Patient Leaflet Updated 24-Aug-2023 | GlaxoSmithKline UK
Betnovate RD Cream
Betnovate RD Cream
betamethasone valerate
1 What Betnovate RD is and what it is used for
2 What you need to know before you use Betnovate RD
3 How to use Betnovate RD
4 Possible side effects
5 How to store Betnovate RD
6 Contents of the pack and other information
Betnovate RD contains a medicine called betamethasone valerate. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids that reduce swelling and irritation.
Betnovate RD is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
RD stands for ‘Ready Diluted’, it contains less active ingredient than Betnovate. It is used:
Do not use if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betnovate RD.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using your Betnovate RD if:
Dressing or bandages should not be used on children or on the face where the cream is applied.
Use on children or on the face should be limited to 5 days.
Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.
Do not smoke or go near naked flames due to the risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressing etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine.
Long term continuous or inappropriate use of topical steroids can result in the development of rebound flares after stopping treatment (topical steroid withdrawal syndrome). A severe form of rebound flare can develop which takes the form of a dermatitis with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the initial treatment area. It is more likely to occur when delicate skin sites such as the face and flexures are treated. Should there be a reoccurrence of the condition within days to weeks after successful treatment a withdrawal reaction should be suspected. Reapplication should be with caution and specialist advise is recommended in these cases or other treatment options should be considered.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicine, especially if you are taking ritonavir and itraconazole medications.
If you are pregnant or are breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Betnovate RD Cream contains chlorocresol which may cause allergic reactions and cetostearyl alcohol which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
1 Wash your hands.
2 Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) and gently rub into the skin until it has all disappeared. You can measure how much Betnovate to use with your fingertip. For children you will need to use less cream but still use an adult finger to measure out the fingertip unit. This picture shows one fingertip unit.
[The picture in the printed leaflet shows one fingertip unit]
3 Unless you are meant to apply the cream to your hands as a part of the treatment, wash them again after using the cream.
[Pictogram of an adult with fingertip units to be used as per text below with arrows pointing to relevant body part]
Face and neck:
2 ½ fingertip units.
Back: 7 fingertip units.
Front: 7 fingertip units.
One arm (not including the hand):
3 fingertip units.
Both sides of one hand:
1 fingertip unit.
One leg (not including the foot):
6 fingertip units
One foot:
2 fingertip units.
Do not worry if you find you need a little more or less than this. It is only a rough guide.
Your leaflet has a graph in this location, showing the number of fingertip units needed in relation to age and body area:
Number of fingertip units needed:
Child’s age – 1-2 years
Face and neck – 1 ½
Arm and hand – 1 ½
Leg and foot - 2
Front – 2
Back including buttocks – 3
Child’s age – 3-5 years
Face and neck – 1 ½
Arm and hand – 2
Leg and foot - 3
Front – 3
Back including buttocks - 3 ½
Child’s age – 6-10 years
Face and neck – 2
Arm and hand – 2 ½
Leg and foot – 4 ½
Front – 3 ½
Back including buttocks - 5
If you have thick patches of psoriasis on your elbows or knees, your doctor may suggest applying the cream under an airtight dressing. It will only be at night to help the cream to start working. After a short period of time you will then apply the cream as normal.
You should only apply the cream to your face if your doctor tells you to. It should not be for more than 5 days, as the skin on your face thins easily. Do not let the cream get into your eyes.
If you apply too much or if accidentally swallowed, it could make you ill. Talk to your doctor or go to the hospital as soon as possible.
If you forget to apply your cream, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time you are next meant to apply it, wait until this time.
If you use Betnovate RD regularly make sure you talk to your doctor before you stop using it as your condition may get worse if stopped suddenly.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
Not Known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Within each carton is a tube with a plastic screw cap, which contains 100 g of cream.
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Manufactured by
If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist who will advise you.
You may be able to find out more information from books in public libraries.
Other formats:
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Betnovate RD Cream
Reference number 10949/0021
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
This leaflet was last revised in: August 2023
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