Betnesol Forte (betamethasone) is a potent corticosteroid used in wide variety of conditions, including autoimmune disorders, joint or muscles diseases, allergic conditions, asthma, organ transplants, some types of cancer, and others.

Like all steroids, Betnesol Forte can produce serious side effects. Risk of side effects are influenced by length of use and dosage amount, with higher doses and longer-term use more likely to produce side effects than lower doses and short-term use.

Children are sometimes administered corticosteroids, including Betnesol Forte, however, parents are advised to not give a child Betnesol Forte without doctor approval and monitoring. Corticosteroids can cause permanent side effects in still-developing young bodies, such as stunted growth. Again dosage amount and duration of use is a factor in most cases, but it is still a risk for all patients.

Betnesol Forte Basics

As a corticosteroid, Betnesol Forte works by inhibiting the immune system's response to an agent. Corticosteroids are a standard treatment for allergic reactions, severe asthma attacks, and more chronic conditions that disrupt a patient's life. Some examples of conditions treated include:

• Allergic reactions
• Severe 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

In inhibiting the immune system, the medication reduces or eliminates inflammation, which in turn reduces or eliminates the itching, pain, swelling, redness, and other symptoms associated with inflammation. Betnesol Forte also prevents the body from identifying a foreign entity---such as a transplanted organ---as a thing which should be destroyed or rejected.

In most conditions the medication works very quickly, with improvements noticeable after the first to second dose, though depending on what's being treated symptoms may return if treatment ends and no other methods to address the underlying issue have been taken. In most conditions treatment rarely exceeds a few days to one week, though there are exceptions and it can extend considerably longer. Dosage will ideally be low if used long term.

Other medications, such as antibiotics, may be given along with Betnesol Forte. There are many factors involved in prescribing other medications, best determined by a doctor who can take into account each patient individually.

Dosage & Administration

Treatment with Betnesol Forte is quite varied, depending on individual patient factors like age and weight as well as the condition being treated. General guidelines are:

• Dosage ranges from 0.5 mg to 9 mg per day, depending on the condition.
• Doses may be taken from once to four times per day, depending on dosage amount.
• Each dose should be taken with a snack or meal.
• Treatment in adults is typically under two weeks. Rarely it may be for three weeks, and very rarely even longer.
• Treatment in children below age 13 rarely exceeds one week.
• Do not exceed two consecutive weeks without explicit doctor approval.

If the condition returns or resurges, treatment can be repeated provided several weeks have passed since the last treatment. If at any point during treatment the condition worsens, stop using Betnesol Forte and consult a doctor.

Potential Complications

Most serious side effects associated with Betnesol Forte are related to duration of use, and are unlikely to be experienced by the majority of patients who only take this medication for the standard one to two weeks. Patients who take Betnesol Forte for longer periods should discuss potential complications and warning signs 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. Use of Betnesol Forte in children for longer than one week is very rare.

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

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

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