Betnovate 20g

Betnovate is a steroid skin cream made in India by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (GSK India), sold there as Betnovate Skin Cream. Each gram contains betamethasone valerate equivalent to 0.1% w/w betamethasone, a potent corticosteroid, in a non-greasy cream base. It comes in a 20 g tube. We sell it in packs of 3, 6 and 12 tubes, from $3.02 a tube in the 12 pack before shipping.

Read three things before you buy. First, this is a strong steroid for diagnosed eczema, psoriasis and other inflamed skin conditions that respond to steroids, used in short courses. It is not a general itch cream, not for rashes of unknown cause, and not for ringworm, acne or lightening skin. Second, its Indian label says it must not be used on untreated skin infections, rosacea, acne, a rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis), itching of the genital or anal area, or on a baby under 1 year, and the UK label for Betnovate Cream limits courses on the face and in children under 12 to 5 days. Third, it is a prescription medicine in India, and betamethasone valerate creams are prescription only in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. Use it only if a doctor has diagnosed your skin condition.

Betnovate cream at a glance

Betnovate cream price per tube

Prices below are as of October 2026; the pack selector shows the current price.

Every pack is under the $149 free shipping threshold, so each order pays $25 shipping. Per gram, the cream costs $0.17, $0.16 and $0.15 before shipping, and $0.58, $0.36 and $0.26 with shipping, in the 3, 6 and 12 packs.

Be clear about how much you need. The labels give no amount in grams for each application. One fingertip unit, a line of cream from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease, is about 0.5 g and covers an area about the size of two adult hands laid flat (Guy's and St Thomas' NHS guidance; the UK Betnovate leaflet also uses fingertip units). For a patch that size, twice daily use is about 1 g a day, so one 20 g tube lasts about 20 days and a 4 week course uses about 28 g (our arithmetic, not a label figure). Even our smallest pack, 60 g, holds more than that course. The larger packs are not a reason to keep going: this cream is for short courses, and the GSK India label says treatment and diagnosis should be re-evaluated if the skin is not better within 2 to 4 weeks.

Compared with Betnovate and generics in the UK, US, Canada and Australia

The Indian and UK labels give the same steroid content and list very similar cream ingredients, and the Indian label says it is adapted from GSK's global data sheet for betamethasone valerate. That does not prove the two creams behave the same on the skin, and we found no study comparing them. NADAC is the average price US pharmacies pay, not a retail price: the figures above are for generic betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, effective 21 October 2026, so a 15 g tube costs a US pharmacy about $6.51 and a 45 g tube about $15.87 (our arithmetic). Before shipping our cream is cheaper per gram; with $25 shipping on a 3 pack it is not. If you are in the US and have a prescription, compare pharmacy cash prices for the generic cream before you order from abroad: it is FDA approved and sold in sizes close to ours.

Elsewhere: in Canada, Betnovate 0.1% cream was cancelled in 1998, and generic betamethasone valerate 0.1% creams such as Betaderm (DIN 00716626) and Teva-Ectosone (DIN 00535435) are marketed as prescription products (Health Canada Drug Product Database). In Australia, Betnovate 0.1% cream is on the register as a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicine and is not listed on the PBS (healthdirect, ARTG data).

Which Betnovate or steroid product to choose

Betnovate comes in one strength, so the choice is about potency and what else is in the tube. The MHRA asks prescribers to use the lowest potency that works. For children's eczema, NICE advises a potent steroid for severe eczema, mild steroids on the face and neck (moderate for 3 to 5 days in severe flares), moderate or potent steroids for only 7 to 14 days on flares in the armpits and groin, and no potent steroid under 12 months without specialist supervision (NICE CG57, 1.5.1.13 and 1.5.1.17). Do not step up to a stronger steroid such as clobetasol on your own.

How to use Betnovate cream

1. Use it only on skin a doctor has diagnosed, for the condition it was prescribed for. It is for external use only.
2. Apply it thinly and gently rub it in, using only enough to cover the entire affected area, once or twice daily (GSK India label, section 4.2). The US label for generic betamethasone valerate cream allows one to three times a day and says once or twice a day is often effective. Wash your hands afterwards, unless you are treating your hands (UK Betnovate leaflet).
3. If you also use a moisturiser (emollient), allow time for the cream to absorb first (GSK India label).
4. Use it for up to 4 weeks until the skin improves, then use it less often or change to a weaker steroid. If the condition worsens or does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, go back to your doctor: the label says treatment and diagnosis should be re-evaluated (GSK India label, section 4.2).
5. Do not cover the treated skin with bandages, plasters, cling film or tight clothing unless your doctor tells you to. The GSK India and UK labels allow overnight covering with polythene film only for thick psoriasis plaques on elbows and knees, "if necessary"; the UK label says no covering on the face or in children; the US label says the skin should not be covered unless directed by the physician, and that tight nappies or plastic pants count as covering on a child.
6. Keep it out of the eyes. If it is used on the eyelids, it must not get into the eye: cataract and glaucoma might result from repeated exposure (GSK India label).
7. Once eczema is under control, stop gradually and keep using an emollient: the GSK India label says the condition can rebound if the cream is stopped abruptly. If you get frequent flares, your doctor may suggest using it once a day on two days a week on the usual sites, without covering; the label says this may be considered and must be re-evaluated regularly.
8. The cream contains paraffin. Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using it: clothing, bedding and dressings that have touched it burn more easily, and washing may not remove it fully (GSK India label).

