Betamethasone; Calcipotriene scalp suspension

What is this medicine?

BETAMETHASONE; CALCIPOTRIENE (bay ta METH a sone; kal si poe TRYE een) is used to treat psoriasis on the scalp and body. It helps reduce skin redness, thickness, and scaling.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Shake the bottle before use. If using on scalp, it is not necessary to wash your hair before applying this medicine. It may help to part your hair before using this medicine. Apply directly to the affected area of the scalp or body and gently rub in with your fingertips. Do not wash your hair or take a bath or shower right away after applying. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not use on face, groin, or underarms. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• fever

• skin infection or thinning

• worsening of psoriasis

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change of skin color, lighter or darker

• skin irritation, itching, redness, or stinging

What may interact with this medicine?

• other steroid medicines, like hydrocortisone or prednisone

Do not use any other skin products on the same area of skin without asking your doctor or health care professional.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F); do not refrigerate. Keep the bottle in the carton when not in use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date or within 6 months after opening, whichever comes first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis

• getting light therapy for psoriasis

• high levels of calcium in the blood

• high levels of Vitamin D in the blood

• skin infection or thinning

• an unusual reaction to betamethasone, calcipotriene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Do not apply this medicine 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to the hair. Check with your doctor or health care professional before receiving any chemical treatments.