What is this medication?

BETAMETHASONE (bay ta METH a sone) 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.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Celestone

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• blood clotting problems
• Cushing's syndrome
• diabetes
• eye disease, vision problems
• glaucoma or cataracts
• 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 medication?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are taking this medicine once a day, take it in the morning. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

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?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, talk to your doctor or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take an extra dose. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

•mifepristone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

•aspirin

•vaccines

•warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider 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 should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. 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 increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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
• fever, sore throat, infection, sores that do not heal
• frequent passing of urine
• high blood pressure
• pain in hips, back, ribs, arms, shoulders, or legs
• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.
• swelling of feet or lower legs

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.