What is Cosentyx?

Cosentyx (secukinumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory autoimmune conditions.

Cosentyx helps reduce skin lesions, joint pain, swelling, and spine inflammation by blocking interleukin-17A (IL-17A), a protein involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Cosentyx is a monoclonal antibody that acts as an interleukin-17A antagonist.

Cosentyx is administered once a month as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), after an initial loading period. It can also be given as an intravenous (IV) Infusion for adults with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).

What is Cosentyx used for?

Cosentyx is FDA-approved to be used for:

• Plaque psoriasis: Moderate to severe, affecting large or multiple areas of the body, in patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA): Active disease in patients 2 years and older.
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS): Active disease in adults.
• Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA): Active disease in adults with objective signs of inflammation.
• Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA): Active disease in patients 4 years and older.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS): Moderate to severe disease in adults.

Cosentyx FDA approval was first granted on January 21, 2015, for plaque psoriasis, and since then, its use has expanded to include these listed conditions.

How does Cosentyx work?

Cosentyx is an IL-17A antagonist. 

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system becomes overactive and produces excessive IL-17A, a cytokine (protein) that promotes inflammation, pain, and tissue damage.

Cosentyx works by binding to and blocking IL-17A, preventing it from triggering the inflammatory response. This helps calm the immune system, reduce inflammation, and relieve symptoms associated with these chronic conditions.

Cosentyx targets the underlying cause of inflammation rather than just masking symptoms.

Cosentyx side effects

Common Cosentyx side effects may include diarrhea and cold symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat.

Serious Cosentyx side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cosentyx with symptoms of hives, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling like you might pass out, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine can cause serious bacterial, viral, and fungal opportunistic infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection, such as

• redness, warmth, or painful sores on your skin;
• cough, shortness of breath, cough with red or pink mucus;
• increased urination, burning when you urinate;
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (yeast infection or “thrush”);
• new or worsening diarrhea or stomach pain; or
• fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, weight loss.

Cases of Hepatitis B virus reactivation have occurred using this medicine.

Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings

You may get infections more easily while using Cosentyx, as it lowers your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, burning when you urinate, weight loss, cough, shortness of breath, or a cough with red or pink mucus.

Tell your doctor if you have an active infection or have ever been diagnosed with tuberculosis or inflammatory bowel disease before using this medicine.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Cosentyx if you are allergic to the active ingredients, secukinumab, or any of the inactive ingredients contained in the medicine.

Latex allergy. You should not handle the needle cap of the Cosentyx Sensoready pen, or the 75 mg/0.5 mL or 150 mg/mL prefilled syringes if you are sensitive to latex.

Tell your doctor if you’ve had or been exposed to tuberculosis, or if you recently traveled. Some infections are more common in certain parts of the world, and you may have been exposed during travel.

To make sure you can safely use Cosentyx, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an active or chronic infection;
• inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis);
• an allergy to latex; or
• if you currently have signs of infection such as fever, sweats, chills, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, cough with bloody mucus, weight loss, skin sores, stomach pain, diarrhea, or painful urination.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using this medicine. You should not have any vaccinations during your treatment with Cosentyx without first talking to your doctor.

Pregnancy

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Cosentyx can harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use this medicine.

Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Cosentyx passes into your breast milk.

How should I use Cosentyx?

Subcutaneous Cosentyx

Cosentyx subcutaneous injection can be self-administered or administered by a caregiver in your own home. Pediatric patients should not self-administer this medicine; an adult caregiver can inject this medicine after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique.

Subcutaneous Cosentyx instructions

• Take the injection pen out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before use. Give the injection within 1 hour after removing the medicine from the refrigerator.  Do not try to warm the medication by heating it in a microwave, placing it in hot water, or using any other method. 
• Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. You may need to use 2 injections to get your total dose.
• The solution should be clear or light yellow. Call your pharmacist if the liquid in your vial, pen, or syringe looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
• Do not shake the syringe or dosing pen.
• The injection can be given anywhere on the front of your thighs (upper leg), upper outer arms, or abdomen (stomach) except your navel and the area 2 inches (5 centimeters) around it. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Avoid injecting into the skin that is hard, red, bruised, swollen, tender, or affected by psoriasis. 
• Throw away a prefilled syringe or injection pen after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
• Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container and dispose of them following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Intravenous Cosentyx

Cosentyx can also be administered as an intravenous infusion by your healthcare professional (HCP) for adults with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSPA). Cosentyx intravenous infusion should be administered over a period of 30 minutes

General information

You may get infections more easily, even serious infections. You will need frequent medical tests.

Use Cosentyx exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t understand how to use an injection.

Cosentyx Dosing Information

Cosentyx is supplied as a Sensoready pen, UnoReady Pen prefilled syringe, or single-dose vial.

Intravenous dosing (administered by a healthcare provider)

Intravenous dosing can be used for psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Dilute before use. Administer infusion over 30 minutes.

• With a loading dose: 6 mg/kg initially at week 0 followed by 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks thereafter (maximum 300mg per infusion).
• Without a loading dose: 1.75 mg/kg every 4 weeks (maximum 300mg per infusion).

Subcutaneous dosing

Usual Adult Cosentyx Dose for Plaque Psoriasis

Dose:

• 300 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 followed by 300 mg every 4 weeks.
• Each 300 mg dose is given as 2 subcutaneous injections of 150 mg.
• For some patients, a dose of 150 mg subcutaneously may be acceptable.

Use: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Plaque Psoriasis (6 years and older)

Dose:

• Dose is based on body weight, given by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, followed by dosing every 4 weeks.
• Body weight less than 50kg: recommended dose is 75mg.
• Body weight is greater than or equal to 50kg: recommended dose 150mg.
• Safety and effectiveness of Cosentyx in pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis below the age of 6 years have not been established.

Use: Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in pediatric patients 6 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis

Dose:

• With a loading dose: 150 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter.
• Without a loading dose: 150 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks; if the patient continues to have active psoriatic arthritis, consider increasing the dose to 300 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks.

Comments:

• For psoriatic arthritis patients with coexistent moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, use the dosage for plaque psoriasis.
• This drug may be administered with or without methotrexate.

Use: Active psoriatic arthritis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Psoriatic Arthritis (2 years and older)

Dose:

• Dose is based on body weight, given by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 followed by dosing every 4 weeks.
• Body weight 15 kg to less than 50kg: recommended dose is 75mg
• Body weight is greater than or equal to 50kg: recommended dose 150mg.
• The safety and effectiveness of Cosentyx in pediatric patients below the age of 2 years and with a body weight of less than 15 kg (33 pounds) have not been established.

Comment: This drug may be administered with or without methotrexate.

Use: Active psoriatic arthritis in patients 2 years and older.

Usual Adult Dose for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Dose:

• With a loading dose: 150 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter.
• Without a loading dose: 150 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks.

Comment: If a patient continues to have active AS, consider a dosage of 300 mg every 4 weeks.

Uses: For active ankylosing spondylitis.

Usual Adult Dose for Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis

Dose:

• The loading dosage is 150 mg at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter
• Without a loading dosage is 150 mg every 4 weeks

Use: Active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) in adult patients who have objective signs of inflammation.

Usual Dose for Enthesitis-Related Arthritis 

Dose:

• Dose is based on body weight, given by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 followed by dosing every 4 weeks.
• Body weight 15 kg to less than 50kg: the recommended dose is 75mg
• Body weight is greater than or equal to 50kg: recommended dose 150mg.

Use: Active enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) in patients 4 years of age and older.

Usual Adult Dose for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dose:

• Recommended dosage is 300 mg administered by subcutaneous injection at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 and every 4 weeks thereafter.
• If a patient does not adequately respond, consider increasing the dosage to 300 mg every 2 weeks. 

Use: moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults

Cosentyx products

Subcutaneous Injection

• Cosentyx Sensoready pen: 150 mg/mL single dose.
• Cosentyx UnoReady pen and single-dose prefilled syringe: 300 mg/2 mL.
• Cosentyx prefilled syringe (for pediatric patients less than 50 kg): 75 mg/0.5 mL single dose.

Intravenous Infusion

• Cosentyx injection: 125 mg/5 mL in a single-dose vial (healthcare professional use only)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Cosentyx.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What should I avoid while using Cosentyx?

Avoid receiving a “live” vaccine. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

What other drugs will affect Cosentyx?

Cosentyx may interact with other products, so tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Know the medicines you take and keep a list to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you start a new medicine or stop a regular medicine.

When starting or stopping this medicine, patients who are receiving a CYP450 substrate medicine, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index,  your therapeutic effect or drug concentration monitored, and you may need to have a dosage adjustment of the CYP450 substrate. To check for interactions with Cosentyx, click on the link below.

Cosentyx Package Insert 

HCPs and patients often use the Cosentyx Package Insert (PI) for more detailed information about this medicine. The Package Insert contains more comprehensive information on Indications and Usage, Dosage and Administration, Clinical Pharmacology, Clinical Studies, Drug Interactions, and more. Discuss any medical questions you have with your HCP (health care professional). This is not all the information you need to know about this medicine for safe and effective use, and it does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment.

The Package Insert is sometimes called Cosentyx Prescribing Information (PI) or FDA label.

Cosentyx J code

Cosentyx J code is J3247 (1 mg, intravenous).
J codes are used for medicines that are not taken orally and include injections, inhalations, and chemotherapies. J codes are important for accurate and consistent coding for billing and reimbursement purposes.

The J code is only required for the intravenous infusion.

Your physician will need the Cosentyx J code when filling out forms for your intravenous infusion treatment.

Storage

• Store this medicine in a refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze this medicine.
• Keep this medicine in the original carton until ready for use to protect it from light.
• If necessary, the Sensoready pen, Unoready pen, and prefilled syringes may be stored at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for up to 4 days.   
• Write the date the medicine was removed from the refrigerator in the space provided on the carton.
• If unused and stored below 30°C (86°F), the Sensoready pen, Unoready pen, and prefilled syringes may be returned to the refrigerator only one time. Throw them away if they have been kept outside of the refrigerator and have not been used in over 4 days.
• Do not shake this medicine.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: secukinumab.

Inactive ingredients:

Cosentyx Sensoready pen and prefilled syringe: L-histidine/histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, L-methionine, polysorbate 80, trehalose dihydrate, and sterile water for injection.

Cosentyx Vial: L-histidine/histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 80, and sucrose.

Latex: Do not handle the needle cap of the Cosentyx Sensoready pen, or the 75 mg/0.5 mL or 150 mg/mL prefilled syringes if you are sensitive to latex.

Consentyx Manufacturer

Cosentyx manufacturer Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936.

Cosentyx Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for Cosentyx.Cosentyx (secukinumab) – Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Bryhali is a high-potency, Class I corticosteroid lotion that may be used by adults to reduce inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis. It contains 0.01% halobetasol propionate.

Bryhali was approved on November 6, 2018. It contains a lower concentration than other halobetasol propionate lotions which limits its risk of side effects.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Bryhali (halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion) is a highly potent, Class I corticosteroid that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks and do not exceed the recommended dose. Periodic monitoring for HPA suppression may be required.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use halobetasol topical if you are allergic to it.

Bryhali should not be applied to lesions that are exuding serum or to skin folds (where two areas of skin touch each other).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• liver disease; or
• an adrenal gland disorder.

Topical corticosteroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Children are more susceptible to systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Bryhali is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

It is not known whether halobetasol topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you are instructed to use Bryhali, use only a small amount for the shortest time possible.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are instructed to use Bryhali, use only a small amount for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the breasts.

How do I use Bryhali?

Apply Bryhali exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take it by mouth or use it intravaginally. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if Bryhali gets in your eyes or mouth.

• Wash your hands before and after using Bryhali, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
• Apply a thin layer of Bryhali lotion to the affected areas once daily. Rub in gently and completely. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Bryhali lotion is for short-term use only (up to 8 weeks). Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.  Clinical trials have shown Bryhali continues to provide relief from psoriasis for up to 4 weeks after stopping using it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks, or if they get worse. Stop using the product if your symptoms improve sooner.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the product as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of Bryhali lotion can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Bryhali?

• Avoid applying Bryhali to your face, scalp, underarms, or groin area. Do not use it to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
• Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with Bryhali unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use more than 50 grams per week.

What are the side effects of Bryhali?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Bryhali such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin – weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common Bryhali side effects may include:

• upper respiratory tract infection
• burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin
• high blood sugar levels.

Other side effects that may occur with topical corticosteroids include:

• acne
• discoloration of the skin where the tape has been applied
• dryness
• excessive hair growth
• miliaria
• ophthalmic side effects such as cataracts or glaucoma
• perioral dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles (folliculitis)
• skin thinning
• spider veins
• stretch marks.

Topical corticosteroids can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency.

If you develop a skin infection while using Bryhali your doctor may give you an antimicrobial cream to use as well. If this does not resolve the infection, your doctor may discontinue the tape until the infection has cleared.

Betamethasone is a highly potent steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Betamethasone topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Betamethasone topical is available in a cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray.

Topical betamethasone formulations are usually formulated with one of two salts: betamethasone dipropionate or betamethasone valerate. The potency of betamethasone formulations can vary depending on which salt is used – dipropionate or valerate.

Betamethasone dipropionate contains two esters – this makes it more fat soluble and increases its ability to penetrate the skin better. This makes it more potent than betamethasone valerate, which only contains one ester.

The absorption and potency of a topical steroid can also vary depending on the vehicle used to deliver the steroid (such as a cream, gel, lotion, or ointment) and if it has been augmented or not. Augmentation refers to enhancing the vehicle with a substance, such as propylene glycol, to allow it to penetrate the skin more quickly and work faster. For example, augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment or gel is a Class 1 (highly potent) topical steroid, but the augmented lotion or cream and regular betamethasone dipropionate ointment is Class 2.

Potency of betamethasone preparations

Class 1 (highly potent)

• Augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment
• Augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% gel

Class 2 (potent)

• Augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% lotion
• Augmented betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% cream (0.05%)
• Regular betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% ointment

Class 3 (upper medium potency)

• Regular betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05%

Class 4 and 5 (medium potency)

• Betamethasone valerate foam 0.12%
• Regular betamethasone dipropionate spray 0.05%

Warnings

Do not use betamethasone longer than you have been told to by your doctor. Use care when using on a large part of the skin. Talk with your doctor.

Do not use to treat diaper rash or redness. Avoid applying betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray to the diaper area.

Different brands of betamethasone may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with the doctor before using betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray on a child.

If you are breastfeeding, do not apply betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray to the nipple or the area around it.

Betamethasone may raise the chance of cataracts or glaucoma. Talk to your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use betamethasone if you are allergic to it.

To make sure betamethasone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• skin irritation after using steroid medicine;
• thinning of the skin where you will apply betamethasone;
• cataracts or glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• liver disease;
• adrenal gland problems; or
• any type of skin infection.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks. If you apply betamethasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.

Do not use betamethasone on a child without a doctor’s advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Diprolene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old. Sernivo and Luxiq are not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use betamethasone ?

Use betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply betamethasone cream, gel, ointment, lotion, foam, or spray over a large area of skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Use betamethasone regularly to get the most benefit. Stop using the medicine once your symptoms clear up.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks, or if it gets worse.

Do not use Diprolene for longer than 2 weeks in a row. Do not use Sernivo or Luxiq for longer than 4 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

The foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Dermatitis:

Cream, gel, ointment:

• Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day
• Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

Comments:

• Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
• Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Spray:

• Apply topically to affected skin areas twice a day; rub in gently
• Duration of Treatment: Up to 4 weeks

Comments:

• Discontinue therapy when control is achieved; treatment beyond 4 weeks is not recommended.

Use: For the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Dermatitis:

12 years or older:

• Cream, gel, ointment: Apply a thin film topically to the affected area 1 or 2 times a day
  Foam, lotion: Apply topically twice a day (morning and night)

Comments:

• Treatment should be discontinued when control is achieved; if no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment may be necessary.
• Occlusive dressings should not be used unless directed by a healthcare provider.
• Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.

Use: Relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses

What other drugs will affect betamethasone?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using betamethasone?

Do not get betamethasone topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying betamethasone to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor’s instruction.

Do not use betamethasone to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Betamethasone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to betamethasone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation where the medicine was applied; or
• signs of skin infection (swelling, redness, warmth, oozing).

Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor if you have:

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;
• increased thirst or urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
• muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common betamethasone side effects may include:

• itching, redness, burning, stinging, or blistering of treated skin;
• skin bruising or shiny appearance; or
• folliculitis (redness or crusting around your hair follicles).

Bacitracin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Bacitracin topical (for the skin) is used to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Bacitracin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bacitracin side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use bacitracin topical if you are allergic to bacitracin, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.

Do not use bacitracin topical to treat animal bites, puncture wounds, deep skin wounds, or severe burns. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are not sure.

Bacitracin is not expected to harm an unborn baby.

It is not known whether bacitracin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How should I use bacitracin?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Clean the skin area before applying bacitracin topical.

You may apply bacitracin to the affected area 1 to 3 times per day. Apply only enough to cover the area you are treating.

Do not use this medication over large areas of skin.

You may cover the treated skin with a bandage.

Do not use bacitracin for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you develop a skin rash.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since bacitracin topical is when needed, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What should I avoid while using bacitracin?

Bacitracin topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect bacitracin?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied bacitracin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.