How long to use it: face, skin folds, children and psoriasis

Betamethasone valerate is a potent steroid (GSK India label, section 4.1), and the UK leaflet says Betnovate Cream "is classed as a strong corticosteroid". Where you use it matters as much as how long:

• Face. The GSK India label says: "Prolonged application to the face is undesirable as this area is more susceptible to atrophic changes." The UK label adds that courses on the face "should be limited to five days and occlusion should not be used", and the UK leaflet says you should only apply it to your face if your doctor tells you to. For psoriasis, NICE says: "Do not use potent or very potent corticosteroids on the face, flexures or genitals" (CG153, 1.3.4.4).
• Groin, armpits and other skin folds. Skin folds act like a covering and increase absorption (GSK India label, section 4.4). Itching of the genital or anal area is a contraindication (GSK India and UK labels, section 4.3).
• Children. The GSK India label says children need shorter courses and less potent steroids than adults, and that long-term continuous use under 12 years should be avoided where possible because adrenal suppression can occur. The UK label limits courses in infants and children under 12 to five days, without covering. A child must not use it under 1 year (GSK India and UK labels).
• Psoriasis. The label covers psoriasis but excludes widespread plaque psoriasis, and warns of rebound relapses, tolerance, generalised pustular psoriasis and toxicity through damaged skin, so "careful patient supervision is important" (GSK India label, section 4.4). NICE says not to use a potent steroid continuously at any site for longer than 8 weeks, and to aim for a break of 4 weeks between courses (CG153, 1.3.1.14 and 1.3.1.11).
• Large areas and long use. Large areas, long use, covering and broken skin all raise how much steroid gets into the body (GSK India label, section 4.4).

Long use can also cause problems when you stop. The UK label describes topical steroid withdrawal: after long-term use, a rebound flare with intense redness, stinging and burning that can spread beyond the treated area, more likely after use on the face and skin folds. The MHRA says these reactions have been reported after long-term use (generally 6 months or more) of moderate or stronger steroids, and that the reactions are estimated to be rare. Its advice to patients: if your skin worsens within 2 weeks of stopping a topical steroid, do not start treatment again without consulting your doctor, unless they have previously advised you to.

Not for ringworm, acne or skin lightening

Steroid creams are widely misused in India, and the common misuses are exactly what Betnovate must not be used for:

• Fungal infections (ringworm, jock itch, athlete's foot). Untreated skin infection is a contraindication on the GSK India label, and Apollo Pharmacy says Betnovate Cream "does not treat fungal skin infections like athlete's foot or ringworm". A steroid can make a fungal rash look better for a while as the infection spreads. In a study across 13 Indian centres, 50.9% of people with chronic or recurrent ringworm had misused topical steroid creams (Shenoy 2022, PMID 34378240), and an Indian dermatology expert group "strongly discouraged" any topical steroid for ringworm, alone or in combination (Rengasamy 2020, PMID 32832435). If your rash is red, ring shaped, itchy and spreading, see a doctor for an antifungal.
• Skin lightening. In a 12 centre Indian study of 433 people using steroid creams on the face, use as a fairness or general purpose cream or aftershave was the most common reason (29%), and 90.5% had side effects, most often acne or worsening acne (Saraswat 2011, PMID 21393945). Betnovate does not lighten skin. Steroids on the face cause thinning, redness and visible blood vessels.
• Acne, rosacea and a rash around the mouth. All three are contraindications on the GSK India label; the UK leaflet says the cream "could make them worse".

India moved betamethasone and 13 other topical steroids into Schedule H, the list of medicines to be sold only on prescription, in March 2018, after complaints that steroid creams were being sold without medical guidance (draft notification G.S.R. 1357(E), 1 November 2017; final rule as reported by Medical Dialogues and Down To Earth).

