Celestone (betamethasone) is a corticosteroid that inhibits immune system response and reduces swelling or inflammation. Associated pain, heat, itching, and related symptoms are usually quickly resolved as the inflammation goes down.

This product is available in a range of formulations. As a general rule the formulation which gets the medication most directly to the problem area is ideal; for instance, to treat an external allergic rash a topical solution is usually preferred. However, this is not always possible---such as with ulcerative colitis or a transplanted organ---or practical, such as a severe or widespread rash. For these latter conditions tablets or injections are preferred, and outside of a medical setting most patients take tablets.

Celestone tablets can be used, on their own or with other medications, to help with:

• Allergic reactions
• Skin rashes
• Addison's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Sarcoidosis
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Transplanted organ
• Spinal cord injuries
• Asthma or COPD
• Swelling or inflammation elsewhere in the body

Like all corticosteroids Celestone can produce side effects, some of which can be severe and permanent, especially in younger patients. Parents should always get approval from a doctor before giving this medication to children. The longer Celestone is used and the higher the dosage both contribute to likelihood and severity of side effects; this product should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

How to Take Celestone

As tablets, Celestone should be taken as a doctor recommends. For short-term treatment, such as COPD or asthma attacks, treatment often starts high for a few days before quickly tapering down over a week or two. In other conditions---such as after an organ transplant---use is often much longer term, sometimes spanning several months or longer.

In most cases (but not all) Celestone is taken just once per day, ideally after a meal. For best results tablets should be taken at the same time each day, as this helps keep consistent levels of the drug in the body. Some individuals may be instructed to take Celestone every other day, or even every three days.

Depending on what Celestone is used for, effects may be noticeable after the first dose or not particularly noticeable at all for the duration of treatment; it should rapidly improve breathing during an asthma attack, but will not be particularly noticeable if used after an organ transplant, for instance.

Patients taking high doses should not end treatment abruptly, especially if high doses have been taken for more than a few consecutive days. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan. In most cases dosage will be gradually reduced, a process that can take two to three weeks.

Precautions

Like all corticosteroids there are certain risks associated with Celestone use. Most serious side effects are related to duration of use, and are unlikely to be experienced by the majority of patients who only take this medication for two to three weeks maximum. Patients who take it longer should discuss potential complications with a doctor, and be sure to attend all checkups.

Children in particular are at increased risk of permanent side effects from long term use, including stunted growth, brittle bones, and other such abnormalities. Long term, daily use of Celestone in children is very rare.

Patients taking Celestone are more susceptible to illness and should take care to avoid others who may be contagious, immediately clean even very small wounds, and do not take live vaccinations. Likewise healing may be somewhat slowed while Celestone is being taken.

Any illness or injury acquired while taking Celestone should be watched closely, and medical attention sought if it appears to be worsening.

Other medical conditions may be exacerbated by Celestone, and other medications can cause complications. Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of all other medical conditions and medications being taken.