How Should This Medicine Be Used
Halobetasol comes in ointment, cream, foam, and lotion for use on the skin. Halobetasol topical is usually applied once or twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use halobetasol topical exactly as directed. Do not apply more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply it to other areas of your body or use it to treat other skin conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Your skin condition should improve during the first 2 weeks of your treatment. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve during this time.
To use halobetasol topical, apply a small amount of cream, ointment, foam, or lotion to cover the affected area of skin with a thin even film and rub it in gently.
Halobetasol foam is flammable. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying halobetasol foam, and for a short time afterwards.
This medication is only for use on the skin. Do not let halobetasol topical get into your eyes or mouth and do not swallow it. Avoid use on the face, in the genital and rectal areas, and in skin creases and armpits unless directed by your doctor.
Do not wrap or bandage the treated area unless your doctor tells you that you should. Such use may increase side effects.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Using Halobetasol Topical
You should not use halobetasol if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- any type of skin infection
- a skin reaction to any steroid medicine
- liver disease or
- if you plan to have surgery.
Steroid medicines can increase the glucose levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply halobetasol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.
Halobetasol topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.
Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.
Hp Mechanisms Of Action
Corticosteroids such as HP have been used in dermatology for over 50 years and their physiological effects have been reviewed extensively . They impact the pathophysiology of psoriasis via activation of glucocorticoid receptors which, like activated RARs, exert both genomic and non-genomic actions to regulate transcription of genes for anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory mediators . HP-induced GR activation decreases activity of AP-1 proteins, though through a different pathway than TAZ-induced RARs whereas activated RARs prevent the dimerization of AP-1 proteins, activated GRs reduce their phosphorylation . GR-mediated stimulation of lipocortin synthesis leads to decreased conversion of cell membrane phospholipids into pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid . In addition, activation of GRs inhibits the expression and activity of many other cytokines and chemokines that traffic pro-inflammatory mediators to the site of inflammation .
Fig. 2
Halobetasol propionate mechanisms of action in psoriasis. HP is a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds directly to GR. Activated GR can exert both genomic and non-genomic effects to address the pathophysiology of psoriasis. AP activator protein, GR glucocorticoid receptor, HP halobetasol propionate, ICAM intercellular adhesion molecule, IL interleukin, IFN interferon, NF-B nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, NO nitric oxide, TNF tumor necrosis factor
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Halobetasol topical is used to treat redness, swelling, itching, and discomfort of various skin conditions in adults and children 12 years of age and older, including plaque psoriasis and eczema . Halobetasol is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Pharmacist Tips For Halobetasol
When using halobetasol , only apply the smallest amount needed to cover the affected areas of your skin. Be sure to rub it in gently and completely after applying.
Wash and dry the affected areas of your skin well before applying halobetasol . Some stinging or burning after using halobetasol is possible, but if a rash appears afterwards, please contact your healthcare provider.
Wash your hands well after using halobetasol to prevent it from getting in your eyes, unless your hands are the areas being treated. If halobetasol gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
Halobetasol isn’t safe to use on the face, underarms, or groin, since side effects are more likely in those areas. If you are having symptoms in those areas, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.
Don’t place bandages or dressings over the areas where halobetasol is applied, unless your provider has instructed you to do so. Covering medicated areas can affect how your body absorbs it and can cause more side effects.
Don’t use halobetasol for more than 2 weeks at a time, unless told to do so by your healthcare provider. This will help prevent more serious side effects. One exception is the 0.01% lotion, which can be used for up to 8 weeks at a time.
The foam version of halobetasol is flammable and can catch on fire. Avoid open flames and smoking while you are applying the medication. Store the container away from heat.
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What Is Halobetasol Topical
Halobetasol is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Halobetasol topical is used to treat inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication.
Halobetasol topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Topical Steroid Potency Chart
Curious about the potency of topical steroids? Perhaps your health care provider prescribed you a treatment and youâd like to know how potent it is.
Below you will find a chart of topical steroids classified by their potency. Both the brand names and generic names are listed.
Are you looking for non-steroid or Over-the-Counter options? While topical steroids require a prescription from a health care provider, there are over-the-counter and non-steroid treatment options available to you without a prescription.
NPF’s Seal of Recognition has a searchable list of products like shampoos and moisturizers, and even household items, all of which are made or intended to be non-irritating to your sensitive skin.
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Risks Of Corticosteroids Remain
Halobetasol propionate ointment is a super high-potency corticosteroid. Like similar drugs, long-term daily use of this medication can interfere with the bodys stress response and ability to fight infections.
As a result, the FDA recommends that people not use halobetasol propionate by itself for more than two weeks at a time.
Topical retinoids like tazarotene also have side effects that make it difficult for people to use them regularly. This includes burning, stinging, dryness, or peeling of the skin.
A small clinical trial of the safety of Duobrii found that participants could use the lotion longer without showing signs of impaired stress response or immune function.
However, Green said because the lotion contains a corticosteroid, patients still wouldnt be able to use it forever due to safety concerns.
But my guess is that its going to work faster and better, she said, so you wont feel the need to use it as long.
Dermatologists often prescribe multiple topical medications for patients with psoriasis such as a corticosteroid with a retinoid or with a synthetic vitamin D.
