Betamethasone is FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition with raised areas covered with dry scales. Betamethasone dipropionate lotion and other betamethasone skin products can help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort.
Celestone (betamethasone) prescription available online
If you are suffering from inflammatory skin conditions, betamethasone can help. Get a new prescription or refill of betamethasone from a board-certified primary care doctor online.*
About betamethasone
Betamethasone is considered a corticosteroid medicine, which prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Some conditions that betamethasone is used to treat include psoriasis, eczema, and other types of dermatitis. Betamethasone is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including Celestone.
Betamethasone may be prescribed in the form of betamethasone dipropionate lotion, cream, ointment, or spray. Celestone may be prescribed as an injectable suspension or oral solution. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed betamethasone, be sure to complete the full course of the steroid medicine unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the steroid medicine may not fully treat your inflammation.
Betamethasone uses
Betamethasone has several FDA-approved uses, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online healthcare professional may prescribe it for the following reasons.
It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Psoriasis
Eczema
Betamethasone is FDA-approved to treat eczema, an itchy skin condition that causes redness, swelling, oozing fluid, and crusting. Betamethasone dipropionate cream or lotion may also be prescribed to treat other types of dermatitis.
What are the pros and cons?
Cons
- One
- Two
Betamethasone side effects
The side effects associated with taking betamethasone are typically mild. Most Betamethasone side effects are associated with skin irritation. Betamethasone has some common side effects. They may include:
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Itching, burning, stinging, or blistering of the affected area
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Skin bruising
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Folliculitis
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
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Severe skin irritation around the affected area
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Signs of a skin infection
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Muscle weakness
Tell your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of betamethasone topical steroids, including betamethasone acetate and betamethasone valerate, is not recommended in pediatric patients under 12 years of age.
Corticosteroids risks
Corticosteroids are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other preexisting conditions or take certain medications.
Before you take a prescribed corticosteroid, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions or issues:
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HIV or AIDs
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Herpes simplex infection
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Tuberculosis
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Diabetes or high blood sugar
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Gastrointestinal problems
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Glaucoma or cataracts
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High blood pressure
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Any kind of infection (viral, fungal, bacterial)
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Heart disease, thyroid conditions, kidney disease, or liver disease
Corticosteroids drug interactions
When you begin a new medication, make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or herbs you’re taking. Some medications that might interact with a corticosteroid include:
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Medicine for HIV, AIDs, or hepatitis C
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Antibiotics, antifungal medicine, or antivirals
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Diuretics (water pills)
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Insulin or diabetes medicine
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Seizure medications, such as carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, or oxcarbazepine
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Birth control pills and other hormones
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Blood thinners, such as warfarin
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
How to take betamethasone
Betamethasone can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Adults with dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions should apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice daily. If you're using a foam or lotion, apply the topical corticosteroid twice daily (at morning and night).
What to avoid while taking betamethasone
Betamethasone has some possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with betamethasone include:
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and Tylenol
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Zyrtec (cetirizine)
It is safe to drink alcohol while using betamethasone. Avoid using occlusive dressings unless directed by your doctor. Do not apply betamethasone cream or other topical products to your face, underarms, or groin without your doctor's approval.
What to avoid
Medication alternatives to betamethasone
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest other topical corticosteroids or steroid medicine in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Psoriasis
Eczema
Betamethasone prescription FAQs
How much does betamethasone cost?
Depending on your pharmacy, betamethasone topical cream costs around $18 for 15 grams of 0.05% cream without insurance. Betamethasone is a generic brand, and brand names may cost more but do not work any better.
How can I refill my betamethasone prescription?
To refill your betamethasone prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
What is betamethasone used for?
What kind of drug is betamethasone?
How long should I use betamethasone?
Is betamethasone the same as Cortisone?
Who should not take betamethasone?
Avoid using betamethasone valerate ointment or other topical products if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
- Irritated skin after using betamethasone creams
- Thinning of the skin when you apply topical steroid cream
- Cataracts or glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Adrenal gland problems
- Skin infection
- Allergic reactions to betamethasone
What happens if I miss a dose of betamethasone?
What happens if I take too much betamethasone?
3 simple steps to request your betamethasone prescription today
Book a betamethasone prescription request appointment.
Talk to your medical provider regarding your betamethasone prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Pick up your betamethasone prescription.
Betamethasone prescription pricing details
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Betamethasone prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
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American Family Physician. Topical Psoriasis Therapy. Accessed on October 24, 2022. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1999/0215/p957.html
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Mayo Clinic. Betamethasone Dipropionate (Topical Application). Accessed on October 24, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/betamethasone-dipropionate-topical-application-route/description/drg-20073667
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MedlinePlus. Betamethasone topical. Accessed on October 24, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682799.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.