BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE- betamethasone dipropionate ointment, augmented 
Actavis Pharma, Inc.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

These highlights do not include all the information needed to use BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE OINTMENT (augmented) safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE OINTMENT (augmented). 

BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE ointment (augmented) 0.05% for topical use
Initial U.S. Approval: 1983

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age and older. (1)

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

  • Apply a thin film to the affected skin areas once or twice daily. (2
  • Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. (2)  
  • Limit therapy to no more than 2 consecutive weeks. (2)   
  • Use no more than 50 g per week. (2
  • Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician. (2
  • Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. (2
  • Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. (2

DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

  • Ointment, 0.05% (3)

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Hypersensitivity to any component of this medicine. (4

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Effects on endocrine system: Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) can cause reversible HPA axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factor(s) include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroids, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. (5.1, 8.4)
  • Ophthalmic adverse reactions: Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. (5.2)

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions (less than 1%) are: erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, and vesiculation. (6.1)

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva at 1-888-838-2872 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.

Revised: 2/2023

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Effects on Endocrine System

5.2 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions

5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

8.5 Geriatric Use

11 DESCRIPTION

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

*
Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed.

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is a corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in patients 13 years of age or older.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Apply a thin film of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) to the affected skin areas once or twice daily.

Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of diagnosis may be necessary. Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is a super-high-potency topical corticosteroid. Treatment with Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) should not exceed 50 g per week because of the potential for the drug to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.

Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site.

Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after each application.

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is for topical use only. It is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Ointment, 0.05%. Each gram of Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment USP (augmented), 0.05% contains 0.643 mg betamethasone dipropionate, USP (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone) in an off-white ointment base.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Effects on Endocrine System

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or after withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency steroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test.

In a trial evaluating the effects of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) on the HPA axis, at 14 g per day, betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) was shown to suppress the plasma levels of adrenal cortical hormones following repeated application to diseased skin in subjects with psoriasis. These effects were reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. At 7 g per day, betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) was shown to cause minimal inhibition of the HPA axis when applied 2 times daily for 2 to 3 weeks in healthy subjects and in subjects with psoriasis and eczematous disorders.

With 6 g to 7 g of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) applied once daily for 3 weeks, no significant inhibition of the HPA axis was observed in subjects with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as measured by plasma cortisol and 24-hour urinary 17-hydroxy-corticosteroid levels.

If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids.

Cushing’s syndrome and hyperglycemia may also occur with topical corticosteroids. These events are rare and generally occur after prolonged exposure to excessively large doses, especially of high-potency topical corticosteroids.

Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

5.2 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions

Use of topical corticosteroids, including betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented), may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported postmarketing with the use of topical corticosteroid products, including betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

Avoid contact of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) with eyes. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing. If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

In controlled clinical trials, adverse reactions associated with the use of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) reported at a frequency of less than 1% included erythema, folliculitis, pruritus, and vesiculation.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Because adverse reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids may also include: skin atrophy, telangiectasias, burning, irritation, dryness, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, hypertrichosis, striae, and miliaria.

Hypersensitivity reactions, consisting of predominantly skin signs and symptoms, e.g., contact dermatitis, pruritus, bullous dermatitis, and erythematous rash have been reported.

Ophthalmic adverse reactions of cataracts, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, and central serous chorioretinopathy have been reported with the use of topical corticosteroids, including topical betamethasone products.

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

8.1 Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no available data on betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) use in pregnant women to identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Observational studies suggest an increased risk of low birthweight infants with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during a pregnancy. Advise pregnant women that betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) may increase the risk of having a low birthweight infant and to use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible.

In animal reproduction studies, increased malformations, including umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate, were observed after intramuscular administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rabbits. The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposure of betamethasone dipropionate in animal studies to the systemic exposure that would be expected in humans after topical use of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) (see Data).

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Betamethasone dipropionate has been shown to cause malformations in rabbits when given by the intramuscular route at doses of 0.05 mg/kg. The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele, and cleft palate.

8.2 Lactation

Risk Summary

There are no data regarding the presence of betamethasone dipropionate in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) to women who are breastfeeding.

It is possible that topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) or from the underlying maternal condition.

Clinical Considerations

To minimize potential exposure to the breastfed infant via breast milk, use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible while breastfeeding. Advise breastfeeding women not to apply betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].

8.4 Pediatric Use

Use of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) in pediatric patients younger than 13 years of age is not recommended due to the potential for HPA axis suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

In an open-label HPA axis safety trial in subjects 3 months to 12 years of age with atopic dermatitis, betamethasone dipropionate cream 0.05% was applied twice daily for 2 to 3 weeks over a mean body surface area of 58% (range 35% to 95%). In 19 of 60 (32%) evaluable subjects, adrenal suppression was indicated by either a less than or equal to 5 mcg/dL pre-stimulation cortisol, or a cosyntropin post-stimulation cortisol less than or equal to 18 mcg/dL and/or an increase of less than 7 mcg/dL from the baseline cortisol. Out of the 19 subjects with HPA axis suppression, 4 subjects were tested 2 weeks after discontinuation of betamethasone dipropionate cream, and 3 of the 4 (75%) had complete recovery of HPA axis function. The proportion of subjects with adrenal suppression in this trial was progressively greater, the younger the age group.

Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of systemic toxicity when treated with topical drugs. They are, therefore, also at greater risk of

HPA axis suppression and adrenal insufficiency upon the use of topical corticosteroids.

Rare systemic effects such as Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients, especially those with prolonged exposure to large doses of high potency topical corticosteroids.

