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Betamethasone-CalcipotrieneThis form:
Pronounced"bay-tah-METH-ah-sown/kal-SIP-oh-try-een" Common brand names:Dovobet UsesThis medication is used to treat psoriasis. It helps to reduce the redness, thickening, and scaling of the skin that occurs with this condition. Healthy skin lowers your risk for infection and protects you against the environment. This product contains 2 drugs. Betamethasone is a very strong corticosteroid drug that works by decreasing swelling, redness, and itching. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It is also known as calcipotriol in other countries. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells so that they don't build up into thickened, scaly skin patches. This product should not be used if you have certain types of psoriasis (skin patches with pus-filled blisters, psoriasis over most of your body with intense redness/shedding/oozing). Consult your doctor for more information. How to Use This MedicationRead the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is for use on the skin only. Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Rub it in gently and completely. Wash your hands after using, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Avoid getting any medication in the eyes or mouth. If this occurs, rinse right away with water. Do not apply this product to the face, underarms, or groin area. Do not use this medication for more than 4 weeks if you are using the ointment or foam (or 8 weeks if you are using the cream) unless directed by your doctor. If you are using the ointment, because of the increased risk of side effects, adults should not use more than 100 grams of the ointment per week unless directed and closely monitored by the doctor. Also, children and teenagers should not use more than 60 grams of the ointment per week. If you are using the foam, shake the can before using. Do not use more than 60 grams of the foam every 4 days. If you are using the cream, do not use more than 100 grams of the cream per week. Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the treated area unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Do not apply this medication to large areas of damaged skin or use it in skin folds. Do not apply more of this medication than prescribed or use it more often or for longer than directed. Doing so may increase the amount of medication that is absorbed into your bloodstream, an effect that may increase your risk of side effects. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. It may take a week to see any improvement and several weeks to see the full benefit of this medication. |