Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Acne
• burning, dryness, irritation, itching, redness or stinging skin (usually mild and temporary)
• increased redness or scaling of skin sores (usually mild and temporary)
• skin rash (usually mild and temporary)

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blood-containing blisters on skin
• fungal infections
• increased hair growth
• lack of healing of skin condition
• numbness in fingers
• painful, red or itchy, pus-containing blisters in hair follicles
• patches of decreased pigment on the skin
• raised, dark red, wart-like spots on skin, especially when medication is used on the face
• skin infection
• thinning of skin with easy bruising

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, Hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing)

The following side effects may occur if Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate) is used improperly or for a long time:

• backache
• blurring or loss of vision (occurs gradually if certain products have been used near the eye)
• Depression
• burning and itching of skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
• filling or rounding out of the face
• increased blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• irregular menstrual periods
• irritability
• irritation of skin around mouth
• loss of appetite
• muscle cramps, pain, or weakness
• nausea
• rapid weight gain or loss
• reddish-purple lines (stretch marks) on arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
• signs of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• skin colour changes
• stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
• swelling of feet or lower legs
• unusual bruising
• unusual decrease in sexual desire or ability (in men)
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness of the arms, legs, or trunk (severe)
• worsening of infections

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate).

Cream
Each g contains 0.5 mg of halobetasol propionate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, diazolidinyl urea, glycerin, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone, steareth-21, and water.

Ointment
Each g contains 0.5 mg of halobetasol propionate. Nonmedicinal ingredients: beeswax, dehymuls E, petrolatum, and propylene glycol.

Halobetasol should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to halobetasol, to other corticosteroids (e.g., betamethasone, fluocinolone), or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has untreated bacterial, tubercular, or fungal infections of the skin
• has viral lesions of the skin (including herpes simplex, vaccinia, and Chickenpox)

There may be an interaction between halobetasol and any of the following:

• Aldesleukin
• Ceritinib
• Deferasirox
• hyaluronidase
• other topical medications that contain corticosteroids or that have irritating effects

If you are using any medications that fit this description, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate).

Absorption: Absorption of the medication into the bloodstream may lead to adrenal suppression (reduction of the body's reaction to stressful situations) and side effects, especially if the cream or ointment is used over large areas or over an extended period of time. Occasionally, symptoms of steroid withdrawal may develop when the medication is stopped after prolonged use.

Application near the eyes: Use topical corticosteroids such as halobetasol with caution on lesions close to the eye. If the medication gets into the eye, flush the eye immediately with plenty of water.

Circulation problems: Topical corticosteroids should be used with caution by people with skin diseases associated with impaired circulation.

Eyes: Use Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate) with care on lesions close to the eye. Getting the medication in the eye can increase the risk of increased eye pressure, Glaucoma, or Cataracts.

Infection: Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of developing a skin infection. Contact your doctor if you notice any increased redness, swelling, heat or pain around the area where the medication is applied, as these are possible signs of infection.

Medical treatment: Inform all health professionals involved in your care that you have been using topical (skin-applied) corticosteroids.

Skin irritation: If local irritation or sensitization develops, call your doctor.

Thinning of skin: Prolonged use of topical corticosteroid products may produce thinning of the skin and of tissues under it. If this is noticed, call your doctor.

Pregnancy: Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Corticosteroids such as halobetasol may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Ultravate (Halobetasol-propionate) have not been established for children.