Betamethasone Valerate 1.2 mg/g Aerosol, Foam
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Corticosteroid class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Betamethasone topical is used to treat the itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation, and discomfort of various skin conditions, including psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body) and eczema (a skin disease that causes the skin to be dry and itchy and to sometimes develop red, scaly rashes). Betamethasone is in a class of medications called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Betamethasone is a steroid cream (or ointment, gel, spray, or foam) that treats skin conditions where inflammation is the problem — things like eczema, psoriasis, and other conditi...
- What skin conditions does betamethasone treat?
- For creams and ointments, apply a thin layer to the affected area once or twice a day — less is more with these products. For the spray (like Sernivo), shake it well first, spray o...
- That depends on the product. Most creams and ointments should be used for no more than 2 consecutive weeks. The spray forms — including Sernivo — are approved for up to 4 weeks. Yo...
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Betamethasone valerate — tap one for details:
Betamethasone valerate may be associated with lower levels of 8 nutrients — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
💊 What it looks like
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
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UNII 3K9958V90M
A liquid solvent derived from fermentation or chemical synthesis. In medicines, alcohol dissolves active ingredients, helps preserve the product, and improves how the body absorbs certain drugs.
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UNII XF417D3PSL
Anhydrous citric acid is a sour, crystalline powder derived from citric acid with water removed. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to control pH, adds tartness to improve taste, and helps tablets disintegrate.
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UNII 936JST6JCN
Cetyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from plant or animal sources. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping blend oil and water components and giving products a smooth, creamy texture.
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UNII CAL22UVI4M
A synthetic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and fatty acids. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together and improves the texture and stability of the medicine.
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UNII EE90ONI6FF
Potassium citrate is a salt derived from citric acid and potassium. In medicines, it acts as a buffer to adjust and maintain the pH balance of the product, helping keep it stable and palatable.
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UNII 6DC9Q167V3
Propylene glycol is a clear liquid derived from petroleum or vegetable sources. It acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative in medicines, helping dissolve active ingredients and maintain product stability.
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UNII 2KR89I4H1Y
Stearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty substance derived from natural oils or made synthetically. It acts as an emulsifier and thickener in medicines, helping mix ingredients together and give the product the right texture.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
8 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.686 | $68.62 / 100 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.7572 | $75.72 / 100 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $1.13 | $112.71 / 100 g |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betamethasone Valerate 1.2 mg/g 45802-0053-01 | Padagis | 1 can | $0.641 | AB | Availability likely | save 7% |
| Betamethasone Valerate 1.2 mg/g 70700-0141-19 | Xiromed, | 1 canister | $0.641 | AB | Availability likely | save 7% |
| Betamethasone Valerate 1.2 mg/gthis 51672-4188-07 | Sun | 1 can | $0.686 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Betamethasone valerate 1.2 mg/g 62332-0708-31 | Alembic | 1 can | $0.686 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Betamethasone valerate 1.2 mg/g 46708-0708-31 | Alembic | 1 can | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51672-4188-03 | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (51672-4188-3) / 50 g in 1 CAN | $0.6412 / g | $32.06 | 2017-05-24 | Active |
| 51672-4188-07 You're viewing this | 1 CAN in 1 CARTON (51672-4188-7) / 100 g in 1 CAN | $0.6862 / g | $68.62 | 2017-05-24 | Active |
Per g, this pack runs about 7% above the cheapest pack (NDC 51672-4188-03, $0.6412 vs $0.6862 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 47% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to a different pack size. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 51672-4188-07?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Betamethasone Valerate 1.2 mg/g Aerosol, Foam?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% is a medium potency topical corticosteroid indicated for relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the scalp.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Note: For proper dispensing of foam, can must be inverted. For application to the scalp invert can and dispense a small amount of betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not dispense directly onto hands as foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin.
Pick up small amounts of foam with fingers and gently massage into affected area until foam disappears. Repeat until entire affected scalp area is treated. Apply twice daily, once in the morning and once at night.
