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Overview: Halobetasol is used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis. The most common side effects from halobetasol are skin reactions, such as redness, pain, and inflammation. Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where halobetasol is used unless your health care provider told you to do so. Doing this could increase the amount of halobetasol in your blood and possibly increase side effects.

Uses

What is halobetasol used for?

Halobetasol is commonly used to treat skin conditions that involve inflammation and itchiness, including plaque psoriasis (a skin condition that can cause an itchy, painful rash with raised patches of skin).

Halobetasol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does halobetasol work (mechanism of action)?

Halobetasol belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in your skin by calming down the immune system's defense cells (white blood cells). They may also stop these cells from releasing substances that cause inflammation. These medicines may also narrow blood vessels where they are applied, which may help to reduce swelling.

How is halobetasol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Bryhali
  • Lexette

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.05% topical foam
  • 0.05% topical cream
  • 0.01% topical lotion
  • 0.05% topical ointment

How should I store halobetasol?

Halobetasol should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of halobetasol?

The most common side effects of halobetasol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin reactions (see below) 
  • Headache 
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms 
  • High blood sugar (see below)

There may be other side effects of halobetasol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of halobetasol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of halobetasol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Halobetasol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using halobetasol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reduced Adrenal Function. Halobetasol can pass through your skin and cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you use halobetasol over large skin areas, wrap or cover the skin after applying halobetasol, use halobetasol on damaged skin, or use halobetasol with other corticosteroids. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Halobetasol can cause Cushing’s syndrome, a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is especially a concern if you use halobetasol with other corticosteroids. Tell your health care provider if you notice any of the following symptoms.

  • Rounded, rosy face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • Thinning of skin
  • Acnes
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Depressed mood or anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Sleep problems
  • Unusual hair growth

High Blood Sugar. Halobetasol may increase your blood sugar levels, especially if used with other corticosteroids. It may also cause your body to leak sugar into your urine (pee). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Skin Reactions. Halobetasol may cause skin-related side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following side effects.

Vision Problems. Halobetasol may cause cataracts or glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Cloudy or foggy vision
  • Nearsightedness
  • Changes in how you see colors
  • Problems with glare (such as traffic lights when driving at night)
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Slowed Growth in Children. Halobetasol, when used on children, may slow the height and weight growth. The risk may be higher in those who use it for an extended period of time. Tell your child’s health care provider if you have concerns about their growth.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use halobetasol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use halobetasol.

  • Bryhali
  • Halobetasol
  • Lexette
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific halobetasol products they stock.

What should I know about halobetasol before using it?

Do not use halobetasol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share halobetasol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep halobetasol out of the reach of children.

Halobetasol is for use on the skin only. Do not use it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. You should also avoid using halobetasol on your face, groin, or armpits.

Do not bandage, wrap, or otherwise seal the area where halobetasol is used unless your health care provider instructed you to do so.

If you are using the foam, shake the can well before each dose. Avoid fire or flame (including smoking) during and shortly after applying halobetasol foam. The contents are flammable and under pressure. Do not burn or puncture the can or expose it to temperatures above 120 F (49 C). 

Thoroughly wash your hands after each use of halobetasol unless your hands are being treated.

Stop using halobetasol once your skin condition is under control. Do not use halobetasol cream, ointment, or foam for more than two weeks or halobetasol lotion for more than eight weeks unless your health care provider tells you to.

What should I tell my health care provider before using halobetasol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if halobetasol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Halobetasol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using halobetasol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Previous Skin Reaction. Halobetasol is a corticosteroid that can cause skin reactions. Tell your health care provider if you have had any irritation or other skin reactions to a medicine called a corticosteroid in the past.

Adrenal Gland Problems. Halobetasol can cause reduced adrenal function. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have any adrenal gland problems.

Liver Problems. Liver problems can increase your risk of developing serious side effects. Tell your health care provider if you have any known or suspected liver problems. 

Skin Infections. Tell your health care provider if you currently have a skin infection. The infection may need to be treated first before you use halobetasol.

Diabetes. Halobetasol can increase your blood sugar. See the Side Effects section for more details. Tell your health care provider if you have diabetes.

Planned Surgery. Because halobetasol can affect your adrenal function, it may also affect your body’s response to stress, such as with surgery. Tell your health care provider if you have any surgeries planned.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how halobetasol could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if halobetasol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use halobetasol while breastfeeding. If you use halobetasol while breastfeeding, do not get it on your nipple or area around your nipple, so your baby does not contact the medicine.

Interactions

Does halobetasol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between halobetasol and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect halobetasol.

Does halobetasol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, skin products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using or taking a corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, asthma, or COPD. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with halobetasol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much halobetasol?

If you or someone else has used too much halobetasol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of halobetasol?

If you miss your scheduled dose of halobetasol, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow the original schedule. Do not apply halobetasol more often than prescribed.

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