BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE: 2,541 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

WYNZORA (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate) Cream contains anhydrous calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate intended for topical use. Calcipotriene is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog. Chemically, calcipotriene is (5Z,7E,22E,24S)-24-Cyclopropyl-9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19),22 tetraene-1α,3β,24-triol, with the empirical formula C 27 H 40 O 3 , a molecular weight of 412.6, and the following structural formula: Calcipotriene is a white or almost white powder. It is insoluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol and slightly soluble in methylene chloride. Betamethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid. Betamethasone dipropionate has the chemical name Pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione,9-fluoro-11-hydroxy-16-methyl-17,21-bis(1-oxypropoxy)-,(11β,16β), with the empirical formula C 28 H 37 FO 7 , a molecular weight of 504.6, and the following structural formula: Betamethasone dipropionate is a white to almost white crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water, freely soluble in acetone and in methylene chloride, sparingly soluble in alcohol. Each gram of WYNZORA Cream contains 50 mcg of calcipotriene and 0.644 mg of betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg of betamethasone).

Wynzora

Cream also contains the following inactive ingredients: isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, medium-chain triglycerides, isopropyl alcohol, polyoxyl lauryl ether, poloxamer (407), polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, carbomer interpolymer (type A), butylated hydroxyanisole, trolamine, dibasic sodium phosphate, heptahydrate, monobasic sodium phosphate, monohydrate, alpha-tocopherol and purified water.

Chemical Structure Chemical

Structure

AND USAGE Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in patients 12 years and older and plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in patients 18 years and older. Additional pediatric use information is approved for LEO Pharma A/S’s Taclonex® (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate)

Topical

Suspension. However, due to LEO Pharma A/S’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is a combination of calcipotriene, a vitamin D analog, and betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid, indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in patients 12 years and older and plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in patients age 18 years and older. ( 1 )

AND ADMINISTRATION Instruct patients to shake bottle prior to using calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. Apply calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension to affected areas on the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension should be discontinued when control is achieved. Instruct patients to wash their hands after applying the product. Inform patients that they should not take a bath or shower or wash their hair right after application of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension.

Patients

12 to 17 years should not use more than 60 grams per week and patients 18 years and older should not use more than 100 grams per week. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension should not be: Used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider. Used on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. Applied to the scalp in the 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to the hair. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Shake bottle before use. ( 2 ) Apply calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension to affected areas on the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. ( 2 ) Patients age 12 to 17 years should not use more than 60 grams per week. ( 2 ) Adult patients should not use more than 100 grams per week. ( 2 ) Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider. ( 2 ) Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. ( 2 ) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )

Betamethasone dipropionate ointment (augmented), 0.05% is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to betamethasone dipropionate, to other corticosteroids, or to any ingredient in this preparation.

• Hypersensitivity to any component of this medicine. ( 4 )

REACTIONS Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) are pruritus and scaly rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact LEO Pharma Inc. at 1-877-494-4536 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Clinical Trials Conducted in Subjects 18 years and older with Plaque Psoriasis The data described below reflect exposure to Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment in 2448 subjects with plaque psoriasis, including 1992 exposed for 4 weeks, and 289 exposed for 8 weeks. Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment was studied primarily in placebo- and active-controlled trials (N = 1176, and N = 1272, respectively). The population was 15-97 years old, 61% males and 39% females, mostly white (97%) and had a baseline disease severity ranging from mild to very severe. Most subjects received once daily application, and the median weekly dose was 24.5 g. The percentage of subjects reporting at least one adverse event was 27.1% in the Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment group, 33.0% in the calcipotriene group, 28.3% in the betamethasone group, and 33.4% in the vehicle group.

