Halobetasol Topical

Generic name: halobetasol topical [ HAL-oh-BAY-ta-sol ]
Brand names: Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate, Ultravate X Ointment, Ultravate X Cream
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.05%), topical foam (0.05%), topical lotion (0.01%; 0.05%), topical ointment (0.05%)
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 13, 2023.

What is halobetasol topical?

Halobetasol topical is a super high potency, Class I corticosteroid product that is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or other skin conditions that respond to corticosteroid medication.

Halobetasol topical is available as a cream, ointment, lotion, or foam:

• Halobetasol propionate 0.05% foam: Lexette foam           
• Halobetasol propionate 0.05% cream/ointment/lotion: Ultravate cream/ointment/lotion
• Halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion: Bryhali lotion

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Halobetasol (halobetasol propionate) is a highly potent, Class I corticosteroid that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks and do not exceed the recommended dose. Periodic monitoring for HPA suppression may be required.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use halobetasol topical if you are allergic to it.

Halobetasol topical should not be applied to lesions that are exuding serum or to skin folds (where two areas of skin touch each other).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of skin infection;
• a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
• liver disease; or
• an adrenal gland disorder.

Topical corticosteroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Children are more susceptible to systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Most preparations of halobetasol topical are 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.

It is not known whether halobetasol topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you are instructed to use halobetasol topical, use a small amount for the shortest time possible.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are instructed to use halobetasol topical, use a small amount for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the breasts.

How do I use halobetasol topical?

Use halobetasol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take it by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if halobetasol 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 area once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. Rub in gently and completely. 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.
• Halobetasol is for short-term use only (2 weeks, or up to 8 weeks for psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Do not use more than 50 grams per week.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks (8 weeks for psoriasis), or if they get worse. Stop using the product if your symptoms improve sooner.

Related/similar drugs

Otezla, Dupixent, Cimzia, Taltz, Humira, Ilumya, Cosentyx, prednisone, methotrexate, cyclosporine

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the product as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

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 (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using halobetasol topical?

• Avoid applying halobetasol topical to your face, scalp, underarms, or groin area.
• Do not use halobetasol topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
• Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with halobetasol unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the side effects of halobetasol topical?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to halobetasol, such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• 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 (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common halobetasol 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;
• spider veins;
• headache; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect halobetasol topical?

Halobetasol topical is unlikely to interact with other medications you may take. But you should not use it with other topical or oral corticosteroids, because they may have an additive effect.

Tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Keep halobetasol topical foam away from open flame or high heat. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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