Brand name:
Ultravate
Pronounced: ULL-trah-vate
Generic name:
Halobetasol propionate
Why is Ultravate prescribed?
Ultravate is a high-potency steroid medication that relieves the
itching and inflammation caused by a wide variety of skin disorders.
It is available in cream and ointment formulations.
Most important fact about Ultravate
Some of Ultravate in Ultravate is inevitably absorbed
through the skin and into the bloodstream. If applied over a large
area, or under an airtight dressing, the drug can cause a number of
unwanted side effects, including increased sugar in your blood and
urine and a set of symptoms called Cushing's syndrome, characterized
by a moon-shaped face, emotional disturbances, high blood pressure,
weight gain, and growth of body hair in women. Use no more of this
medication than your doctor directs, and do not bandage or wrap the
affected area unless the doctor specifically recommends it.
How should you take Ultravate?
Use Ultravate only on the skin. Do not apply it to the face,
groin, or armpits, and be careful to keep it out of your eyes.
When treating an infant's diaper area, do not use tight diapers
or plastic pants, which can increase absorption of the drug.
--If you miss a dose...
Apply the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. However, if it
is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and
return to your regular schedule.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Ultravate side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe to continue using Ultravate.
- Side effects may include:
Burning,
itching,
stinging
Why should Ultravate not be prescribed?
Do not use Ultravate to treat red eruptions around the mouth
(perioral dermatitis) or the red facial patches caused by rosacea.
Avoid Ultravate if it causes an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Ultravate
Use of steroid medications can lead to a slowdown in the body's
production of natural steroids and result in a shortage when the
medication is stopped. To reduce the likelihood of this problem, use
Ultravate for no more than 2 weeks at a time, and apply it only to
small areas.
When used on children, steroid creams and ointments have been
known to stunt growth and raise pressure inside the skull, resulting
in headaches, bulges on the head, and loss of vision. Ultravate is
not recommended for children under 12.
Possible food and drug interactions when using Ultravate
No interactions have been reported.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
In studies with animals, steroid medications have caused harm
during pregnancy. Use Ultravate while pregnant only if the possible
benefits outweigh the possible risks to the baby.
Steroids do make their way into breast milk, and can cause harm
to a nursing infant. Use Ultravate with caution while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Ultravate
Once or twice a day, gently and completely rub into the affected
skin a thin layer of Ultravate. Do not use more than 50 grams per
week, and do not continue treatment for more than 2 weeks.
Overdosage
Applied in excessive quantities, Ultravate can produce the
problems discussed under "Most important fact about Ultravate." If
you suspect an overdose, check with your doctor immediately.
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