Extra care for some groups

• Babies under 1 year: contraindicated for any skin condition, including dermatitis (GSK India label, section 4.3).
• Children over 1 year: children absorb proportionally more steroid through the skin and are more likely to have side effects (GSK India label). The US label says adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome and raised pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension) have been reported in children using topical steroids, and that long use may interfere with growth. Use it in a child only if a doctor prescribes it, for no more than 5 days unless the doctor says otherwise (UK leaflet), and never under a tight nappy.
• Pregnancy: there are limited data. Steroids applied to the skin of pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development; the GSK India label says use in pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the foetus, using the minimum quantity for the minimum duration. The US label says these products should not be used extensively, in large amounts or for prolonged periods in pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: safe use has not been established. If used, do not apply it to the breasts, so the baby does not swallow it (GSK India label).
• Older people, and kidney or liver problems: elimination may be slower if the steroid is absorbed, so use the minimum quantity for the shortest time (GSK India label).
• Medicines that block CYP3A4, such as ritonavir or itraconazole, can raise the amount of steroid in the body (GSK India label, section 4.5). Tell your doctor about all your medicines.
• Leg ulcers: using it on the skin around chronic leg ulcers may bring more allergic reactions and infection (GSK India label).
• Sensitive skin: the cream contains chlorocresol, which may cause allergic reactions, and cetostearyl alcohol, which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis (UK label, section 4.4).

Betnovate cream side effects

The GSK India label lists these reactions from post-marketing reports:

From GSK India prescribing information, section 4.8; all rows of the label table are shown. The UK leaflet adds blurred vision and steroid withdrawal reactions, with frequency not known. The US label lists local reactions reported infrequently with topical steroids, more often under covering, including folliculitis, acne-like spots, lighter skin patches, perioral dermatitis and secondary infection. If irritation is troublesome, stop and speak to a doctor.

When to stop and get help

• Dizziness, fainting or feeling very weak, especially after long use on large areas or after stopping suddenly: get urgent medical help. The MHRA says adrenal suppression from overuse of topical steroids causes low blood pressure, dizziness and fainting, is a serious, life-threatening condition that needs urgent treatment, and that stopping the steroid suddenly is dangerous if adrenal suppression is present. Tell the emergency staff what you used, how much and for how long.
• Your skin gets worse, you get a generalised rash, or the skin swells during treatment: stop and tell your doctor immediately (UK leaflet). You may be allergic, have an infection or need other treatment.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or widespread hives: get urgent medical help. True allergy to the cream is very rare; this is general safety advice.
• Raised bumps with pus on psoriasis: stop and tell your doctor immediately (UK leaflet; pustular psoriasis).
• Blurred vision or other changes in your eyesight: contact your doctor (UK leaflet). The GSK India label says causes to check for include cataract, glaucoma and a retinal condition called central serous chorioretinopathy.
• A rash that spreads, oozes or develops pus while you use it: stop and see a doctor. The GSK India label says any spread of infection requires stopping the steroid and treating the infection.
• Redness, burning or stinging that spreads beyond the treated area within days to weeks of stopping: see a doctor before you restart (MHRA, UK labels).
• A child who swallows the cream, or anyone who has used far too much: the UK leaflet says it could make you ill, so talk to a doctor or go to hospital as soon as possible.

Who should not use Betnovate cream

Never use it for these conditions, all contraindications on the GSK India label (section 4.3), with the same list on the UK label:

• Untreated skin infections, including fungal infections such as ringworm
• Rosacea, acne vulgaris and perioral dermatitis (a rash around the mouth)
• Itching without inflammation, and itching around the anus or genitals
• Any skin condition in a baby under 1 year, including dermatitis

Allergy: allergy to betamethasone or any ingredient is a contraindication on the UK label (4.3) and the US label. The GSK India label says to use it with caution if you have had a local allergic reaction to steroids or to any of the ingredients.

Avoid or limit it in these situations (GSK India and UK labels): long or repeated use on the face; skin folds and the groin; large areas of skin; under bandages or other coverings unless your doctor advises it; broken skin; long continuous use in children; and widespread plaque psoriasis, which the label's indication excludes. Talk to a doctor first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take ritonavir, itraconazole or other medicines that block CYP3A4. Keep it out of reach of children.

Prescription and legal status

Betnovate cream is a prescription medicine in India: Tata 1mg and Truemeds say a prescription is required, Apollo Pharmacy lists it as a prescription drug, and its prescribing information is "For the use only of Registered Medical Practitioners or a Hospital or a Laboratory". Betamethasone valerate creams are prescription only in the US (the generic cream label is "Rx only"), the UK (Betnovate Cream is a prescription only medicine, POM), Australia (betamethasone is Schedule 4, Prescription Only Medicine, in the Poisons Standard October 2026) and Canada (Betaderm and Teva-Ectosone 0.1% creams are listed as prescription in Health Canada's database). This Indian pack is not registered with the FDA, the MHRA, the TGA or Health Canada, and in the US the FDA says personal importation of unapproved medicines is illegal in most circumstances. See a doctor before you start, and check the rules where you live.

