What is Alphatrex/Betamethasone used for?

This medicine is used to help relieve redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of many skin problems.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Alphatrex/Betamethasone be stored?

Store in a dry place at room temperature between 59° - 86°F. Keep out of reach of children and pets

General drug information:

When should Alphatrex/Betamethasone not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to this medicine or to any ingredient present in this medicine.

What precautions should I follow when taking Alphatrex/Betamethasone?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you are taking any herbal products, if you are taking blood thinners if you have stomach problems if you have peptic ulcers if you have any other medical condition like liver or kidney function impairment, heart ot lung problem

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Alphatrex/Betamethasone?

This medicine is for external use only. Be very careful not to get this medicine in your eyes. Wash your hands after using your finger to apply the medicine. If you accidentally get this medicine in your eyes, flush them with water. Do not bandage or otherwise wrap the skin being treated unless directed to do so by your doctor.

What are the side effects of Alphatrex/Betamethasone?

Most severe: Blood-containing blisters on skin; burning and itching of skin; increased skin sensitivity (for some brands of betamethasone lotion); lack of healing of skin condition; loss of top skin layer (for tape dosage forms); numbness in fingers; painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles; raised, dark red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when used on the face; skin infection; thinning of skin with easy bruising

Most common: Acne or oily skin; backache; blurring or loss of vision (occurs gradually if certain products have been used near the eye); burning and itching of skin with pinhead-sized red blisters; eye pain (if certain products have been used near the eye); filling or rounding out of the face; increased blood pressure; irregular heartbeat; irregular menstrual periods; irritability; irritation of skin around mouth; loss of appetite; mental depression; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; nausea; rapid weight gain or loss; reddish purple lines (stretch marks) on arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin; skin color changes; softening of skin; stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain; swelling of feet or lower legs; tearing of the skin; unusual bruising; unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability (in men); unusual increase in hair growth, especially on the face; unusual loss of hair, especially on the scalp; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; weakness of the arms, legs, or trunk (severe); worsening of infections

Other: Burning, dryness, irritation, itching, or redness of skin; increased redness or scaling of skin sores; skin rash

How should I take Alphatrex/Betamethasone?

How much medicine you use and how often you use it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are using, talk with your health care provider. Do not stop using this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before using this medicine. Do not use more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not use any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, use it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist. Avoid using tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants on a child if this medicine is being used on the child's diaper area. Plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers may increase the chance of absorption of the medicine through the skin and the chance of side effects. If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap or a special patch) to be applied over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Since occlusive dressings increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of side effects, use them only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor. Do not use on face, groin, or armpits unless directed to do so by your doctor.