Common Electrolyte imbalance, Redistribution/accumulation of body fat, Bone degradation, Increased risk of infection, Muscle disorders, Increased blood pressure, Altered bone growth, Skin scar, Behavioural changes, Cataract, Increased glucose level in blood.

Expert advice for Betamethasone

Take betamethasone tablet by mouth with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. 
Do not take betamethasone tablets If you are allergic to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients of the tablet.
Do not take betamethasone tablets If you have an infection and have not yet started taking medicine (e.g. antibiotics) to treat it.
Do not use betamethasone cream if you are allergic to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
Do not use the cream on your face repetitively for more than 5 days.
Do not use a large amount of cream continuously on large areas of the body since it can affect your hormones.
Excessive usage of cream in children might affect their growth and development.
Don’t apply the cream near your eyes.
Don’t swallow the cream, it is not meant for internal use.
Don’t use the cream under plaster or bandage.

Q. Is Betamethasone a steroid?
Betamethasone is a glucocorticoid and belongs to a group of medicines called steroids also known as corticosteroids. These are synthesized naturally in the body and help to maintain health and well-being. Two main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids are involved in a wide range of physiologic processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.

Q. Is Betamethasone safe to use?
Betamethasone is safe to use when used for an indication in a dose as advised by your doctor.

Q. Does Betamethasone cause hair loss?
Betamethasone is not known to cause hair loss. Rather, it may cause an increase in body hair growth (especially in females) on long-term use. Talk to your doctor if you get excessive hair growth on your body while taking Betamethasone.

Q. Is Betamethasone an antibiotic?
Betamethasone is not an antibiotic. It's a glucocorticoid.

Q. Does Betamethasone work in retention edema?
Betamethasone is not used in retention edema. Glucocorticoids can cause fluid and salt retention as a side effect thereby causing edema or aggravating edema. However, Betamethasone does not normally cause retention of salt and water and the risk of inducing edema and hypertension is almost negligible.

Q. Is Betamethasone stronger than hydrocortisone?
Betamethasone and hydrocortisone belong to the same class of medications (i.e. corticosteroids) and produce almost similar pharmacological responses. The effect may vary based on the conditions and individual response. Always follow doctor’s advice regarding its use.

Q. Can I take Betamethasone with ibuprofen?
An increase in the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding may occur if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen are taken with corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor before taking Betamethasone with any NSAID.

Q. Does Betamethasone expire?
Yes, Betamethasone does expire. All the medicines come with an expiry date mentioned on the pack. You must check the expiry date before using any medicine.

Q. Does Betamethasone cause insomnia?
Betamethasone can cause insomnia (inability to sleep). Most people find that using this medicine for a short time causes no problems. Talk to your doctor if you experience insomnia while taking Betamethasone.

Q. Does Betamethasone cause weight gain?
Betamethasone can cause weight gain especially when high doses taken for a long time or repeated short courses are taken. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Betamethasone.

Q. Is Betamethasone a hydrocortisone?
Betamethasone is not a hydrocortisone. These are two different drugs which belong to the same group of medicines called steroids (also known as corticosteroids).

Q. Is Betamethasone over the counter?
Betamethasone is not an over the counter (OTC) medicine. It is available only when prescribed by a doctor.