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ratio-Topisone

(betamethasone dipropionate)

In this factsheet:
• How does ratio-Topisone work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use ratio-Topisone?
• What form(s) does ratio-Topisone come in?
• Who should NOT take ratio-Topisone?
• What side effects are possible with ratio-Topisone?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for ratio-Topisone?
• What other drugs could interact with ratio-Topisone?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

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• How to get your life back when you have psoriasis
• 10 things you should know about your psoriasis medication
• Find out if you need to see a dermatologist

How does ratio-Topisone work? What will it do for me?

Betamethasone dipropionate belongs to the class of medications called topical corticosteroids. It is used to relieve inflammatory symptoms and itch caused by severe psoriasis and rashes that respond to treatment with corticosteroid creams, lotions, or ointments. Such rashes include contact dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and senile pruritis. It works by reducing inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the skin.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use ratio-Topisone?

Cream or ointment: Apply enough cream or ointment to completely cover the affected area, with a thin film. Massage it gently and thoroughly into the skin. This medication is usually applied once daily in the morning, or twice daily in the morning and at night as directed by the doctor. The treatment should be stopped when the condition is cleared. This usually takes at least 3 days. Do not continue the medication for longer than 4 weeks without further consulting your doctor.

Lotion: A few drops of lotion is usually enough to cover the affected area. Gently massage the lotion into the area until it disappears. The lotion is usually applied once daily for 3 weeks.

Shake the lotion well before applying it to the affected area.

The cream, ointment, and lotion should not be covered with a dressing that does not allow the area to breathe, such as plastic wrap or a diaper. Doing so may cause unwanted effects of the medication.

Do not let this medication get in your eyes. If contact occurs, flush with plenty of water and consult your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does ratio-Topisone come in?

Cream
Each gram contains  betamethasone (as dipropionate USP) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: ceteareth-20, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, light mineral oil, methylparaben, petrolatum, polysorbate 60, propylene glycol, propylene glycol monostearate, propylparaben, and purified water.

Lotion
Each gram contains betamethasone (as dipropionate USP) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: carbomer, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium phosphate monobasic, and triethanolamine.

Ointment
Each gram contains betamethasone (as dipropionate USP) 0.5 mg (0.05%). Nonmedicinal ingredients: petrolatum, propylene glycol, and propylene glycol monostearate.

Who should NOT take ratio-Topisone?

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to betamethasone dipropionate or any ingredients of the medication
• have a skin infection caused by viruses, including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and varicella (chickenpox)
• have had an allergic reaction to other corticosteroid medications
• have tuberculosis of the skin
• have untreated infected skin lesions caused by an infection with fungi or bacteria

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