Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Be sure to tell all health professionals involved in your care that you are using Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol).
Absorption: Topical (applied to the skin) corticosteroids such as betamethasone dipropionate are known to be absorbed into the bloodstream if used for prolonged periods of time on large areas of the body. This occurs most often when the medication is covered with a bandage that doesn't breathe or if you have skin problems with impaired circulation. This increases the risk of side effects from Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) throughout the body. It is advisable to use Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) only for brief periods and to stop using it as soon as the problem clears.
Eyes: Use Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) with caution on lesions close to the eye. Take care to ensure that it does not enter the eye, as Glaucoma may result. Cataracts have been reported following internal use of corticosteroids. Report changes in your vision to your doctor as soon as possible.
Infection: Betamethasone should not be used on any infected area until the infection has cleared. Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection. If you notice any increased redness, swelling, heat, or pain around the area where the medication is applied, contact your doctor, as these are possible signs of infection.
Stopping Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol): Suddenly stopping corticosteroid medication may cause your skin condition to return. If you have been using Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) or others that are similar for a long period of time, discuss with your doctor the best way to discontinue the medication.
Thinning of skin: Using topical corticosteroid medications for a long period of time can cause skin and the tissues underneath to thin or soften, or cause stretch marks. Your doctor may recommend you stop using this medication once in a while or to apply to one area of the body at a time to give the skin a chance to strengthen. If you notice changes to the texture or colour of your skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible, as this may be a sign that the medication needs to be reduced.
Pregnancy: Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast feeding: It is not known if topical betamethasone dipropionate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Betamethasone dipropionate belongs to the family of medications known as corticosteroids. Children may be more likely to experience the side effects encountered by using large amounts of this class medication for long periods of time (e.g., slowing down of growth, delayed weight gain). The use of this medication by children should be limited to the smallest amount that will be effective for the shortest period of time. Discuss the risks and benefits of the use of Diprolene (Betamethasone-dipropionate/propylene-glycol) by children with your doctor.
