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betamethasone injection

Generic Сеlеstоne Soluspan
Used for Skin Infection, Eczema, Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis
Used for Skin Infection, Eczema, Psoriasis, Seborrheic Dermatitis

Betamethasone injection, also known by its brand name Celestone Soluspan, is an injectable steroid that helps reduce inflammation from various conditions. It combines two different forms of betamethasone: betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate. It's typically used when people can't take steroid medications by mouth, and must be injected by a healthcare professional (HCP). This injection is approved for both adults and children, but it's not known if it's safe during pregnancy. Common side effects of steroids include high blood sugar, sleep problems, and mood changes.

Last reviewed on November 20, 2024
basics-icon

What is Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)?

What is Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) used for?

This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

How Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) works

Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) is a corticosteroid. It can be used for many conditions by reducing the release of chemicals in your body that cause swelling and inflammation.

Are you looking for information on betamethasone (Diprolene) topical instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCelestone Soluspan
Drug ClassCorticosteroid
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Acne
  • Skin thinning
  • High blood sugar
  • Swelling
  • Stomach bloating
  • Nausea
  • Muscle problems or weakness

Other Side Effects

  • Mood changes
  • Vision changes
  • Infection
  • Hiccups
  • Lower amount of sperm
  • Weakness
  • Swelling on face
  • Weight gain

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath, swelling in the arms and legs, sudden weight gain, tiredness, dizzy, poor appetite, nausea
  • Infection: fever, chills, muscle aches, constant cough, sore throat, skin redness or swelling, diarrhea, burning feeling during urination
  • Extreme mood swings and severe depression

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Cushing syndrome—increased fat around the midsection, upper back, neck, or face, pink or purple stretch marks on the skin, thinning, fragile skin that easily bruises, unexpected hair growth
  • High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
  • Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
  • Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)

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Pros

Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system

A good option for people who can't take medications by mouth

Safe for children and adults

Can be injected directly into the problem area

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Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional (HCP)

Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems

Can weaken the immune system, leading to higher risk of infections

Might need to taper your dose before stopping

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)

pharmacist
  • Don't stop taking betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) suddenly without talking to your prescriber because it can cause serious problems with hormone levels. If you need to stop, you'll likely need to lower your dose slowly over time to prevent side effects such as weakness, nausea, and joint pain.

    • Let your HCP know if you develop a fever, cough, body aches, chills, or other signs of an infection while taking betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan). This medication lowers your immune system so you might have a more difficult time fighting off infections.

      • Avoid contact with people with chickenpox or measles, as these infections can cause serious problems while you're receiving betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan). Let your prescriber know if you’ve been exposed to these viruses.

        • Make sure you're up to date with all of your vaccinations before starting betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan). This medication can make some vaccines not work well and it also raises your risk of getting sick from live vaccines. Avoid receiving vaccines during treatment until you discuss it with your prescriber.

          • Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) might cause birth defects and hormone problems in unborn babies if given during pregnancy. It can also pass into breast milk and cause side effects in breastfed babies. Speak with your HCP about the risks and benefits before receiving betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

            • Let your HCP know if you experience any mood or behavior changes while taking betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan). This medication can cause extreme mood swings and severe depression.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)

              When is betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) used?
              Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) is an injectable steroid medication that's used when people can't take steroids by mouth. It works by blocking substances in the body that lead to inflammation. Some conditions it can be used to treat include allergies, ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis.
              How often do I need betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) injection?
              How often you need a betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) injection depends on your medical condition. This medication can provide relief for certain joint problems and restore full range of movement after one or a few injections. But some conditions might need daily injections or many injections over a period of time. Talk with your prescriber about how often you might need these injections.
              Where is the best place to inject betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)?
              An HCP will give the injection. Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can be given as an injected in many ways, including intrabursal (into the fluid-filled sac between the bones and other muscles or tendons), intra-articular (into the joint), intramuscular (into the muscle), intralesional (into the lesion) or intradermal (into the layers of the skin). Speak to your prescriber about where you will receive this injection.
              Is betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) safe during pregnancy?
              Using steroids like betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) during pregnancy can pose a risk to your unborn baby. While there are no good studies on its use in pregnant people, animal studies have shown signs of birth defects. Tell your healthcare team if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your prescriber will likely recommend this medication only if the benefits outweigh the risks to you and your baby.
              Does a betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) injection hurt?
              Since betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) is an injection, it might cause pain and other injection site reactions. If needed, ask your HCP about using numbing medications before your injections. They might be able to mix a numbing medication called lidocaine into the betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) syringe to reduce injection pain.
              Can I stop betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) suddenly?
              Usually not. Long-term use of betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can make your body get used to the medication. Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like fever, low appetite, nausea, weakness, joint pain, skin peeling, and weight loss. If you want or need to stop betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) after long-term use, talk to your prescriber. They can help you gradually lower your dose to safely "wean off" the medication.
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              What are the risks and warnings for Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)?

              Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Nerve problems

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

                Injecting betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) shouldn't be injected into these areas.

                High doses of betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne 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-warning

                Reduced adrenal gland function

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

                  Your adrenal gland makes certain hormones for your body, but long-term use of betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne Soluspan), so continue to follow up with your HCP even after stopping this medication.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart and electrolyte problems

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

                    Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can increase blood pressure, raise salt and water levels, and lower potassium and calcium levels. Speak with your prescriber before starting betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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-warning

                    Greater risk of infections

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

                      Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne 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-warning

                      Eye problems

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

                        Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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-warning

                        Stomach problems

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

                          Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne Soluspan), let your HCP know if you experience any stomach pain or tenderness.

                          risk-warning

                          Bone problems

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

                            Corticosteroids like betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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-warning

                            Changes in mood and behavior

                            • Risk factors: History of mental health conditions

                              Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne 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 (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can worsen these problems.

                              risk-warning

                              Cancer

                              • 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 (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) for a long time. Discuss the risk with your HCP if you're to take this medication long term.

                                dosage

                                Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) dosage forms

                                Typical dosing for Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)

                                Your healthcare professional (HCP) will determine your dose and how often you receive betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) based on your condition, other health problems, and any medications you’re currently taking.

                                The typical starting dose is between 0.25 mg to 9 mg a day.

                                Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) can be given as an injection in various ways, including:

                                • Intrabursal: Into the fluid-filled sac between bones and muscles or tendons.

                                • Intra-articular: Into the joint.

                                • Intramuscular: Into the muscle.

                                • Intralesional: Into the lesion.

                                • Intradermal: Into the layers of the skin.

                                contraindications-icon

                                Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) contraindications

                                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) will not be safe for you to take.
                                • Intramuscular (into the muscle) betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan) injection given to treat idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare blood condition with low platelet levels

                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Betamethasone (Сеlеstоne Soluspan)
                                Used for:

                                This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

                                Used for:
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