betamethasone injection

• Risk factors: Epidural injection | Intrathecal injection | High doses of betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan)

Injecting betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) into the intrathecal (fluid-filled space around the brain and spinal cord) or epidural area (space around the spinal nerves in your lower back) can raise the risk of nerve problems. These problems can include stroke within the spinal cord or arteries leading to the spinal cord, paralysis of the lower half of the body, paralysis from the neck down, vision loss, stroke, or even death. That's why betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) shouldn't be injected into these areas.

High doses of betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can also raise the risk of sudden myopathy (serious muscle problems), such as muscle cramps or weakness, in people with a history of nerve conditions (e.g., myasthenia gravis) or who are taking neuromuscular blocking medications. Recovery might take weeks or years after stopping betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan). The sudden myopathy can affect the eyes, lungs, or lead to paralysis from the neck down, so let your HCP know if you experience muscle weakness, breathing problems, or vision changes while taking this medication.

• Risk factors: Stopping betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) suddenly | Stress such as trauma, injury, or infection

Your adrenal gland makes certain hormones for your body, but long-term use of betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) injections can cause adrenal insufficiency. This is when your adrenal glands stop making hormones naturally. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to steroid withdrawal, causing tiredness, joint or muscle pain, and low energy. Hormone problems can occur months after stopping betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), so continue to follow up with your HCP even after stopping this medication.

• Risk factors: Large doses of corticosteroids | Recent heart attack | Heart failure | High blood pressure | Kidney problems

Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can increase blood pressure, raise salt and water levels, and lower potassium and calcium levels. Speak with your prescriber before starting betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) if you have high blood pressure or a history of heart or kidney problems to make sure this medication is safe for you. Your prescriber will monitor you for any swelling in your legs and feet, and might ask you to limit the amount of salt you eat or take potassium supplements during your treatment.

• Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken your immune system | High doses of betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) | Coming into contact with people who have viral illnesses | Receiving live vaccines

Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can weaken your immune system and raise your risk of getting infections. The medication can cause new infections, reactivate old ones, or hide symptoms of current infections. If you have an infection, speak with your HCP about treating it before starting betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan). Certain infections, like fungal, parasitic, tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles, can worsen and lead to serious complications if corticosteroids are taken at the same time. Let your prescriber know right away if you experience any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, vision problems, or diarrhea.

Injecting betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) into a joint (intra-articular) can sometimes damage the joints or cause an infection in your joint fluid (septic arthritis). Don't get betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) injected into joints that are currently or were previously infected. If you have pain, swelling, fever, weakness, or you're unable to move your joints freely, let your care team know right away. You might need antibiotics to treat the infection.

• Risk factors: Long-term use of betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan)

Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can raise the risk of certain eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, high eye pressure, eye nerve damage, or eye infections. If you're receiving this medication longer than 6 weeks, you might need to get your eyes checked regularly. Let your healthcare team know if you experience any vision changes.

• Risk factors: Stomach ulcer | Stomach inflammation | Stomach surgery | Ulcerative colitis

Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) might raise your risk of developing a tear in the stomach if you have a history of stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis, or other stomach inflammation and infections. Although signs of stomach irritation might be more difficult to recognize while taking betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan), let your HCP know if you experience any stomach pain or tenderness.

• Risk factors: Children | Women who've gone through menopause

Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can make your bones weak and brittle, which raises the risk of osteoporosis. Although the risk is higher in children and women who've gone through menopause, this can occur at any age. If this medication is given in children, it can affect their bones, growth, and development. Depending on how often you use this medication, your prescriber might need to check your bones regularly.

• Risk factors: History of mental health conditions

Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can sometimes affect your mood and behavior. It can affect your ability to sleep and cause mood swings, changes in your personality, and depression. If you have a history of mental health conditions, let your prescriber know, because betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) can worsen these problems.

• Risk factors: Long-term use

Although rare, there have been reports of people developing a type of cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma when taking corticosteroids like betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan) for a long time. Discuss the risk with your HCP if you're to take this medication long term.