Local adverse reactions including skin atrophy have also been reported with use of topical corticosteroids in pediatric patients.

Avoid use of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) in the treatment of diaper dermatitis.

8.5 Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) included 225 subjects who were 65 years of age and over and 46 subjects who were 75 years of age and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. However, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

11 DESCRIPTION

Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, USP (Augmented) contains betamethasone dipropionate, USP, a synthetic adrenocorticosteroid, for topical use. Betamethasone, an analog of prednisolone, has a high degree of corticosteroid activity and a slight degree of mineralocorticoid activity. Betamethasone dipropionate, USP is the 17, 21-dipropionate ester of betamethasone.

Chemically, betamethasone dipropionate, USP is 9-Fluoro-11β, 17,21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17,21-dipropionate, with the molecular formula C28H37FO7, a molecular weight of 504.59 and the following structural formula:

 Chem struct

It is a white to creamy-white, odorless powder insoluble in water; freely soluble in acetone and in chloroform; sparingly soluble in alcohol.

Each gram of Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, USP (augmented) 0.05% contains 0.643 mg betamethasone dipropionate, USP (equivalent to 0.5 mg betamethasone), in an off-white ointment base of propylene glycol, propylene glycol stearate, white petrolatum, and white wax.

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

12.1 Mechanism of Action

Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) in corticosteroid responsive dermatoses is unknown.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Vasoconstrictor Assay

Trials performed with betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented), 0.05% indicate that it is in the super-high range of potency as demonstrated in vasoconstrictor trials in healthy subjects when compared with other topical corticosteroids. However, similar blanching scores do not necessarily imply therapeutic equivalence.

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

No pharmacokinetics trials have been conducted with betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented).

The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors including the vehicle, the integrity of the epidermal barrier, and the use of occlusive dressings.

Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed through normal intact skin. Inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may increase percutaneous absorption. Occlusive dressings substantially increase the percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids enter pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are bound to plasma proteins in varying degrees, are metabolized primarily in the liver, and excreted by the kidneys. Some of the topical corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted into the bile.

13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of betamethasone dipropionate.

Betamethasone was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assay (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli), and in the mammalian cell mutagenicity assay (CHO/HGPRT). It was positive in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, and equivocal in the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay.

Studies in rabbits, mice, and rats using intramuscular doses up to 1, 33, and 2 mg/kg, respectively, resulted in dose-related increases in fetal resorptions in rabbits and mice.

14 CLINICAL STUDIES

The safety and efficacy of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) for the treatment of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, have been evaluated in three randomized active-controlled trials, two in psoriasis and one in atopic dermatitis. A total of 378 subjects, of whom 152 received betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented), were included in these trials. These trials evaluated betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) applied twice daily, for 14 days. Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) was shown to be effective in relieving signs and symptoms of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING

Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment USP (Augmented), 0.05% is supplied in:

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information).

Inform patients of the following:

Manufactured For:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Rev. B 2/2023

PATIENT INFORMATION

Betamethasone (bay-ta-meth-a-sone) Dipropionate (dye-proe-pee-oh-nate)
ointment (augmented)

Important information: betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is for use on skin only. Do not use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What is betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented)?

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) is a prescription corticosteroid medicine used on the skin (topical) for the relief of redness, swelling, heat, pain (inflammation) and itching, caused by certain skin problems in people 13 years of age and older.

Do not use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) if you are allergic to betamethasone dipropionate or any of the ingredients in betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented). See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented). 

Before using betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented), tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take other corticosteroid medicines by mouth or injection or use other products on your skin or scalp that contain corticosteroids.

Do not use other products containing a steroid medicine with betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) without talking to your healthcare provider first.

How should I use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented)?

What are the possible side effects of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented)?

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) may cause serious side effects, including:

Your healthcare provider may do certain blood tests to check for side effects.

The most common side effects of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) include redness of the skin, inflamed hair follicles, itching and blistering.

These are not all of the possible side effects of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented).

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented)?

General information about the safe and effective use of betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented).

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented) that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented)?

Active ingredient: betamethasone dipropionate

 Inactive ingredients: propylene glycol; propylene glycol stearate; white petrolatum; and white wax.

Manufactured For:
Teva Pharmaceuticals
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Rev. B 2/2023

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

NDC 0472-0382-15

Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, USP (Augmented)

0.05%*

*Strength expressed as betamethasone

For Topical Use Only. Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

15 g (0.53 oz)

Rx only

1

BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE 
betamethasone dipropionate ointment, augmented
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0472-0382
Route of AdministrationTOPICAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE (UNII: 826Y60901U) (BETAMETHASONE - UNII:9842X06Q6M) BETAMETHASONE0.5 mg  in 1 g
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (UNII: 6DC9Q167V3)  
PROPYLENE GLYCOL STEARATE (UNII: MZM1I680W0)  
PETROLATUM (UNII: 4T6H12BN9U)  
WHITE WAX (UNII: 7G1J5DA97F)  
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0472-0382-151 in 1 CARTON09/01/1995
115 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
2NDC:0472-0382-451 in 1 CARTON09/01/1995
245 g in 1 TUBE; Type 0: Not a Combination Product
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA07430409/01/1995
Labeler - Actavis Pharma, Inc. (119723554)

Revised: 2/2023
Document Id: 2f2016cb-8b63-40ef-ad6d-4850179ec8cd
Set id: af8317d7-b280-4f40-ad88-802f99d33d78
Version: 21
Effective Time: 20230214
 
Actavis Pharma, Inc.