Betnesol Tablets 0.5mg Tablets

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid (steroid) medicine. Taken by mouth, it reduces inflammation and calms the immune system.

It is used for many conditions, including:

• asthma and severe allergic reactions
• rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• inflammatory skin, kidney, bowel (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) and heart conditions
• some blood disorders and cancers
• preventing rejection after an organ transplant

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you. The dose is often higher at first and then lowered step by step.

• Soluble tablets are best dissolved in water and drunk straight away, but they can also be swallowed whole.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop suddenly, even if you feel better. Your doctor will reduce the dose slowly.
• If you take it for more than 3 weeks, carry a steroid card and show it to any doctor, dentist or nurse treating you, even after treatment ends.

Possible side effects include:

• increased appetite, weight gain and indigestion
• mood changes or trouble sleeping
• higher blood sugar or blood pressure
• more infections, slow wound healing, bruising or acne
• with long use: thinner bones, eye problems such as cataract or glaucoma, slower growth in children

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• depression, thoughts of suicide, very high mood, confusion or seeing things
• swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing
• blistering or bleeding skin, lips, eyes or mouth with fever
• black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood

Check with your doctor before taking it if you:

• have an infection, TB, or have had chickenpox, shingles or measles contact
• have diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, glaucoma or a past stomach ulcer
• have had severe depression or bipolar disorder
• have heart, liver, kidney or thyroid disease, epilepsy or myasthenia gravis
• are due a vaccine, or take warfarin, NSAIDs, diabetes or epilepsy medicines

Store below 25°C in the original pack, away from light and moisture, out of the reach of children.

Chickenpox, shingles and measles: avoid people who have them and see a doctor straight away if you are exposed, as these can be serious while on steroids.

Pregnancy: tell your doctor, but do not stop the tablets unless told to. Long use can affect the baby's growth.

Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first, as it may pass into breast milk.

Children and older people: growth may slow in children, and older people may get more serious side effects.