Halobetasol Topical

Halobetasol is a steroid. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Halobetasol topical (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis.

Halobetasol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to halobetasol.

To make sure halobetasol topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any type of skin infection.

Also tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Topical steroid medicines absorbed through the skin may increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine.

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 halobetasol topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Halobetasol topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Do not use halobetasol topical on a child of any age without a doctor's advice. Children are more likely to absorb large amounts of a topical steroid through the skin. Steroid absorption in children may cause unwanted side effects, or a delay in growth with long-term use. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medication over a long treatment period.

Do not take by mouth. Halobetasol topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after using halobetasol topical, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor has told you to. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment, or if you develop signs of a bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infection.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

An overdose of halobetasol topical is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. However, long term use of high steroid doses can lead to symptoms such as thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.

Avoid applying this medicine to your face, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not use halobetasol topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied halobetasol. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.