Betnesol Forte

Composition of Betnesol Forte

Betnesol Forte contains Betamethasone (1mg). It belongs to the Systemic corticosteroid class of medicines.

Uses of Betnesol Forte

Treatment of Allergic conditions

Key benefits

• In Treatment of Allergic conditions Betnesol Forte Tablet is used to treat many different inflammatories and allergic conditions including arthritis
• lupus
• psoriasis
• ulcerative colitis
• and conditions that affect the skin
• blood
• eyes
• lungs
• stomach
• and nervous system. It works by lowering your immune system’s response to these conditions and prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It helps relieve symptoms such as swelling
• pain
• itching
• and other allergic-type reactions. If you are not sure why you are being given this medicine
• ask your doctor. This medicine is given orally (by mouth). You should always take it as it has been prescribed for you. Do not stop taking it without your doctor’s advice. This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Because this medicine weakens your immune system
• you should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections.

How Betnesol Forte works

Betnesol Forte Tablet is a steroid which works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) and allergies.

How to take Betnesol Forte

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Betnesol Forte Tablet may be taken with or without food. Avoid Betnesol Forte Tablet with dietary sodium.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Betnesol Forte Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, bone thinning and suppression of the body's own steroid production when it is taken over a prolonged period. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Betnesol Forte

Most side effects of Betnesol Forte are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Betnesol Forte

Warnings and precautions

Never stop a course of more than a few days suddenly. Your body stops making its own steroid while you take these, and abrupt withdrawal can cause a dangerous collapse. Your doctor will taper the dose. Tell any doctor treating you that you take steroids, and say so urgently if you develop a serious infection, injury or need surgery — you may need a higher dose to cope. Steroids raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes, monitor it more closely during a course. Long-term use thins bones, raises the risk of infection, cataract and glaucoma. Your doctor will monitor and may add bone protection. Chickenpox and measles can be severe in people on steroids — seek advice promptly after any contact.

Do not take Betnesol Forte if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people with an untreated systemic infection, except where the steroid is part of the treatment.

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-inflammatory painkillers together with steroids markedly raise the risk of stomach bleeding. Live vaccines are generally avoided during significant steroid treatment.

How to store Betnesol Forte

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Betnesol Forte

Betnesol Forte Tablet can be taken with or without food, but try to have it at same time every day. Do not use it more often or for longer than advised by your doctor. Betnesol Forte Tablet can make it harder for you to fight off infections. Notify your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as a fever or sore throat. Do not stop taking Betnesol Forte Tablet suddenly without talking to your doctor first as it may worsen your symptoms.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLAXO SMITHKLINE PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

RESPIRATORY

Drug class:

Systemic corticosteroid

Chemical class:

21- hydroxysteroids