What is a Patient Information Leaflet and why is it useful?

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine. It is possible that the leaflet in your medicine pack may differ from this version because it may have been updated since your medicine was packaged.

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Below is a text only representation of the Patient Information Leaflet. The original leaflet can be viewed using the link above.

The text only version may be available in large print, Braille or audio CD. For further information call emc accessibility on 0800 198 5000. The product code(s) for this leaflet is: PL 00173/0149.

Betacap Scalp Application

PACKAGE LEAFLET Information for the user

Betacap™ Scalp Application

0.1% w/w cutaneous solution

betamethasone (as betamethasone valerate)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

In this leaflet:

1. What Betacap Scalp Application is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you use Betacap Scalp Application
3. How to use Betacap Scalp Application
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store Betacap Scalp Application
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. WHAT BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR

  • Betacap Scalp Application is for use on the scalp to treat skin diseases including psoriasis (scaly, pink patches of thickened skin) and seborrhoeic dermatitis (scaly, itchy patches of skin).
  • Betacap Scalp Application is suitable for use by adults, the elderly and children over the age of one year.
  • The active ingredient in this product is betamethasone. This is one of a group of medicines called corticosteroids (which should not be confused with ‘anabolic steroid’ tablets or injections misused by some athletes).
  • Betamethasone is a strong and fast acting corticosteroid and is intended for use on the scalp which tends not to respond very well to weaker medicines of this type.
  • Betamethasone works by reducing inflammation and calming down your immune system.
  • The product also works as an antiseptic, and includes an emollient (moisturiser) to help make the scalp feel more comfortable.

2. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU USE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION

Do not use Betacap Scalp Application:

  • if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone or any of the other ingredients of Betacap Scalp Application listed in Section 6;
  • to treat any other skin problems, especially skin infections, as it may make them worse;
  • to treat any scalp problem other than the one your doctor prescribed it for;
  • on children under one year of age.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Betacap Scalp Application.

  • Tell your doctor if at any stage you think your scalp has become infected. Your doctor may advise you to stop using Betacap for a while and start using an alternative anti-microbial treatment instead.
  • If you are treating scalp psoriasis, it is important that your doctor checks your progress regularly to avoid a possible complication that can occur (see Section 4).
  • Do not use this product excessively:
    • avoid using this product continuously or frequently for long periods (weeks or months on end);
    • this is especially important for infants and young children, because long term use increases the chance of local and generalised side effects (see Section 4);
    • for children with scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis, treatment should normally be limited to no more than 7 days.
  • Contact your doctor if you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances.

Take special care when using this product:

  • Keep the product away from your eyes and mouth.
  • Betacap is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources (e.g. burning cigarettes or anything else that might ignite it).

Using other medicines

Betacap Scalp Application is not known to affect, or to be affected by, any other medicines.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

It is unclear whether this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Animal birth defects have occurred with similar medicines containing corticosteroids, so there may be a very small risk of these problems in humans. You should therefore not normally use this product if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor has recommended you to do so.

Driving and using machinery

Using this product is not known to affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

3. HOW TO USE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION

Use Betacap Scalp Application only on psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the scalp.

Before using this bottle of Betacap Scalp Application for the first time, turn the bottle cap anti-clockwise to break the seal.

For adults and the elderly:

Repeat the following twice a day, morning and evening, until you notice an improvement in your scalp condition. On days when you shampoo your hair, apply Betacap Scalp Application after drying the hair:

  • Carefully turn the bottle upside-down over your head, holding the nozzle against the part of the scalp to be treated.
  • Gently squeeze the bottle until the affected area is coated with a thin layer of the preparation.
  • Gently massage the application into the scalp to prevent it from running off.
  • Allow the treated scalp to dry naturally.
    Do not use a hair drier.
  • Your scalp will feel cool until the liquid has dried.
    The active ingredient is then left on your scalp.
  • Always wash your hands after use.

When you can see that your scalp condition is getting better, you can start to apply Betacap Scalp Application less often, only once a day or even less. The frequency of application should be reduced to the minimum necessary to keep your scalp condition under control.

For children (over one year old):

  • Follow the same instructions as for adults (see above), but use the product more sparingly.
  • Never apply more than is needed to cover the affected area.
  • Do not cover the treated scalp with an airtight dressing.
  • When treating seborrhoeic dermatitis in children, do not use the product for longer than 7 days.

If Betacap Scalp Application gets into the eyes

it may cause damage. If it gets into the eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water. If rinsing one eye, take care to avoid washing product into the other eye. If irritation persists tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Betacap Scalp Application is dangerous if swallowed. If someone swallows this product by mistake, take the following emergency action: if they are drowsy or unconscious, give nothing by mouth. If they are conscious, encourage them to drink 1 or 2 cups of milk or water (one cup in the case of a child), but do not carry on if they are vomiting. In all cases, take them to a doctor or hospital straight away. Take this leaflet and the container of Betacap Scalp Application with you.

If you apply too much Betacap Scalp Application, use a tissue to mop up any excess and stop it spreading onto uninvolved skin areas.

If you occasionally forget to use Betacap Scalp Application, do not worry, just carry on using it when you remember.

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, Betacap Scalp Application can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Betacap Scalp Application may cause the following side effects of unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):

  • Skin irritation may occur. If this happens stop using the product.
  • Treating psoriasis with this type of product may cause the development of the pustular form of the disease (blisters filled with pus). This explains why careful supervision by your doctor is required if you are treating scalp psoriasis.
  • Topical corticosteroids are usually well tolerated when used in the right amount and for the correct length of time. However, prolonged, excessive use, particularly in children or on skin that is bandaged or wrapped up, can cause local skin thinning (making the skin damage easily), and adrenal suppression (a type of hormone imbalance that causes generalised effects on the body). Stopping treatment normally corrects these side effects.
  • Blurred vision.

If you are in any doubt about the treatment, or experience any of the above side effects or any other side effect not mentioned in this leaflet, stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

United Kingdom

Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard

or search for MHRA Yellow Card in Google Play or Apple App Store.

Ireland

HPRA Pharmacovigilance
Website: www.hpra.ie

5. HOW TO STORE BETACAP SCALP APPLICATION

  • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use Betacap Scalp Application after the expiry date shown on the bottle and carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
  • Do not store above 25°C.
  • Always replace the cap tightly and return the bottle to the carton after use (to protect the contents from light).
  • Betacap Scalp Application is highly flammable. Do not use it near flames or ignition sources.
  • Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. CONTENTS OF THE PACK AND OTHER INFORMATION

What Betacap Scalp Application contains:

The active ingredient is betamethasone (as betamethasone valerate) 0.1% w/w.

The other ingredients are macrogol 7 glycerol cocoate, isopropyl alcohol, carbomer, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

What Betacap Scalp Application looks like and contents of the pack

  • Betacap Scalp Application is a clear, colourless, slightly thickened liquid.
  • The product is available in plastic bottles containing 100 ml, incorporating a specially designed nozzle applicator for convenient direct application to the scalp.

Marketing Authorisation holder:

UK:

Dermal Laboratories
Hitchin
Herts
SG4 7QR

The Manufacturer is:

Dendron Brands Ltd
94 Rickmansworth Rd
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 7JJ
UK

This Patient Information Leaflet was last revised in January 2021.

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: Betacap, 00173/0149.

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

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