Betnovate-GM Skin Cream 20 g

• Reduces redness and skin inflammation

• Relieves itching, swelling and irritation

• Acts against susceptible bacteria

• Controls susceptible fungi and yeast

• Treats inflammation and mixed infection in one topical formulation

• Spreads easily over moist or weeping skin

• Helps prevent symptoms from becoming more uncomfortable

• Supports recovery of the affected skin when used correctly

Betnovate-GM treats the combination of inflammation and infection for which it is prescribed. Applying more cream or continuing it longer than directed will not produce faster results and can increase the risk of side effects.

Each ingredient has a separate role in treating the affected skin.

Betamethasone reduces the release of substances that cause redness, swelling and itching. This calms the inflammatory response and makes the affected area feel less irritated.

Gentamicin attaches to susceptible bacterial cells and prevents them from producing the proteins they need to survive. This stops bacterial growth and helps control the bacterial part of the infection.

Miconazole damages the protective membrane of susceptible fungi and yeast. Without a properly working membrane, the fungal cells cannot continue growing normally.

Together, these ingredients control inflammation while targeting susceptible bacterial and fungal organisms present in the affected skin.

Adults and adolescents are generally instructed to apply a thin layer twice daily for up to seven days. Use only enough cream to lightly cover the entire affected area and rub it in gently.

Clean and dry the affected skin before application. Wash your hands before and after using the cream unless your hands are the area being treated. Allow the medicine enough time to absorb before applying a moisturiser.

Treatment should not continue beyond seven days without medical supervision. If further corticosteroid treatment is required, the healthcare professional may replace Betnovate-GM with a product that does not contain gentamicin.

Do not apply the cream over a large area, on broken skin or beneath an airtight covering unless specifically instructed. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth and inside of the nose. If the infection spreads, the skin becomes more painful or the condition does not improve within seven days, the diagnosis and treatment should be reviewed.

Common Side Effects: Some people experience mild burning, itching, warmth, pain or irritation at the application site. Temporary dryness or increased skin sensitivity can also occur. Stop using the cream and contact a healthcare professional if the irritation becomes severe, the rash spreads or the condition becomes noticeably worse.

Serious Side Effects: Prolonged or excessive application can cause thinning or wrinkling of the skin, stretch marks, visible blood vessels, changes in skin colour or worsening of the underlying infection. Rare but serious reactions include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, blurred vision and effects caused by excessive corticosteroid absorption. Extensive absorption of gentamicin can also affect hearing or kidney function, although this is uncommon with correct short-term topical use.

Betnovate-GM should not be used in the following situations unless a specialist has provided specific instructions:

• Allergy to betamethasone, gentamicin or miconazole

• Children younger than two years

• Acne or pimples

• Itching without inflammation

• Genital or anal itching

• Primary viral skin infections

• Untreated primary bacterial infections

• Untreated primary fungal or yeast infections

• Application inside the eyes, mouth or vagina

• Ear treatment with a perforated eardrum

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Large treatment areas requiring prolonged use

People with reduced kidney function, chronic leg ulcers or a history of reactions to topical corticosteroids or aminoglycoside antibiotics should discuss these conditions with the prescribing doctor.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and medicated skin products you use.

Important interactions include:

• Warfarin and other vitamin K antagonists

• Ritonavir

• Itraconazole

• Aminoglycoside antibiotics

• Neuromuscular blocking medicines

• Other topical corticosteroids

• Other medicated creams on the same area

Topical miconazole can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in some people. Ritonavir and itraconazole can increase exposure to corticosteroids, while using gentamicin with other aminoglycoside antibiotics may increase the risk of cumulative toxicity.

Do not mix Betnovate-GM with another cream or apply several medicated products to the same area unless advised by a healthcare professional. When a moisturiser is also required, allow Betnovate-GM enough time to absorb before applying it.

• Store Betnovate-GM below 25°C.

• Do not freeze the cream.

• Keep the tube tightly closed.

• Protect it from excessive heat and direct sunlight.

• Keep it away from children and pets.

• Use the cream only on the skin.

• Do not use it after the expiry date.

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

• Keep treated clothing and bedding away from cigarettes and open flames.

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