Betamethasone Valerate Foam

FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Betamethasone Valerate

Brand Names
Betamethasone Valerate
Route
TOPICAL
Dosage Form
AEROSOL, FOAM
Product Type
HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Description

DESCRIPTION Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% contains betamethasone valerate, USP, a synthetic corticosteroid, for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory agents. Betamethasone valerate is 9-fluoro11ß,17, 21-trihydroxy-16ß-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione 17-valerate, with the empirical formula C 27 H 37 FO 6 , a molecular weight of 476.58.The following is the chemical structure: Betamethasone valerate is a white to practically white, odorless crystalline powder, and is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in acetone and in chloroform, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in benzene and in ether. Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% contains 1.2 mg betamethasone valerate, USP, per gram in a thermolabile hydroethanolic foam vehicle consisting of cetyl alcohol, citric acid (anhydrous), ethanol (anhydrous) (60.4%), polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and tri-potassium citrate pressurized with a hydrocarbon (propane/butane) propellant. betamethasone valerate chemical structure

What Is Betamethasone Valerate Foam Used For?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% is a medium potency topical corticosteroid indicated for relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp.

Dosage and Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Note: For proper dispensing of foam, can must be inverted. For application to the scalp invert can and dispense a small amount of betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not dispense directly onto hands as foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin. Pick up small amounts of foam with fingers and gently massage into affected area until foam disappears. Repeat until entire affected scalp area is treated. Apply twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.

Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)

ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse event was burning/itching/stinging at the application site; the incidence and severity of this event were as follows: Incidence and severity of burning/itching/stinging Maximum severity Product Total incidence Mild Moderate Severe Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% n=63 34 (54%) 28 (44%) 5 (8%) 1 (2%) Betamethasone valerate lotion n=63 33 (52%) 26 (41%) 6 (10%) 1 (2%) Placebo Foam n=32 24 (75%) 13 (41%) 7 (22%) 4 (12%) Placebo Lotion n=30 20 (67%) 12 (40%) 5 (17%) 3 (10%) Other adverse events which were considered to be possibly, probably, or definitely related to betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% occurred in 1 patient each; these were paresthesia, pruritus, acne, alopecia, and conjunctivitis. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximately decreasing order of occurrence: irritation; dryness; folliculitis; acneiform eruptions; hypopigmentation; perioral dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; secondary infection; skin atrophy; striae; and miliaria. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.

Warnings and Precautions

WARNING FLAMMABLE. AVOID FIRE, FLAME OR SMOKING DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING APPLICATION. Keep out of reach of children. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Manufactured for: Xiromed, LLC. Florham Park, NJ 07932 Made in Spain For additional information: 844-XIROMED (844-947-6633) Or visit www.xiromed.com Revised: November 2018 PI-141-01

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone valerate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.

Overdosage

OVERDOSAGE Topically applied betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (See PRECAUTIONS )

How Supplied

HOW SUPPLIED Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% is supplied as follows: 50 g aluminum can NDC 70700-141-19 100 g aluminum can NDC 70700-141-20 Store at controlled room temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C).

About This Information

This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.

What are side effects?

Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.

What are drug interactions?

Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.