Table

1 Adverse Events Reported by ≥1% of Subjects by Preferred Term Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment Calcipotriene Betamethasone dipropionate Vehicle N = 2448 N = 3197 N = 1164 N = 470 Any Adverse Event 663 (27.1) 1055 (33.0) 329 (28.3) 157 (33.4)

Preferred

Term # of subjects (%)

Pruritus

75 (3.1) 183 (5.7) 38 (3.3) 43 (9.1)

Headache

69 (2.8) 75 (2.3) 44 (3.8) 12 (2.6)

Nasopharyngitis

56 (2.3) 77 (2.4) 34 (2.9) 9 (1.9)

Psoriasis

30 (1.2) 47 (1.5) 14 (1.2) 5 (1.1) Rash scaly 30 (1.2) 40 (1.3) 0 (0.0) 1 (0.2)

Influenza

23 (0.9) 34 (1.1) 14 (1.2) 6 (1.3) Upper respiratory tract infection 20 (0.8) 19 (0.6) 12 (1.0) 3 (0.6)

Erythema

15 (0.6) 54 (1.7) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) Application site pruritus 13 (0.5) 24 (0.8) 10 (0.9) 6 (1.3) Skin irritation 11 (0.4) 60 (1.9) 8 (0.7) 5 (1.1)

Pain

7 (0.3) 12 (0.4) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) Burning sensation 6 (0.2) 30 (0.9) 3 (0.3) 6 (1.3) A lesional/perilesional adverse event was generally defined as an adverse event located ≤ 2 cm from the lesional border.

Table

2 Lesional/Perilesional Adverse Events Reported by ≥1% of Subjects Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment Calcipotriene Betamethasone dipropionate Vehicle N = 2448 N = 3197 N = 1164 N = 470 Any Adverse Event 213 (8.7) 419 (13.1) 85 (7.3) 76 (16.2)

Preferred

Term # of subjects (%)

Pruritus

69 (2.8) 170 (5.3) 31 (2.7) 41 (8.7) Rash scaly 29 (1.2) 38 (1.2) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) Application site pruritus 12 (0.5) 24 (0.8) 10 (0.9) 6 (1.3)

Erythema

9 (0.4) 36 (1.1) 2 (0.2) 4 (0.9) Skin irritation 9 (0.4) 51 (1.6) 8 (0.7) 5 (1.1) Burning sensation 6 (0.2) 25 (0.8) 3 (0.3) 5 (1.1) For subjects who reported lesional/perilesional adverse events, the median time to onset was 7 days for Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment, 7 days for calcipotriene, 5 days for betamethasone dipropionate, and 3 days for vehicle. Other less common reactions (less than 1% but more than 0.1%) were, in decreasing order of incidence, folliculitis, rash papular, rash pustular, and skin hypopigmentation. Skin atrophy, telangiectasia and skin hyperpigmentation were reported infrequently (0.1%). In a separate trial, subjects (N = 207) with at least moderate disease severity were given Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment intermittently on an "as needed" basis for up to 52 weeks. The median use was 15.4 g per week. The effects of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment on calcium metabolism were not studied and the effects on the HPA axis were not adequately studied. The following adverse reactions were reported by 1% or more of the subjects: pruritus (7.2%), psoriasis (3.4%), skin atrophy (1.9%), folliculitis (1.4%), burning sensation (1.4%), skin depigmentation (1.4%), ecchymosis (1.0%), erythema (1.0%) and hand dermatitis (1.0%). One case of serious flare-up of psoriasis was reported.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment have been identified post-approval: pustular psoriasis and rebound effect. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Postmarketing reports for local adverse reactions to topical corticosteroids may also include: striae, dryness, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, secondary infection and miliaria.

AND PRECAUTIONS Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria: Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been reported. If either occurs, discontinue until parameters of calcium metabolism normalize. ( 5.1 ) Effects on Endocrine System: Can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factors include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroid, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.2 , 8.4 )

Ophthalmic Adverse

Reactions: May increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist. ( 5.5 )

5.1 Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been observed with use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. If hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria develop, discontinue treatment until parameters of calcium metabolism have normalized. The incidence of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria following calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension treatment of more than 8 weeks has not been evaluated <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]</span> .

5.2 Effects on Endocrine System Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose a patient to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency steroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. The following trials evaluated the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on HPA axis suppression: In a trial evaluating the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the HPA axis, 32 adult subjects applied both calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the scalp and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical ointment on the body. Adrenal suppression was identified in 5 of 32 subjects (16%) after 4 weeks of treatment and in 2 of 11 subjects (18%) who continued treatment for 8 weeks. In another trial, 36 adult subjects applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the body and scalp and 7 subjects applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the body. Adrenal suppression occurred in 3 out of 43 subjects (7%) after 4 weeks of treatment and in none of the 36 subjects who continued treatment for 8 weeks <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]</span> . In two trials, the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the HPA axis were evaluated in 31 and 30 pediatric subjects aged 12 to 17 years old who applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the scalp and the scalp/body, respectively. Adrenal suppression occurred in 1 of 30 evaluable subjects (3%) after 4 weeks of treatment (scalp) and 5 of 31 evaluable subjects (16%) after up to 8 weeks of treatment (scalp and body) <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]</span> . Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperglycemia Cushing’s syndrome and hyperglycemia may occur due to the systemic effects of the topical corticosteroid. These complications are rare and generally occur after prolonged exposure to excessively large doses, especially of high-potency topical corticosteroids.