This can sometimes provide benefits greater than individual treatments alone.
Dr. Samuel Hwang, PhD, a professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology at UC Davis Health, said its harder to get people to put on two creams instead of one.
However, Hwang is concerned about the cost of the new lotion, which is significantly higher than the medications alone.
How Long Should You Use It
According to the National Library of Medicine, a person can use clobetasol propionate cream for up to 2 weeks at a time. If the psoriasis is under control within a shorter period, they should stop using the product then.
The duration and frequency of use may vary among different forms of clobetasol propionate. A person should talk with their doctor about how to use their prescribed medication safely.
Clobetasol propionate and other potent corticosteroids are a common treatment for psoriasis. Research suggests that clobetasol propionate generally works well to clear or nearly clear psoriasis patches within 24 weeks.
In an older study , researchers found clobetasol propionate to be very effective in treating psoriasis. However, they note that a doctor should work with a person to determine their preferred application method and maximize the likelihood of adherence to the treatment regimen. Following the care routine according to the doctors advice should lead to a better outcome.
Clobetasol propionate has some associated risks and side effects, including:
- causing discoloration at the site of application, although the risk is low
- suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, meaning that a person may have a reduced immune system response or feel fatigued, anxious, or depressed
Prolonged use of the product can also make the skin thinner or lead to the development of stretch marks.
- halobetasol propionate
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What Happens If I Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
High doses or long-term use of halobetasol topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat , increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
Navigate The Risk Of Epidermal Atrophy With The Lowest Concentration Halobetasol 2
- Pooled analysis of 2 phase 3 trials: In both the BRYHALI Lotion and vehicle groups, an average of 0.8% of patients had epidermal atrophy at week 8. All cases were already present at baseline.2§§
- Local adverse reactions from topical corticosteroids may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, hypopigmentation and allergic contact dermatitis. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible.
§§In a phase 2 trial, there was 1 case of epidermal atrophy reported at week 6, which was not reported at weeks 8 and 12.3
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What Are The Side Effects Of Halobetasol
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions
stuffy or runny nose
unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
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Benefits Of Concurrent Use Of Taz And Tcs
Psoriasis therapies employing both TAZ and a TCS have demonstrated improved efficacy over monotherapy with either treatment. In one of the first studies to evaluate the efficacy of TAZ used in combination with a TCS, the time to initial treatment success was reduced from 4 weeks with TAZ monotherapy to 2 weeks with TAZ plus mometasone furoate. Moreover, the percentages of participants achieving treatment success and reductions in body surface area involvement were significantly greater with the combination therapy . Similarly, a separate study found that TAZ plus mometasone furoate yielded greater and more rapid improvements in psoriasis than mometasone furoate monotherapy. Moreover, combination therapy yielded greater duration of posttreatment maintenance of effects and decreased discontinuations due to posttreatment disease recurrence . The enhanced efficacy of TAZ and TCS when used together may reflect their complementary mechanisms of action, including distinct processes by which they regulate hyperproliferation and inflammation . Posttreatment maintenance of therapeutic effect may be due to normalization of gene expression in lesional skin by TAZ.
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Halobetasol Propionate/tazarotene Lotion Effective In Psoriasis Clearance
Bhatia N, et al. ePoster. An open-label study of fixed-combination halobetasol propionate and tazarotene lotion for psoriasis in patients with skin of color. Presented at: Skin of Color Update Sept. 10-12, 2021 .
Disclosures: We were unable to process your request. Please try again later. If you continue to have this issue please contact .
Long-term use of a combination halobetasol propionate and tazarotene lotion cleared psoriasis in patients with skin of color as well as white patients, according to a poster presentation at the Skin of Color Update virtual meeting.
Non-white patients may be more severely affected by psoriasis than white patients, underscoring the need to examine topical therapies for psoriasis in this population, Neal Bhatia, MD, and colleagues wrote. The fixed-dose corticosteroid/retinoid combination halobetasol propionate and tazarotene lotion is approved for topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults.
The multicenter, phase 3, open-label, long-term study included 77 non-white patients and 473 white patients aged 18 years or older with psoriasis. Subjects had an Investigator Global Assessment score of 3 or 4 and body surface area involvement between 3% and 12%.
Treatment success was achieved in 33.3% of non-white and 40.3% of white subjects after 52 weeks with disease recurrence similar in the two groups.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use halobetasol if you are allergic to it.
To make sure halobetasol is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
-
if you plan to have surgery.
Steroid medicines can increase the glucose levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.
It is not known whether halobetasol topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply halobetasol to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby’s mouth.
Halobetasol topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Some brands or forms of this medicine are for use only in adults 18 and over.
Children can absorb larger amounts of halobetasol through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.
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How Should I Use Halobetasol Topical
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.
Wash your hands before and after using halobetasol, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Shake the foam before each use.
Apply a thin layer of halobetasol topical to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.
Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.
If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.
This medicine is for short-term use only . Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
If you use halobetasol to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.
You may need medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects.
You should not stop using halobetasol suddenly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Do not freeze the foam product.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
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What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Halobetasol Topical
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- worsening of your skin condition
- redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
- high blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor or
- possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin—weight gain , slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.
Common side effects may include:
- burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin
- pain where the foam was applied
- redness or crusting around your hair follicles
- stretch marks