As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, reassessment of the diagnosis may be necessary. Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% should not be used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a physician.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone valerate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNING FLAMMABLE. AVOID FIRE, FLAME OR SMOKING DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING APPLICATION. Keep out of reach of children. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate container. Do not expose to heat or store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C).
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The most frequent adverse event was burning/itching/stinging at the application site; the incidence and severity of this event were as follows: Incidence and severity of burning/itching/stinging Maximum severity Product Total incidence Mild Moderate Severe Betamethasone Valerate Foam n=63 34 (54%) 28 (44%) 5 (8%) 1 (2%) Betamethasone valerate lotion n=63 33 (52%) 26 (41%) 6 (10%) 1 (2%) Placebo Foam n=32 24 (75%) 13 (41%) 7 (22%) 4 (12%) Placebo Lotion n=30 20 (67%) 12 (40%) 5 (17%) 3 (10%) Other adverse events which were considered to be possibly, probably, or definitely related to betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% occurred in 1 patient each; these were paresthesia, pruritus, acne, alopecia, and conjunctivitis.
The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported with topical corticosteroids, and they may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in an approximately decreasing order of occurrence: irritation; dryness; folliculitis; acneiform eruptions; hypopigmentation; perioral dermatitis; allergic contact dermatitis; secondary infection; skin atrophy; striae; and miliaria. Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy Category C Corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Therefore, betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during and/or after withdrawal of treatment.
Adverse effects including striae have been reported with inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels and an absence of response to ACTH stimulation.
Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to children should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of children.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE Topically applied betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12% can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (See PRECAUTIONS )
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Like other topical corticosteroids, betamethasone valerate foam has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of the topical steroids, in general, is unclear. However, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A 2 inhibitory proteins, collectively called lipocortins.
It is postulated that these proteins control the biosynthesis of potent mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of their common precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A 2 . Pharmacokinetics Topical corticosteroids can be absorbed from intact healthy skin.
The extent of percutaneous absorption of topical corticosteroids is determined by many factors, including the vehicle and the integrity of the epidermal barrier. Occlusion, inflammation and/or other disease processes in the skin may also increase percutaneous absorption. The use of pharmacodynamic endpoints for assessing the systemic exposure of topical corticosteroids is necessary due to the fact that circulating levels are well below the level of detection.
Once absorbed through the skin, topical corticosteroids are handled through pharmacokinetic pathways similar to systemically administered corticosteroids. They are metabolized, primarily in the liver, and are then excreted by the kidneys. In addition, some corticosteroids and their metabolites are also excreted in the bile.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Betamethasone Valerate Foam, 0.12% is supplied in 50 gram (NDC 51672-4188-3) and 100 gram (NDC 51672-4188-7) aluminum cans. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Betamethasone Valerate Foam, 0.12% contains betamethasone valerate, USP, a synthetic corticosteroid, for topical dermatologic use. The corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used topically as anti-inflammatory agents. Betamethasone valerate is 9-fluoro11β,17, 21-trihydroxy-16β-methylpregna-1, 4-diene-3, 20-dione 17-valerate, with the empirical formula C 27 H 37 FO 6 , a molecular weight of 476.58.
The following is the chemical structure: Betamethasone valerate Betamethasone valerate is a white to practically white, odorless crystalline powder, and is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in acetone and in chloroform, soluble in alcohol, and slightly soluble in benzene and in ether. Betamethasone valerate foam, 0.12%, contains 1.2 mg betamethasone valerate, USP, per gram in a thermolabile hydroethanolic foam vehicle consisting of alcohol (60.4%), cetyl alcohol, citric acid anhydrous, polysorbate 60, potassium citrate, propylene glycol, purified water, and stearyl alcohol pressurized with a hydrocarbon (propane/butane) propellant.
Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. The treated scalp area should not be bandaged or otherwise covered or wrapped so as to be occlusive unless directed by the physician. Patients should report to their physician any signs of local adverse reactions.
As with other corticosteroids, therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. If no improvement is seen within 2 weeks, contact the physician.