Betnovate

Betnovate is a popular treatment for a variety of skin problems. It is a corticosteroid and reduces swelling and redness. This makes it ideal for relieving the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and haemorrhoids.

This treatment is currently available from HealthExpress for haemorrhoids, otherwise known as piles - an unpleasant (and often painful) condition. Betnovate soothes the affected area. You have the choice between cream, ointment and lotion - in tubes of 30g or 100g.

Betnovate should only be applied to external piles and external irritation as a result of piles. For internal hemorrhoids HealthExpress offers other treatments that come in suppository form, including Uniroid HC, Proctosedyl and Anusol HC.

Please note, lotion and ointment are thinner and better for applying to larger, hairier areas of skin. In comparison, creams are better for skin that is moist. If you are unsure which is right for you, please consult your doctor. However, all forms of Betnovate are effective when applied correctly.

Haemorrhoids

The active ingredient in Betnovate is a topical corticosteroid called betamethasone (0.1%). It is applied directly to the skin to provide effective relief.

Inflammation of the skin is usually due to an allergic reaction or over-sensitivity of the skin. In the case of haemorrhoids, it is due to the increase in pressure on small veins and blood vessels around the anus.

Betamethasone works by reducing your body’s release of the chemicals that cause inflammation.

If you find that this medication has little effect on your piles, please contact your doctor to discuss alternatives.

Eczema and psoriasis

If you have either of these conditions, your body has an overactive immune system. When you are exposed to irritants, like pollen or pet dander, your immune system sees this as a threat. It responds with inflammation and (for psoriasis) by producing extra skin cells.

Betnovate, and all corticosteroids, calm the immune system. They are synthetic versions of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is released naturally for this purpose.

You should only take this medication if you have been prescribed it by a doctor.

For full details of the safe use of Betnovate, please ensure you read the patient information leaflet (this will be included with your order). If you have any concerns, please contact your doctor.

Haemorrhoids

A brief summary:

• you should always ensure you wash your hands before use and ensure that the affected area is clean
• make sure the affected area has been dried thoroughly and apply the cream, lotion or ointment sparingly and evenly
• you should apply treatment two or three times daily (depending on the severity of the symptoms)
• once improvements are noticed, you should reduce the amount applied

Please note, this remedy should only be used for external application and for short-term use.

Your symptoms should start improving within a week of use. Even if symptoms do not get better after continuous use, you should discontinue treatment after four weeks. If symptoms have not yet subsided after this point, please contact your doctor.

Eczema and psoriasis

If you have any questions about how to apply treatment, speak with your GP.

For eczema and psoriasis only, please consult the diagram below to know how much treatment to apply to different body parts:

Instructions:

• apply a thin layer of treatment once or twice a day - reduce to once as symptoms improve
• do not apply to the face unless directed by a doctor
• do not exceed the recommended course
• apply until completely absorbed by the affected skin
• if you forget a dose, do not apply extra. Instead, continue as normal

If you find there is no change to your symptoms after 7 days of use, or if symptoms worsen, stop treatment and inform your doctor.

You will most likely not develop any side effects when using Betnovate, however, it is always best to know the risks associated with any prescription medication.

The most commonly occurring include:

• skin reactions
• telangiectasia (spider veins)

Less common reactions include:

• adrenal suppression
• hypertrichosis (hair growth)
• skin depigmentation (may be reversible)

If you are concerned by any side effects or you experience any that are unlisted, you should speak to a medical professional as soon as possible. You will find a full list in the patient information leaflet.

You should also inform your doctor if this treatment makes your symptoms worse.

Betnovate cream can be used by men and women over the age of 18. It is suitable for people suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms caused by haemorrhoids or other skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis.

Haemorrhoids

Betnovate is not suitable for everyone with haemorrhoids and may not be prescribed in some cases. This includes those that:

• suffer from liver or kidney problems
• have rosacea or severe acne
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are allergic to the active ingredient betamethasone valerate
• have skin infections at the site of application
• are taking medication containing neomycin or chlorhexidine

If any of these apply to you, please ask your GP about different treatments.

Eczema and psoriasis

You should ask your doctor about alternative treatment if you:

• are allergic to any of Betnovate’s ingredients
• are planning to use it for rosacea, acne, cold sores or chickenpox/shingles
• have any open wounds or broken skin on the affected area
• have an undiagnosed skin condition
• are using any other corticosteroid
• have had a bad reaction to any corticosteroid in the past

Haemorrhoids

You should not apply this treatment for more than four weeks. If your symptoms get worse or not improve, you should see your doctor for further assessment. Long-term use of this treatment is not advisable.

Eczema and psoriasis

After applying the treatment, do not cover with bandages or airtight clothing.

You should avoid smoking or going near naked flames when using Betnovate. The cream and ointment is flammable.

Do not exceed the recommended course. Overuse of this treatment will not make it more effective and may result in side effects like thinning of the skin.

For more information about side effects, interactions or precautions, please refer to the patient information leaflet - this can be downloaded using the link to the right of this page.

You can buy Betnovate online from HealthExpress for haemorrhoids. We ask that you first complete a confidential consultation. Here, you should detail any medical conditions you suffer from as well as the medications you are taking. The form does not take long to complete.

One of our doctors will then determine whether the selected treatment is suitable for you to use. Once approved, an order will be issued to our pharmacy. You can then expect delivery the very next day.

Our service is approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can view certificates and links at the bottom of this page.