Betnovate Cream 20 g

• Relieves redness and skin inflammation

• Reduces itching and irritation

• Helps control eczema and dermatitis flare-ups

• Reduces swelling around affected skin

• Provides a suitable formulation for moist or weeping areas

• Helps prevent scratching caused by persistent itching

• Supports healing by calming the inflammatory response

The cream should improve the diagnosed inflammatory condition when used correctly. Using a larger quantity or applying it more frequently will not make it work faster and may increase the risk of side effects.

When the skin becomes inflamed, the body releases substances that cause redness, swelling, heat and itching. Betamethasone enters the affected skin cells and reduces the production and activity of these inflammatory substances.

This calms the skin’s immune response and helps relieve itching, irritation and swelling. The cream formulation is particularly useful for inflamed areas that are moist or weeping because it spreads easily and is less greasy than an ointment.

Betnovate controls the symptoms of inflammation but does not directly kill bacteria, fungi or viruses. An infected skin condition may require a separate antimicrobial medicine.

Apply a thin layer once or twice daily, or according to the directions provided by your doctor. Use only enough cream to lightly cover the affected skin and gently rub it in.

Before applying the cream, clean and dry the affected area. Wash your hands before and after use unless your hands are being treated. Allow the cream to absorb before applying a moisturiser or another prescribed skin product.

Treatment may continue for up to four weeks in adults, but many conditions require a shorter course. Application should be reduced or stopped as instructed once the inflammation is controlled. Treatment on the face and use in children normally require much shorter courses.

Do not apply Betnovate over large areas, broken skin or beneath airtight bandages unless specifically instructed. Avoid the eyes, mouth and other sensitive areas. If the condition spreads, worsens or fails to improve within the advised period, contact the prescribing doctor.

Common Side Effects: Betnovate Cream may cause temporary itching, burning, stinging, pain or irritation where it is applied. These effects are generally local and may settle as the skin adjusts. Stop using the cream and consult a healthcare professional if the irritation becomes severe, the rash worsens or new swelling develops.

Serious Side Effects: Prolonged, frequent or excessive application can cause thinning of the skin, stretch marks, visible small blood vessels, changes in skin colour, increased hair growth or worsening of an existing infection. Using the cream over large areas or beneath airtight coverings can increase absorption into the body and may rarely affect natural steroid production. 

Do not use Betnovate Cream without medical approval in the following situations:

• Allergy to betamethasone or the cream’s ingredients

• Children younger than one year

• Untreated bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections

• Acne or pimples

• Rosacea

• Perioral dermatitis

• Genital or anal itching without diagnosed inflammation

• Itching without visible inflammation

• Open wounds or severely broken skin

• Application close to the eyes

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice

A doctor should assess any undiagnosed rash before Betnovate is used. Applying a corticosteroid to the wrong condition can hide symptoms or allow an infection to spread.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, non-prescription treatments and skin products you use.

Important interactions include:

• Ritonavir

• Cobicistat

• Itraconazole

• Other corticosteroid medicines

• Other medicated creams applied to the same area

Ritonavir, cobicistat and itraconazole can reduce the breakdown of corticosteroids and may increase their effects, particularly when Betnovate is applied extensively or for a prolonged period. Allow enough time for Betnovate to absorb before using a moisturiser or another prescribed topical treatment.

• Store below 25°C.

• Keep the tube tightly closed.

• Protect it from heat and direct sunlight.

• Do not freeze the cream.

• Keep it away from children and pets.

• Do not use it after the expiry date.

• Do not use the cream if its colour, texture or smell has changed.

• Keep treated fabrics away from cigarettes and open flames because the product contains paraffin.

• Dispose of expired or unwanted medicine according to local pharmacy guidance.