Betamethasone Valerate is a cortico-steroid used topically to treat a wide variety of dermatological conditions.

Also Known As:

Beta-Val and Betaderm

What It Does:

Betamethasone Valerate is available in a number of different topical venues, including lotions and creams. It acts as a topical corticosteroid by depressing the activity of cells that cause swelling, redness and itching of the skin. (Most patients will recognize corticosteroids as the medication used to treat allergic reactions on the skin.) It is a prednisone derivative; however, unlike prednisone it does not cause water retention and edema.

Active Ingredients:

Betamethasone-Betamethasone is a corticosteroid used to relieve skin irritation and suppress immune response in allergic and autoimmune reactions. In injection form it is used to stimulate lung development during pregnancy and decrease the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage in premature infants.

Valerate-The Valerate ester acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Side Effects:

Common side effects associated with the use of topical Betamethasone Valerate include acne, cracking and stinging of the skin, dryness, excessive hair growth, itching, irritation and inflamed hair follicles. Patients noticing severe reaction, swelling (especially around the mouth, face, lips or tongue) who develop hives or experience difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately to rule out the possibility of allergic reaction.

If you are pregnant, plan to be become pregnant or are currently breastfeeding, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using Betamethasone Valerate. Individuals suffering from a thinning of the skin, TB, chickenpox, shingles, measles, have recently been vaccinated or received a positive TB sin test, use Bethamethasone Valerate with care and consult with a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

While not common, long-term use and systemic absorption of topical steroids such as Betamethasone Valerate has been known to cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression, manifest symptoms of Cushing's Syndrome and cause hypoglycemia and glucosuria. Patients undergoing long-term treatment should be regularly evaluated by their physician to rule out these conditions. 

Only a tiny portion of the Betamethasone Valerate applied to the skin will find its way into the blood stream. Drug interactions are uncommon for this reason; however, they have been known to occur.  Patients using other topical applications, medications or herbal supplements should let their physician know prior to use.

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