Enstilar (betamethasone and calcipotriene)
Betamethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.
Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to betamethasone or calcipotriene.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
a history of kidney stones;
liver or kidney disease;
severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness);
a skin infection; or
if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy).
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether betamethasone and calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine on a child without a doctors advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of steroid medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. Steroid medicine can also affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
Betamethasone and calcipotriene side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using betamethasone and calcipotriene topical and call your doctor if you have:
blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
uneven heartbeats;
sleep problems (insomnia);
weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
tired feeling.
Also stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
severe burning or irritation where the medicine was applied;
redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
pus, swelling, redness, increased itching, or other signs of skin infection;
signs of low adrenal gland hormones--worsening tiredness or weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss; or
possible signs of long-term steroid use--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair; changes in sexual function; muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.
Common side effects may include:
dry skin;
itching;
mild rash; or
changes in skin color.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.
Source: drugs.com