Additional

Considerations for Endocrine Adverse Reactions Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )]. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic corticosteroid exposure.

5.3 Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Corticosteroids Allergic contact dermatitis to a topical corticosteroid is usually diagnosed by observing a failure to heal rather than a clinical exacerbation. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing.

5.4 Allergic Contact Dermatitis with Topical Calcipotriene Allergic contact dermatitis has been observed with use of topical calcipotriene. Such an observation should be corroborated with appropriate diagnostic patch testing.

5.5 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions Use of topical corticosteroids, including calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension, may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported with the postmarketing use of topical corticosteroid products <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]</span> . Avoid contact of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension with eyes. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension may cause eye irritation. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.

PRECAUTIONS General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids can produce reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Manifestations of Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria can also be produced in some patients by systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids while on treatment. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and use under occlusive dressings. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase total systemic glucocorticoid exposure. Patients applying clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream to a large surface area or to areas under occlusion should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA-axis suppression. This may be done by using the ACTH stimulation, morning plasma cortisol, and urinary-free cortisol tests. If HPA-axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application, or to substitute a less potent corticosteroid. Recovery of HPA-axis function is generally prompt upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of glucocorticosteroid insufficiency may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. In a small study, clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream was applied using large dosages, 7 g daily for 14 days (BID) to the crural area of normal adult subjects. Three of the eight normal subjects on whom clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream was applied exhibited low morning plasma cortisol levels during treatment. One of these subjects had an abnormal Cortrosyn test. The effect on morning plasma cortisol was transient and subjects recovered one week after discontinuing dosing. In addition, two separate studies in pediatric patients demonstrated adrenal suppression as determined by cosyntropin testing (see PRECAUTIONS – Pediatric Use section). Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from equivalent doses due to their larger skin surface to body mass ratios (see PRECAUTIONS – Pediatric Use section). If irritation develops, clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. THE SAFETY OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED IN THE TREATMENT OF DIAPER DERMATITIS. ADVERSE EVENTS CONSISTENT WITH CORTICOSTEROID USE HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH CLOTRIMAZOLE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM FOR DIAPER DERMATITIS. THE USE OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM IN THE TREATMENT OF DIAPER DERMATITIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Information for Patients Patients using clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream should receive the following information and instructions:

• The medication is to be used as directed by the physician and is not recommended for use longer than the prescribed time period. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, the mouth, or intravaginally.
• This medication is to be used for the full prescribed treatment time, even though the symptoms may have improved. Notify the physician if there is no improvement after 1 week of treatment for tinea cruris or tinea corporis, or after 2 weeks for tinea pedis.
• This medication should only be used for the disorder for which it was prescribed.
• Other corticosteroid-containing products should not be used with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate without first talking with your physician.
• The treated skin area should not be bandaged, covered, or wrapped so as to be occluded (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ).
• Any signs of local adverse reactions should be reported to your physician.
• Patients should avoid sources of infection or reinfection.
• When using clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream in the groin area, patients should use the medication for two weeks only, and apply the cream sparingly. Patients should wear loose-fitting clothing. Notify the physician if the condition persists after two weeks.
• The safety of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream has not been demonstrated in the treatment of diaper dermatitis. Adverse events consistent with corticosteroid use have been observed in patients treated with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream for diaper dermatitis. The use of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream in the treatment of diaper dermatitis is not recommended.

