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Printable Version Betamethasone Injection

Active Ingredients: Betamethasone
Other Names: Celestone Injection, Soluspan Injection
Drug Class: Corticosteroids
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:
Pronunciation:

What is/are Betamethasone Injection?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Betamethasone Injection? (Back to top)
BETAMETHASONE is a corticosteroid. It helps to reduce swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions. It is used to treat asthma, allergies, arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. It is also used for other conditions, like blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blood clotting problems
  • Cushing's syndrome
  • diabetes
  • heart problems or disease
  • high blood pressure
  • infection like chickenpox, fungus, herpes, measles, or tuberculosis
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • mental problems
  • myasthenia gravis
  • osteoporosis
  • seizures
  • stomach, intestinal disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to betamethasone, corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for injection into a muscle, joint, lesion, or other tissue. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
This does not apply.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • mifepristone
  • radiopaque contrast agents

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • aspirin
  • vaccines
  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • black, tarry stools
  • breathing problems
  • bulging eyes
  • changes in vision
  • fever, sore throat, infection, sores that do not heal
  • frequent passing of urine
  • high blood pressure
  • increased thirst
  • pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
  • swelling of feet or lower legs
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • confusion, excitement, restlessness
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • skin problems, acne, thin and shiny skin
  • stomach upset
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight gain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you are taking this medicine over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your doctor's name and address.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Stay away from people who are sick. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you have taken this medicine within the last twelve months.

Ask your doctor or health care professional about your diet. You may need to lower the amount of salt you eat.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

You may need to avoid immunization with certain vaccines while you are taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have taken this medicine before receiving any vaccine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:August 28, 2007

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Betamethasone Injection

  Learn how Betamethasone Injection is/are used to treat:
  • Arthritis
  • Shingles
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease

      Test Yourself! If you currently take Betamethasone Injection, do you know everything that you need to know?

      Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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