Betnovate RD Cream

What is Betnovate RD and what is it used for?

Betnovate RD cream is used to treat inflammatory skin disorders, such as eczema. Its active ingredient is betamethasone valerate, a potent corticosteroid. Betnovate RD is a 1 in 4 dilution of Betnovate cream and is used in situations where normal Betnovate would be too strong.

As well as eczema, Betnovate RD cream can be used to treat the following skin disorders:

• psoriasis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• allergic reaction to insect bites
• prurigo nodularis
• neurodermatitis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• discoid lupus erythematosus
• generalised erythroderma
• lichen planus

This cream is easy to apply and is absorbed quickly into the affected area. Betnovate RD cream is most suited for skin that is moist or weeping. It is used to control outbreaks of skin inflammation rather than as a long-term preventative measure.

How does Betnovate RD work?

Corticosteroids, such as betamethasone valerate are anti-inflammatory medicines. The skin becomes inflamed when the body releases inflammatory chemicals in response to an allergen or irritation. These chemicals make blood vessels widen, causing the skin to swell and become itchy and painful. Corticosteroids inhibit the body’s inflammatory response by preventing cells from releasing large amounts of these substances.

Non-Prescription Alternatives for Eczema

The following treatments for eczema can be bought over the counter without a prescription:

Moisturisers and emollients

Bath and Shower Gels

Cotton Gloves (To keep from scratching)

Antihistamine tablets (To ease the itching)

Sources

• Betnovate RD Cream, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...

Betnovate RD Warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

This medicine is unsuitable for you if you are allergic to any of Betnovate RD's ingredients.

Betnovate RD cream can cause the following conditions to worsen:

• Acne
• Perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth)
• Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, herpes, chickenpox)
• Bacterial infections
• Fungal infections (e.g. thrush, athlete’s foot)
• Rosacea (flushing of the skin around the nose).

Do not use this medicine for inflamed skin around the genitals or anus unless specifically advised to do so.

Consult your GP if you:

• Have a history of allergic reactions to steroid medicines
• Are applying Betnovate RD under an airtight dressing
• Have a large area of affected skin
• Are using Betnovate RD on the face, especially near the eyes
• Are applying Betnovate RD to broken skin or skin folds
• Have psoriasis
• Are using Betnovate RD on a chronic leg ulcer
• Are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to use Betnovate RD

Apply this product thinly and carefully to the affected area(s). This should be done one or two times per day. The dose can be decreased once symptoms begin to improve.

If you have been using airtight dressings on inflamed skin, clean the affected area before using the cream, and apply a new dressing. Remember to wash your hands after each application.

It is advised not to use Betnovate RD for more than 10 days. Talk to your GP if you do not notice improved symptoms after 7 days of regular treatment. This medicine should not be used on any facial skin.

You may be using other topical medicines alongside Betnovate RD cream. If this is the case, you are advised to wait at least 30 minutes between applications. This will prevent any medicine from becoming diluted.

Betnovate RD Ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Betnovate RD cream is betamethasone 0.025% (as valerate).

Betnovate RD cream also contains the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Cetomacrogol 1000, chlorocresol, cetostearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, sodium acid phosphate, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, purified water.

Betnovate RD Side Effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they use Betnovate RD cream, however, if you do they can include:

An itching or burning sensation on the affected area

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.