Buying genuine Betnovate

The MHRA warns: "Any medicine not authorised for sale in the UK can be unsafe or ineffective and there is no way of knowing what is in them or the negative health effects they can have." It advises UK buyers: "Only use UK-registered pharmacies, including online pharmacies displaying the official green cross logo". That warning covers this Indian pack, which is not authorised in the UK. When your order arrives, check that the carton and tube name GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Betnovate, read betamethasone valerate cream with betamethasone 0.1%, show a batch number and an expiry date, and that the tube is sealed. These checks cannot prove a tube is genuine, because counterfeiters copy packaging. If a tube causes unusual symptoms, stop using it, seek medical advice, and report it to your medicines regulator (the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK, FDA MedWatch in the US, the TGA in Australia or Health Canada) as well as to us. Store it below 25 °C, protected from light, and do not freeze it.

Delivery

We ship Betnovate cream to the US, UK, Australia and Canada in plain packaging with tracking. Standard delivery takes 7 to 14 business days to most countries. Shipping costs a flat $25 on orders under $149 and is free from $149. See our shipping page and refund policy.

Related guides

• Skin lightening creams compared: why steroid creams on the face cause harm
• Betnovate-S ointment: the same steroid with salicylic acid, for thick scaly skin

Sources

• BETNOVATE SKIN CREAM (Betamethasone Valerate Cream I.P.) prescribing information, sections 2, 4.1 to 4.9, 5.2, 6, 8.3 and 8.4. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, India, version BEV/PI/IN/2024/01, revised 5 February 2024. GSK India
• Indian listings for Betnovate Cream 20 g (maker, tube size, prescription status, storage): Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Apollo Pharmacy and Truemeds, checked 28 October 2026.
• Betnovate Cream (betamethasone valerate 0.122%) SmPC, sections 4.1 to 4.4, 4.8, 5.1, 6.4 and 6.5. Glaxo Wellcome UK Ltd, PL 10949/0014, text revised 12 July 2024. emc. Patient leaflet, revised May 2024.
• Betamethasone valerate cream, ointment and lotion USP 0.1%, US prescribing information. E. Fougera and Co., DailyMed setid 0b386ccc-a2d4-4d18-a2d7-e46ff894c674, version 10, February 2026. openFDA NDC directory (Fougera NDA 018861, Cosette NDA 018642, Sun Pharma ANDA 072041), checked 28 October 2026.
• Health Canada Drug Product Database: Betnovate cream 0.1% (DIN 00011924, cancelled post market 1998), Betaderm cream 0.1% (DIN 00716626) and Teva-Ectosone cream 0.1% (DIN 00535435), marketed, prescription. Checked 28 October 2026.
• healthdirect Australia, Betnovate (ARTG, PBS and AMT data updated 1 October 2026). Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard October 2026) Instrument 2026 (F2026L01327), betamethasone, Schedule 4.
• MHRA Drug Safety Update. Topical corticosteroids: information on the risk of topical steroid withdrawal reactions, 15 September 2021; and Topical steroids: introduction of new labelling and a reminder of the possibility of severe side effects, including topical steroid withdrawal reactions, May 2024. GOV.UK.
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management (CG57), recommendations 1.5.1.13, 1.5.1.17, 1.5.1.23 and 1.5.1.24; Psoriasis: assessment and management (CG153), recommendations 1.3.1.11, 1.3.1.14 and 1.3.4.4. NICE
• Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Topical steroids (fingertip units). Long CC, Finlay AY. The finger-tip unit: a new practical measure. Clin Exp Dermatol 1991. PMID 1806320.
• Saraswat A, et al. Topical corticosteroid abuse on the face: a prospective, multicenter study of dermatology outpatients. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2011. PMID 21393945.
• Jha AK, et al. Misuse of topical corticosteroids on the face: a cross-sectional study among dermatology outpatients. Indian Dermatol Online J 2016. PMID 27559498.
• Shenoy MM, et al. A multicentric clinical and epidemiological study of chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis in India. Mycoses 2022. PMID 34378240.
• Rengasamy M, et al. IADVL Task Force against Recalcitrant Tinea (ITART) consensus on the management of glabrous tinea (INTACT). Indian Dermatol Online J 2020. PMID 32832435.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India). Draft notification G.S.R. 1357(E), 1 November 2017 (Schedule H entries for 14 topical steroids, including betamethasone); final notification of 23 March 2018 as reported by Medical Dialogues and Down To Earth, April 2018.
• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, effective 21 October 2026. data.medicaid.gov
• MHRA. 20 million illegal erectile dysfunction pills seized as MHRA warns against risky online buys, 13 February 2026. GOV.UK.
• US Food and Drug Administration. Personal Importation. FDA

This page is for information and is not medical advice. Betnovate cream contains a potent steroid and is a prescription medicine in India; talk to a doctor before using it.