Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate combination injection is utilized to alleviate inflammation in various areas of the body. It is employed in the treatment of diverse conditions such as severe allergies, adrenal problems, arthritis, lung or breathing issues, blood or bone marrow problems, eye or vision problems, lupus, serious skin conditions, kidney problems, ulcerative colitis, and flare-ups of multiple sclerosis.
This combination contains corticosteroids, which are cortisone-like medicines or steroids. These substances work on the immune system to alleviate swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.
Uses and Dosage
The administration of this medication may involve injection into different locations, depending on the specific product. This could include injection into a muscle (intramuscularly), a skin lesion (intradermally), or a joint (intra-articularly). Typically, healthcare professionals carry out these injections, but if they are intramuscular, your healthcare provider might teach you how to self-administer them.
The injection site, schedule, dosage, and duration of treatment are determined by your medical condition and response to the treatment. Avoid injecting this medication into a vein (intravenously) or into the spine (epidurally). Injection around or into the eye or certain parts of the nose is not recommended due to the risk of blindness or damage to the eye(s). Consult your doctor for further details.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and the dosing schedule precisely to derive the most benefit from this medication. Do not alter your dose or use the medication for a longer duration than prescribed. If you have any questions about your treatment, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using this medication, wash your hands with soap and water. Visually inspect the product for clumpy particles or discoloration; if either is present, do not use the liquid.
Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before each dose. Change the injection site each time to minimize injury under the skin.
Shake the vial before use to evenly disperse the suspension. Administer the prescribed dose immediately after withdrawing it into the syringe to prevent settling of the medication.
Learn how to store and dispose of syringes, needles, and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist for more information.
If you’ve been using this medication for an extended period, do not abruptly stop it without your doctor’s approval. Some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly discontinued. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to mitigate symptoms such as weakness, weight loss, nausea, and extreme tiredness.
If you’ve received an injection into a joint, be cautious about the stress you put on that joint, even if it seems to be improving. Consult your doctor regarding the extent to which you can move the joint while it is healing.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- acne
- increased hunger
- weight gain
- mood or behavior changes
- upset stomach
- bone loss
- eye changes
- slowing of growth
- trouble sleeping
- excess stomach acid or heartburn
- high blood sugar
- irregular menstrual periods
- bloating
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- fast, slow or irregular heartbeats
- blurred vision
- tunnel vision
- eye pain
- seeing halos around lights
- bumps on the skin
- raised blotches (purple, pink, brown or red) on the skin
- chest pain
- swollen glands
- seizure
- swelling
- rapid weight gain
- shortness of breath
- pain and swelling or stiffness in your joints with fever
- general ill feeling
- severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back
- severe depression
- changes in personality
- unusual thoughts or behavior
Caution
- Before using betamethasone, disclose to your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone), or any other substances. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
- Share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have bleeding problems, blood clots, bone loss (osteoporosis), diabetes, specific eye diseases, heart problems, high blood pressure, current or past infections, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood conditions, stomach/intestinal problems, seizures, thyroid problems, or mineral imbalance.
- This drug may cause dizziness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify this effect. Refrain from driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications can make it more challenging for your body to respond to physical stress. Inform your doctor or dentist before undergoing surgery or emergency treatment, or if you experience a serious illness or injury. Notify your doctor right away if you develop unusual or extreme tiredness or weight loss. If you will be using this medication for an extended period, carry a warning card or medical ID bracelet indicating your use of this medication.
- This medication may mask signs of infection, making you more susceptible to infections or worsening current infections. Avoid contact with individuals who have infections that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
- Inform your healthcare professional before undergoing immunizations, vaccinations, or skin tests while using betamethasone. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as the flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
- This medicine may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Daily alcohol use while using this medicine may further elevate the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bone loss/pain, stomach/intestinal bleeding, and mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
- If used for a prolonged period, this medication may slow down a child’s growth. Consult the doctor or pharmacist for more details. Schedule regular check-ups with the doctor to monitor your child’s height and growth.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly necessary. It may rarely harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who use corticosteroid medications for a long time may experience hormone problems. Notify your doctor promptly if you observe symptoms such as persistent nausea/vomiting, severe diarrhea, or weakness in your newborn.
- It is unclear if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Celestone Soluspan Injection is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Celestone Soluspan Injection vial:
- 6 mg/ml
FAQ
How often can I get a Celestone shot?
Treatment is initiated with an intramuscular injection of 1 mL of Celestone in most conditions and repeated weekly, or more often, if necessary.
Do you need to rest after a Celestone injection?
After a Celestone injection, it is strongly advised to rest the affected joint for 24 hours and refrain from doing strenuous activity or exercise for several days.
Resources
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/c/Celestonechronodoseinj.pdf
- https://www.melbourneradiology.com.au/guides/cortisone-injections/#:~:text=After%20a%20cortisone%20injection%2C%20it,vital%20to%20reduce%20inflammation%20effectively
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/betamethasone-sodium-phosphate-and-betamethasone-acetate–injection-route/description/drg-20425905
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5720/celestone-soluspan-injection/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/celestone-soluspan-drug.htm
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/celestone-soluspan-injection.html
