Betamethasone Dipropionate

Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age or older.

Apply a thin film of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment to the affected skin areas once or twice daily.

Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a super-high-potency topical corticosteroid. Treatment with Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment should not exceed 50 g per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.

Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site.

Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after each application.

Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

Ointment, 0.05%. Each gram of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, 0.05% contains 0.643 mg betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in a white to off-white ointment base.

There are no available data on Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment use in pregnant women to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women that Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the risk of having a low birthweight infant and to use Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible.

In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate, were observed after intramuscular administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rabbits. The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposure of betamethasone dipropionate in animal studies to the systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use of Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

• Effects on endocrine system: Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment can cause reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factor(s) include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop.
• Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: Augmented Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.