Laboratory

Tests If there is a lack of response to clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream, appropriate confirmation of the diagnosis, including possible mycological studies, is indicated before instituting another course of therapy. The following tests may be helpful in evaluating HPA-axis suppression due to the corticosteroid components: Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility There are no adequate laboratory animal studies with either the combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate or with either component individually to evaluate carcinogenesis. Betamethasone was negative in the bacterial mutagenicity assay ( Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) and in the mammalian cell mutagenicity assay (CHO/HGPRT). It was positive in the in vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, and equivocal in the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus assay. This pattern of response is similar to that of dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. Reproductive studies with betamethasone dipropionate carried out in rabbits at doses of 1 . 0 mg/kg by the intramuscular route and in mice up to 33 mg/kg by the intramuscular route indicated no impairment of fertility except for dose-related increases in fetal resorption rates in both species. These doses are approximately 5- and 38-fold the maximum human dose based on body surface areas, respectively. In a combined study of the effects of clotrimazole on fertility, teratogenicity, and postnatal development, male and female rats were dosed orally (diet admixture) with levels of 5, 10, 25, or 50 mg/kg/day (approximately 1-8 times the maximum dose in a 60 kg adult based on body surface area) from 10 weeks prior to mating until 4 weeks postpartum. No adverse effects on the duration of estrous cycle, fertility, or duration of pregnancy were noted.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Pregnancy

Category C: There have been no teratogenic studies performed in animals or humans with the combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate. Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered at relatively low dosage levels. Studies in pregnant rats with intravaginal doses up to 100 mg/kg (15 times the maximum human dose) revealed no evidence of fetotoxicity due to clotrimazole exposure. No increase in fetal malformations was noted in pregnant rats receiving oral (gastric tube) clotrimazole doses up to 100 mg/kg/day during gestation days 6-15. However, clotrimazole dosed at 100 mg/kg/day was embryotoxic (increased resorptions), fetotoxic (reduced fetal weights) and maternally toxic (reduced body weight gain) to rats. Clotrimazole dosed at 200 mg/kg/day (30 times the maximum human dose) was maternally lethal, and therefore fetuses were not evaluated in this group. Also in this study, doses up to 50 mg/kg/day (8 times the maximum human dose) had no adverse effects on dams or fetuses. However, in the combined fertility, teratogenicity, and postnatal development study described above, 50 mg/kg clotrimazole, was associated with reduced maternal weight gain and reduced numbers of offspring reared to 4 weeks. Oral clotrimazole doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day (2-15 times the maximum human dose) were not teratogenic in mice. No evidence of maternal toxicity or embryotoxicity was seen in pregnant rabbits dosed orally with 60, 120, or 180 mg/kg/day (18-55 times the maximum human dose). Betamethasone dipropionate has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits when given by the intramuscular route at doses of 0 . 05 mg/kg. This dose is approximately one-fifth the maximum human dose. The abnormalities observed included umbilical hernias, cephalocele and cleft palates. Betamethasone dipropionate has not been tested for teratogenic potential by the dermal route of administration. Some corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application to laboratory animals. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women of the teratogenic effects of topically applied corticosteroids. Therefore, clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, interfere with endogenous corticosteroids production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Adverse events consistent with corticosteroid use have been observed in patients under 12 years of age treated with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream. In open-label studies, 17 of 43 (39 . 5%) evaluable pediatric patients (aged 12 to 16 years old) using clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream for treatment of tinea pedis demonstrated adrenal suppression as determined by cosyntropin testing. In another open-label study, 8 of 17 (47 . 1%) evaluable pediatric patients (aged 12 to 16 years old) using clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream for treatment of tinea cruris demonstrated adrenal suppression as determined by cosyntropin testing. THE USE OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS UNDER 17 YEARS OF AGE OR PATIENTS WITH DIAPER DERMATITIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. Because of higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients under the age of 12 years are at a higher risk with clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream. The studies described above suggest that pediatric patients under the age of 17 years may also have this risk. They are at increased risk of developing Cushing’s syndrome while on treatment and adrenal insufficiency after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse effects, including striae and growth retardation, have been reported with inappropriate use of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream in infants and children (see PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ). 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 absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Post market adverse event reporting for clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate cream in patients aged 65 and above includes reports of skin atrophy and rare reports of skin ulceration. Caution should be exercised with the use of these corticosteroid containing topical products on thinning skin. THE USE OF CLOTRIMAZOLE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE CREAM UNDER OCCLUSION, SUCH AS IN DIAPER DERMATITIS, IS NOT RECOMMENDED.