds or on large areas of the skin or in skin folds (e.g. the back of the knee) unless directed by your doctor.
• Avoid applying this medicine just before having a shower, bath or going swimming in order not to affect its effectiveness.
• Using less than recommended of this medicine may cause your skin not to improve. 
• Your doctor will determine for how long you will be using this product and may also adjust the frequency of using it depending on your response and.
• This medicine is associated with more side effects if used for longer periods of time. 
• Do not change how you use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.

• Keep out of the reach of children and pets (e.g. a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meter above the ground)
• Store in a dry place below 25°C
• Do not use beyond the expiry date mentioned on the cream/ointment  
• Do not dispose medication in the wastewater or household waste, ask your pharmacist how to dispose medicines you no longer use 
• Do not leave your medicine on windowsills or in the car 
• Keep medication in its original pack to protect it from moisture and light