Do NOT use Betnovate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Betnovate
• you are taking mifepristone
• you have a systemic fungal infection
• you are scheduled to have a smallpox vaccine
• you have a certain bleeding disorder (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Betnovate. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of bleeding problems, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure [CHF]), heart attack, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, diabetes, seizures, an underactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems, any mental or mood problems, or low blood potassium levels
• if you have or have recently had a bacterial, fungal, malarial, viral, or other type of infection; herpes infection of the eye; chickenpox; measles; shingles; or a head or brain injury
• if you have HIV infection or tuberculosis (TB), or if you have ever had a positive TB skin test
• if you have any stomach problems (eg, ulcers), intestinal problems (eg, blockage, perforation, infection, unexplained diarrhea, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis), recent intestinal surgery, or inflammation of the esophagus
• if you have weak bones (eg, osteoporosis) or muscle problems (eg, myasthenia gravis)
• if you have had any recent vaccinations (eg, smallpox)
• if you have a history of joint surgery or any joint problems (eg, fracture, infection).

Some medicines may interact with Betnovate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Aprepitant, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or troleandomycin because side effects, such as adrenal gland or nervous system problems (eg, seizures), may occur
• Barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, or rifampin because they may decrease Betnovate's effectiveness
• Aspirin, live vaccines, mifepristone, or ritodrine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Betnovate.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Betnovate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Betnovate may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• If you have not had chickenpox, shingles, or measles, avoid contact with anyone who does.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Betnovate before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Diabetes patients - Betnovate may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• If you use Betnovate for an extended period of time, your body may not produce enough natural steroids for up to several months after you stop using it. Severe symptoms may occur if you experience injury, surgery, infection, or loss of blood electrolytes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these events. You may need to begin taking additional corticosteroids.
• If you have had Betnovate injected into a joint and you experience increased pain along with swelling, decreased joint movement, fever, and general feeling of being unwell, contact your doctor.
• Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Betnovate.
• Lab tests, including adrenal function tests and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed while you use Betnovate. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Betnovate may have benzyl alcohol in it. Do not use it in newborns or infants. It may cause serious and sometimes fatal nervous system problems and other side effects.
• Corticosteroids may affect growth rate in children and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they use Betnovate.
• Betnovate should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Betnovate while you are pregnant. Betnovate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Betnovate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

If you suddenly stop taking Betnovate, you may have withdrawal symptoms, These may include unbalanced hormones (in both men and women).

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; clumsiness; dizziness; facial flushing; general body discomfort; headache; increased appetite; increased sweating; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; changes in body fat; changes in menstrual periods; changes in skin color; chest pain; easy bruising or bleeding; irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (eg, depression); muscle pain, wasting, or weakness; seizures; severe nausea or vomiting; sudden severe dizziness or headache; swelling of feet or legs; symptoms of infection (eg, chills, fever, sore throat); tendon or bone pain; thinning of the skin; unusual skin sensation; unusual weight gain; vision changes or other eye problems; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

 This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.