Diprosone OV Ointment 0.05% 30g

CONSUMER MEDICINE INFORMATION
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Diprosone OV Cream and Ointment. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using Diprosone OV against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again.

What Diprosone OV is used for
Diprosone OV contains the active ingredient betamethasone dipropionate.
Betamethasone dipropionate is a very strong corticosteroid used to decrease inflammation, redness, itchiness and discomfort of some skin conditions.

Diprosone OV Cream and Ointment are used to treat persistent or severe:
* dermatitis
* eczema
* acute or chronic psoriasis

Your doctor may have prescribed Diprosone OV for another reason. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Diprosone OV has been prescribed for you.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

Before you use Diprosone OV
When you must not use it
Do not use Diprosone OV if you have had an allergic reaction to:
* other medicines containing betamethasone dipropionate
* any other corticosteroid(s)
* any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.

Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include wheezing, skin rash and hives.

Do not use Diprosone OV if you have:
* a viral infection (e.g. cold sores, shingles or chicken pox)
* a fungal infection (e.g. thrush, ringworm or tinea)
* tuberculosis
* acne rosacea
* inflammation around the mouth
* skin conditions with ulcers.

Do not use Diprosone OV in children under 12 years of age unless your doctor tells you to.
Long-term use may affect their growth and development.

Do not use Diprosone OV if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

Do not use Diprosone OV if the expiry date has passed.
A use-by date is shown on the tube and carton of Diprosone Cream and Ointment.

Before you start to use it

Tell your doctor of pharmacist if you have allergies to:
* any other medicines
* any other substances, such as foods, dyes or preservatives.

Tell your doctor if:
* if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Your doctor will advise you whether you can use Diprosone OV during pregnancy or while your are breast-feeding.
* you have any other medical conditions, especially if you have an infection.

Using other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

How to use Diprosone OV
Apply a thin layer to completely cover the affected area once or twice daily.
It is important to use Diprosone OV exactly as your doctor has told you. If you use it less often than you should, it may not work as well and your skin condition may not improve.

Using it more often than you should may not improve your skin condition faster and may cause or increase side effects.

Do not use Diprosone OV just before having a bath, shower or a swim.

How long to use it

Your doctor will advise you how long to use Diprosone OV. Duration of treatment might take from a few days to a longer period of time.

Do not use Diprosone OV for more than 4 weeks without seeing your doctor.

Do not use Diprosone OV once the skin condition has cleared.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use Diprosone OV, use it as soon as you remember and then use again at the normal time. Do not apply twice the amount to make up for the application that you missed.

If you swallow it

Telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26), or go to casualty at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or p