Patient Information Leaflet

 

Betnovate Scalp Application

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What you should know about Betnovate Scalp Application

Betnovate Scalp Application is a strong and rapidly effective treatment for some scalp conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO READ THIS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING TREATMENT

Following this advice gives the application a chance to work safely and effectively.

Betnovate Scalp Application is one of a group of medicines called topical steroids. "Topical" means they are put on the skin. Topical steroids reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. (They should not be confused with "anabolic" steroids misused by some body builders and taken as tablets or injections).

Betnovate Scalp Application also contains an alcohol which has an antiseptic effect.

Ingredients of the slightly gelled liquid include:

The active ingredient - betamethasone (as valerate) 0.1%

in a base containing carbomer and isopropyl alcohol

The scalp application does not contain any lanolin, parabens or colouring agents

This application has been prescribed to treat the scalp problem that you showed to your doctor.

DO NOT put it on any other skin problems, especially infections of the scalp, as it could make them worse.

If you have had an allergy to any creams, ointments or scalp applications in the past

If you think you may be pregnant

Did you tell your doctor at the last visit or an earlier visit?

IF YOU DID NOT TELL YOUR DOCTOR THEN YOU SHOULD DO SO BEFORE STARTING THE TREATMENT

Even so, your doctor may still want you to use it.

Eyes –

DO NOT let the scalp application run into your eyes.

Children –

DO NOT use on a child under one year of age.

If your doctor has told you in detail HOW MUCH to use and HOW OFTEN then keep to this advice.

If you are not sure then follow the advice on the back of this leaflet.

Unless told by your doctor:

- YOU SHOULD NOT use more than this.

- YOU SHOULD NOT use it for a long time (such as nearly every day for many weeks or months).

Overuse like this may allow the active ingredient to pass through the scalp and affect other parts of the body, especially in infants and children. The use of airtight bandages or dressings over the treated areas increases this risk.

If your scalp problem does not improve in two to four weeks tell your doctor.

If your doctor has prescribed the scalp application for psoriasis you should let your doctor review your progress at regular intervals, as such treatment needs careful supervision.

When washing or shampooing your hair, apply the scalp application after drying your hair.

DO NOT use your scalp application or dry your hair near a fire or naked flame. continued

Most people find using this application causes no problems when used in the right amount for the correct length of time. (See above as well as guidance on back of this leaflet).

IF you find your condition gets worse during treatment you may be allergic to it or have a scalp infection.

STOP USING THE SCALP APPLICATION AND TELL YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Repeated courses of topical steroids over a long time may sometimes cause changes in hair growth and skin colour.

As with all medicines keep this scalp application safely away from children.

Keep it away from fire as it is inflammable

If your doctor has told you in detail how to use the scalp application then keep to that advice otherwise:–

Morning and evening:–

  1. Unscrew the cap on the bottle and place the nozzle on the part of the scalp that needs treating.
  2. Gently squeeze the bottle until the area to be treated is completely covered with a thin layer of liquid. You can gently rub it into the scalp if you wish.
  3. Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried off. The active ingredient is then left on your scalp.
  4. As soon as the scalp problem looks better use once a day or less.

For a child:

It should not be used in children under one year of age.

Never use more than is needed to cover the scalp condition.

Do not use for a long time (nearly every day for weeks or months).

Do not cover with an airtight dressing.

If your doctor stops your treatment return what is left to a pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.

Do not use the scalp application after the expiry date on the carton and bottle.

 

Dermovate Scalp Application

Dermovate Scalp Application is one of a group of medicines called topical steroids. "Topical" means they are put on the skin. Topical steroids reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems. (They should not be confused with "anabolic" steroids misused by some body builders and taken as tablets or injections).

Dermovate Scalp Application also contains an alcohol which has an antiseptic effect.

Ingredients of the slightly gelled liquid include:

The active ingredient - clobetasol propionate 0.05%

in a base containing carbomer and isopropyl alcohol

The scalp application does not contain any lanolin parabens or colouring agents