Drug Notes

Betamethasone sodium phosphate/betamethasone acetate (By injection)

Betamethasone Acetate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone AS-e-tate), Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone SOE-dee-um FOS-fate)

Treats inflammation and many other medical problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid.

Brand Name(s):

Active Injection Kit BLM-1, Active Injection Kit BM, Betalido, Betaloan Suik, Celestone Soluspan, Marbeta-25, Marbeta-L, ReadySharp Betamethasone

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This medicine is given as a shot into a muscle, joint, or skin.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Missed dose: You must use this medicine on a fixed schedule. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you miss a dose.
• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Antibiotic
  • Blood thinner, such as warfarin
  • Cholestyramine
  • Cyclosporine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Estrogen or oral birth control
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • Ketoconazole
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib
  • TB medicine
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
• You may need to be on a salt-restricted diet or take potassium supplements. Talk to your doctor about this.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause problems if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have certain medical conditions, mental problems, or allergies. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have thyroid problems, digestive problems, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, any kind of infection, or a history of tuberculosis (TB).
• It may be easier for you to get an infection while you are taking this medicine. If you are exposed to chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor right away.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Black or tarry stools
• Blurred vision, or pain or watering in your eyes
• Bluish skin, unusual bleeding or bruising
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Seizures
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or headache
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, increased sweating
• Pain or stiffness in your joints
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, feet, or joints
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, face, or waist

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017