Ultravate Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Ultravate Cream contains halobetasol propionate, a very strong (super-high potency) topical corticosteroid available by prescription. It is applied to the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions, including plaque psoriasis. The medicine is intended for short-term use only, typically up to two weeks, or up to eight weeks for psoriasis, as directed by a doctor.

What is Ultravate Cream

Ultravate Cream is a prescription medicine that contains halobetasol, a very strong (super-high potency) topical corticosteroid. It is applied to the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching caused by certain skin conditions.

Ultravate Cream uses

• Treats inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis or skin conditions that respond to steroid medication
• Used for the relief of inflammation and itching due to skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, allergies, and rash
• May be used for eczema, poison ivy, and hives (urticaria)

Benefits of Ultravate Cream

• Reduces redness, swelling, and itching of affected skin
• Helps clear or almost clear psoriasis plaques for many people within about two weeks of use

How Ultravate Cream works

Ultravate works by calming an overactive response from skin cells that causes redness and swelling, though the exact way it helps psoriasis is not fully understood.

Ultravate Cream dosage

Use exactly as your doctor or pharmacist directs; follow all directions on your prescription label. This medicine is for use on the skin only — do not take by mouth and do not use in or near the eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands before and after use, unless you are treating the skin on your hands. Shake the foam form before each use, then apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

Do not apply over a large area of skin unless your doctor tells you to. Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. If treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers. Avoid applying to the face, scalp, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor directs you to.

This medicine is meant for short-term use only, typically up to two weeks, or up to eight weeks for psoriasis, as directed by your doctor. Stop using it once your psoriasis symptoms are controlled, as instructed by your doctor. Do not stop using it suddenly if you have been using it for a while — follow your doctor's instructions about lowering your dose gradually. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not apply two doses at once.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Ointment
• Lotion
• Foam

Side effects of Ultravate Cream

Common

• Burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin
• Redness of the skin
• Pain where foam was applied
• Redness or crusting around hair follicles
• Stretch marks
• Spider veins
• Skin thinning (atrophy)
• Acne or bumps on the skin
• Skin discoloration or lightening
• Headache
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Worsening of your skin condition
• Redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of treated skin
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• High blood sugar signs: increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
• Signs of absorbing the medicine through your skin: weight gain (especially face, upper back, or torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes
• Adrenal gland suppression (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression), which can lead to Cushing's syndrome

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use on open wounds, or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if it gets in your eyes or mouth.
• Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to, since this can increase how much medicine is absorbed and may cause harmful effects.
• This medicine is for short-term use only, usually up to two weeks (or up to eight weeks for psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions carefully.
• Avoid applying this medicine to the face, scalp, underarms, or groin area unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not use other topical steroid medicines on the areas being treated unless your doctor tells you to.
• Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects; this medicine is not approved for anyone younger than 12 years old.
• High doses or long-term use can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat, increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.
• Ultravate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby. 
• It is not known for certain whether it will harm a baby, but animal studies have shown risks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• It is not known if this medicine is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you apply it to your chest, avoid areas that may touch the baby's mouth, and do not apply directly to the nipple or areola.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before using this medicine, as this may affect how your body processes the medicine.
• There are no known interactions between alcohol and this medicine, but you should ask your doctor how much, if any, is safe for you during treatment.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
• Do not freeze
• Keep foam forms away from open flame or high heat, as the canister may explode if it gets too hot
• Do not puncture or burn an empty canister
• Keep out of the reach of children and pets
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed; consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for guidance

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if your skin condition worsens, or if you have redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of treated skin.
• Call your doctor right away if you have vision changes such as blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, or fruity breath odor.
• Seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center if anyone has accidentally swallowed this medication.

Alternatives

• Clobetasol propionate 0.05%
• Betamethasone dipropionate 0.05%
• Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%