This product is a combination of 2 medications: fusidic
acid and betamethasone valerate. It is used to treat certain skin
conditions (types of eczema) when bacterial infection is also present.
Betamethasone is a medium-strength corticosteroid used on the skin to
reduce the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of
conditions. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth
of certain bacteria. This medication should be used short-term (up to 2
weeks) to treat eczema with bacterial infection. Using any antibiotic when
it is not needed can cause it to not work for future
infections.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. However, do
not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by
your doctor.
Wash and dry your hands before applying the medication.
Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication to the
affected area and gently rub in as directed by your doctor, usually 2 times
daily. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by
your doctor.
After applying the medication, wash your hands unless
you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this
medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because this may
worsen or cause glaucoma. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose
or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of
water.
Use this medication only for the condition for which it
was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse
after 2 weeks.
Stinging, burning, itching, irritation, dryness,
swelling, or redness of the skin may occur when this medication is first
applied to the skin. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- stretch marks
- skin thinning/discoloration
- acne
- extreme/unwanted hair growth
- small red bumps on the skin (folliculitis)
Using this medication for a long time or for repeated
times may result in a new infection (such as fungal infection). Contact
your doctor if you notice signs of a new infection.
Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed
from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too
much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in
people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the
skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects
occur:
- unusual/extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- headache
- swelling ankles/feet
- increased thirst/urination
- vision problems
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to fusidic acid or betamethasone valerate;
or to other corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone); or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- poor blood circulation
- diabetes
- immune system problems
Do not use this product to treat an area of skin that
has a fungal infection, infection not related to eczema, or skin condition
related to tuberculosis or syphilis. It should also not be used to treat
skin conditions such as rash around the mouth, red flushed facial skin
(rosacea), or rash after receiving a vaccine.
Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time
or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to
respond to physical stress. Before having surgery or emergency treatment,
or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that
you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past
few months.
Though it is unlikely, this medication may temporarily
slow down a child's growth if used for a long time. See the doctor
regularly so your child's height can be checked.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for other skin problems unless your
doctor tells you to. A different medication may be needed in those
cases.
If you are using this medication for a longer time or
over a large area of skin, lab and/or medical tests (such as adrenal
function) may be done. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Once the tube is opened, this
medication expires after 3 months. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.