Betamethasone soluble tablets

About betamethasone

Betamethasone belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It is sometimes referred to simply as an oral steroid.

Oral steroids like betamethasone are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Some examples include autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis, sarcoidosis); joint and muscle diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis); and allergies and asthma. They are also used in the treatment of some cancers. Betamethasone works by interfering with the release of certain chemicals in the body which cause inflammation.

Betamethasone is also prescribed as a replacement treatment for people who are not producing enough natural corticosteroid in their bodies due to an adrenal gland disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

Before taking betamethasone

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking betamethasone it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have had a heart attack, or if you have any other heart problems.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you (or a close family member) have either diabetes or an eye condition called glaucoma.

• If you have any of the following conditions: an underactive thyroid gland, 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis), epilepsy, a condition causing muscle weakness (called myasthenia gravis), a stomach ulcer, or a bowel disorder.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. (Oral steroids like betamethasone can be taken while you are expecting or breastfeeding; however, it is important that your doctor knows about the baby.)

• If you have any kind of infection at the moment, or if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).

• If you have ever had an unwanted blood clot in an artery or a vein.

• If you have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have ever developed muscle pain after taking a steroid medicine.

How to take betamethasone

• Before starting the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information you are given by your doctor. These will give you more information about betamethasone and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how many tablets to take and when to take them. This information will also be printed on the label of the packet of tablets to remind you about what was said to you. It is usual to take one dose a day. If you are taking it for an inflammatory condition, it is best to take the tablets each morning after breakfast. If you are taking it for CAH, it is likely you will be advised to take your doses at night.

• Betamethasone tablets are best taken dissolved in water, although they can be swallowed whole. Take your doses with food, such as after a meal or with a snack.

• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, take it as soon as you remember (with something to eat). If you do not remember until the following day, leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Depending upon your medical condition, you will either be asked to take betamethasone regularly every day, or to take it daily for a short course of treatment. It is important that you take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Stopping taking the tablets suddenly after taking them for more than three weeks can cause problems, so your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if/when this becomes necessary.

Getting the most from your treatment

• If your course of treatment is due to last more than three weeks, you will be given a 'Steroid Treatment Card' which says that you are on steroids and contains some important advice for you. It is important that you read this card and carry it with you at all times. It also contains details about your dose, how long you have been taking betamethasone for, and who prescribed it for you. Please make sure that this information is kept up to date. If you are due to have an operation or dental treatment, or if you are having any treatment for an injury, please tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking betamethasone and show them your treatment card. This is because your dose may need adjusting.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. Your doctor will want you to have tests from time to time to make sure you remain free from some of the unwanted side-effects of treatment.

• Betamethasone can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. Also, if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have them), you must see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Some vaccines are not suitable for you while you are being treated with betamethasone. If you need any immunisations, make sure you mention that you are taking betamethasone.

• If you buy any medicines 'over the counter', please check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with an oral steroid.

Can betamethasone cause problems?

Along with its useful effects, betamethasone can cause unwanted side-effects which your doctor will discuss with you. The benefits of taking betamethasone usually outweigh the side-effects; however, they can sometimes be troublesome. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with betamethasone. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below.

Although not everyone experiences side-effects, and some will improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you become concerned about any of the following:

Important: you should let your doctor know if you start to experience blurred vision or other vision problems whilst taking betamethasone tablets.

For more information about side-effects which are possible when betamethasone is taken long-term, see the separate condition leaflet called Oral Steroids.

How to store betamethasone

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines