What is Halobetasol Topical?
Halobetasol is a Class I corticosteroid with a high potency that can be applied topically to the skin in order to reduce inflammation or itching that may occur due to plaque psoriasis or any other skin condition that responds to corticosteroid medications.
Topical halobetasol is available in cream, ointment, or lotion form.
- Halobetasol propionate, 0.05% foam: Lexette foam
- Halobetasol propionate 0.05% cream/ointment/lotion: Ultravate cream/ointment/lotion
- Bryhali Lotion: Halobetasol Propionate, 0.01%
Side effects of Halobetasol Topical
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of the throat, seek immediate medical attention.
If you experience:
- Skin conditions are worsening;
- Redness, heat, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation on any skin treated
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or seeing halos around light sources are symptoms that should not be ignored.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell;
- Signs of absorption through the skin include: weight gain, especially in the face, upper back, and torso; slow wound healing; discolored or thinning skin; body hair growth; muscle weakness; nausea or diarrhea; fatigue; mood swings; changes in the menstrual cycle; or sexual changes.
Halobetasol can cause a number of side effects.
- The skin may feel dry, irritated, or stingy.
- Pain where foam has been applied
- Redness or crusting on your hair follicles.
- Stretch marks;
- Spider veins;
- Headache
- Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore mouth.
There may be other side effects.For medical advice about any side effects, speak to your physician directly. Alternatively, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if any side effects arise and require reporting.
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.Halobetasol propionate (halobetasol) is a highly potent Class I corticosteroid which can be rapidly absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and rapidly suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning via potentiating action on adrenal glands. for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or use it for more than 2 weeks. HPA suppression can be monitored periodically.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to halobetasol, it is best not to use the topical.The topical Halobetasol should not be used on lesions that are exuding a serum or in skin folds.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Any type of skin infection
- A skin reaction to any medicine containing steroids;
- Liver disease
- An adrenal gland disorder is a condition that affects the adrenal gland.
Topical corticosteroids may increase glucose levels (sugar) in the blood or urine. Inform your doctor if diabetes is present.Children are more susceptible than adults to the systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Halobetasol is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. Some brands or forms are only for adults over 18.Topical halobetasol is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Use a small amount of halobetasol for as little time as possible if you have been instructed to do so.Breastfeeding may not be recommended while taking this medication. Use halobetasol topically only if instructed. Do not apply to the breasts.
Similar/related drugs
Kenalog, Kenalog-40, Dovonex, Cordran Tape, Impoyz, Lexette, and Sernivo
How to take Halobetasol Topical?
Follow all instructions listed on your prescription label, medication guides or instruction sheets and any relevant warning labels. In particular, read all directions contained on the prescription label before beginning.Topical medicine should not be taken orally. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. Use only on the skin. Do not apply to open wounds, sunburned or windburned skin, or dry, irritated, or dry skin. If halobetasol enters your eyes or mouth, rinse with water.You should wash your hands both before and after you use halobetasol, unless it is to treat your skin.
Shake the foam well before using.
- As directed by your physician, apply a thin layer of halobetasol to the affected skin area. Rub gently and thoroughly. Apply this medicine only to a small area of the skin, unless you have been told otherwise by your doctor.
- Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects.
- Halobetasol should only be used for a short period of time (2 weeks or 8 weeks for psoriasis).Please adhere strictly to any instructions from your doctor regarding dosing.
If your symptoms don't improve within 2 weeks (8 for psoriasis) or worsen, call your doctor. If your symptoms improve faster, stop using the product.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it is close to time for your next dose, skip any missed ones. Apply two doses of the product at once.
What happens if I overdose?
If anyone accidentally swallows the medication, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.Halobetasol can cause thinning of the skin, bruising easily, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, back and waist), acne, facial hair growth, menstrual issues, impotence or a loss of interest in sexual activity.
What should be avoided?
- Halobetasol should not be applied to the face, scalp, underarms, or groin.
- Halobetasol is not recommended for treating skin conditions that have not been examined by your doctor.
- Do not use other topical steroids on areas treated with halobetasol unless you are told to by your doctor.
Interaction with other drug
Halobetasol is unlikely to interfere with any other medication you take. You should not combine it with any other topical or intraoral corticosteroids because of the additive effects.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
