Lenovate Cream

LENOVATE contains a medicine called betamethasone valerate. It belongs to a group of medicines called steroids. It helps to reduce swelling and irritation. LENOVATE is used to help reduce the redness and itchiness of certain non-infected skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Do not use LENOVATE:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to betamethasone or to any inactive ingredients (see WHAT LENOVATE CONTAINS).
• If you have any of the following skin conditions: rosacea (redness of the skin with pimples), acne (pimples), peri-oral dermatitis (skin rash around the mouth), peri-anal and genital pruritus (itching skin conditions around the anus and genital areas), tuberculosis (TB) of the skin or varicose ulcers that form on the skin near varicose veins.
• If you have skin infection caused by a virus (such as herpes simplex, vaccinia or varicella), a fungus (such as candidiasis or tinea) or a bacteria (such as impetigo).
• LENOVATE is not recommended for use on nappy areas or children under the age of one year.
• If you are pregnant.
• Long term use of LENOVATE is not recommended if you have diabetes (high blood sugar) or tuberculosis (TB).

Take special care with LENOVATE:

• If you experience any side effects that become bothersome, stop treatment and consult your doctor.
• If you have an infection of the skin, your doctor may need to prescribe additional treatment.

LENOVATE IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

LENOVATE should not be applied to any skin crease areas.

LENOVATE should not be used to treat infections and ulcers of the leg.

LENOVATE should be used with caution near the eyes.

LENOVATE may aggravate a skin condition called psoriasis and should be used with caution in this condition.

LENOVATE should not be used on infants and young children.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby while using LENOVATE, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for advice. Do not use LENOVATE if you are pregnant.

Driving and using machinery: LENOVATE is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Using other medicines with LENOVATE: If you are taking other medicines on a regular basis, including complementary or traditional medicines, the use of LENOVATE with these medicines may cause undesirable interactions. Please consult with your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice if you need to take any other medicines.

Always use LENOVATE exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. LENOVATE IS FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not apply LENOVATE in the creases of the skin. Apply with caution near the eyes.

Wash your hands before and after applying LENOVATE ointment or cream.

LENOVATE ointment: Apply a small quantity gently to the affected areas 2 or 3 times daily or use with air- and water-tight dressings.

LENOVATE cream: Apply gently to the affected areas 2 to 3 times daily.

If you use more LENOVATE than you should: If by mistake on a few occasions you use more than you should, do not worry. If you apply a lot more or some is accidentally swallowed contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. If neither is available, seek help at the nearest hospital or poison centre.

If you forget to use LENOVATE: If you forget to use LENOVATE, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time you are meant to apply LENOVATE again, wait until this time. Do not apply a double amount to make up for the forgotten application.

LENOVATE can have side effects. Not all side effects reported for LENOVATE are included in this leaflet. Should your general health worsen while using LENOVATE, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for advice. If any of the following happens, stop using LENOVATE and tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital:

• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth or throat, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing,
• rash or itching,
• fainting,
• yellowing of the skin and eyes, also called jaundice.

These are all very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious allergic reaction to LENOVATE. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. Tell your doctor immediately or go to the casualty department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of the following:

• Increased blood pressure in the brain. You may experience intense, throbbing headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• a feeling of burning, irritation or itching where LENOVATE is applied,
• veins under the surface of your skin may become more noticeable,
• thinning of the skin,
• drying of the skin,
• skin may bruise or damage more easily,
• loss of elasticity of the skin,
• changes in skin colour,
• stretch marks,
• sweat rash (if the affected area is closed with a dressing),
• worsening and spreading of other infections of the skin,
• Cushingoid features such as weight gain and rounding of the face,
• slow growth in children.

If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Store at or below 25 °C. Store in well closed containers. Protect from light. Keep in original packaging until required for use. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube or carton. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains and sewerage systems (e.g. toilets). KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.