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Why do I need this medicine?
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Betamethasone is used to relieve inflammation or suppress or reduce the strength of the body’s immune system. It is used to treat a wide variety of diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints), lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation), and inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
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How do I take this medicine?
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Take Betamethasone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Betamethasone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
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What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
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When should I not use this medicine?
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Alert your doctor if you have an infection as Betamethasone may not be suitable for you.
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What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
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Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- eye disease such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) and cataract (clouding in the lens of the eyes)
- thyroid disease
- diabetes
- stomach or intestine ulcer
- tuberculosis (lung infection)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- osteoporosis (thinning of bones)
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child.
If your child is taking Betamethasone, monitoring of height maybe needed.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
Avoid people who have chickenpox, shingles or measles. Inform your doctor right away if you do come into contact with people who have these diseases.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Betamethasone.
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What side effects could I experience?
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Betamethasone may cause any of the following side effects: headache, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, indigestion, weight gain, excessive hair growth, increased susceptibility to infections, stomach pain, joint pain, and muscle weakness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- hallucination (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- problems sleeping
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
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Can I take this with other medicines?
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Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. amphotericin B
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- stomach medicine e.g. carbenoxolone
- medicines for glaucoma e.g. acetazolamide
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines to treat TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g rifampicin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. quetiapine
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. ibuprofen
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- medicines for asthma e.g. theophylline
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Betamethasone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow?
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Avoid alcohol.
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How should I store this medicine?
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Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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