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Luxiq

Generic name: betamethasone topicalBAY-ta-METH-a-sone-TOP-ik-al ]
Brand names: Diprolene, Luxiq, Sernivo
Drug class: Topical steroids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 18, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Luxiq?

Betamethasone is a highly potent steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Luxiq (for the skin) is used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

Luxiq may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Luxiq side effects

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

Betamethasone may cause serious side effects. Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor at once if you have:

Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using betamethasone and call your doctor if you have:

Steroids can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Luxiq.

Common side effects of Luxiq may include:

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.

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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Luxiq if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks. If you apply betamethasone to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

Do not use Luxiq on a child without a doctor's advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Diprolene is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old. Sernivo and Luxiq are not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use Luxiq?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after using this medicine, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it gently into the skin. Do not apply Luxiq over a large area of skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Use Luxiq regularly to get the most benefit. Stop using the medicine once your symptoms clear up.

Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after 2 weeks, or if it gets worse.

Do not use Diprolene for longer than 2 weeks in a row. Do not use Sernivo or Luxiq for longer than 4 weeks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

The foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine 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.

Long term use of high doses 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 Luxiq?

Do not get Luxiq in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Avoid applying Luxiq to the skin of your face, underarms, or groin area without your doctor's instruction.

Do not use Luxiq to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

What other drugs will affect Luxiq?

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Popular FAQ

Luxiq Foam may help with hair loss by reducing scarring and allow the hair follicles to remain active for more hair growth cycles. Studies have shown that approximately 61% of people using 0.1% betamethasone valerate foam achieved more than 75% hair regrowth in comparison with 27% using a lower strength preparation (0.05% betamethasone dipropionate lotion). Luxiq Foam contains 0.12%. betamethasone valerate. However, topical corticosteroids may be far less effective in hair-loss conditions such as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis, compared with androgenetic alopecia (male-patterned baldness), or hair loss occurring due to skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.

Continue reading

No, Luxiq foam is not available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. Luxiq requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. Continue reading

Luxiq Foam may be used to treat skin conditions that typically respond to corticosteroids, such as eczema or psoriasis of the scalp that are characterized by symptoms such as inflammation, redness, swelling, tenderness, and itching. Continue reading

To apply Luxiq foam, first, invert the can. Push the nozzle to dispense a small amount of Luxíq onto a saucer or other cool surface. Do not dispense directly onto your hands as the foam will begin to melt immediately upon contact with warm skin. Dab your fingers into the foam to pick up small amounts and gently massage into the affected area of your scalp until the foam disappears. Repeat until you have treated the entire affected area of your scalp. Apply Luxiq foam twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Continue reading

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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