What is diprospan?
Diprospan® is the trade name ofbetamethasone, a drug marketed by the formerSchering-Plough laboratories, now part of theMerck & Co brand. (1). Its active substance is part of corticosteroids, with a mechanism of action similar to that of prednisone. (2)
It should be noted that diprospan®comes in a presentation of suspension for injection of 2 mg of disodium betamethasone phosphate and 5 mg of betamethasone dipropionate, dissolved in a 1 ml ampoule, for intramuscular or intradermal route.
Note: Diprospan® can beadministered with a fine-needle syringe, thanks to the small size of the betamethasone dipropionate crystals.
What is diprospan for?
Diprospan® is used inmusculoskeletal, dermal, renal (nephritis and nephrotic syndrome) and neoplastic conditions. Next, we will explain other uses it has:
1. Musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions
Osteoarticular inflammations, such as tenosynovitis (inflammation of the layer that covers the tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the joint capsule) or nerves of the spine (spondylitis), can be treated with a single injection of diprospan®.
To highlight: Rheumatic diseases that affect the bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also be treated with diprospan®. The dose varies from 0.25 to 2 ml, depending on the size of the joint.
2. Allergies
Allergic reactions can includehives, edema, shortness of breath, among other symptoms and can be treated with glucocorticoids such as diprospan®.
You should know: Other circumstances where the prescription of diprospan® might be suitable areallergic rhinitis, hay fever or insect bites.
3. Skin conditions
In this case, we talk aboutdiseasessuch as atopicdermatitis, dermatoses, pemphigus and lichen simplex. The dosage of diprospan® is 0.2 mL/cm² in the area of injury.
Note: However,topical steroids (creams and ointments) are generally prescribed for their local effectiveness.
4. Neoplastic diseases
Diprospan® is used as palliative treatment forneoplastic and haematological processes (leukaemias and lymphomas) in paediatric and adult patients.
To highlight: This steroid is not part of thefirst line of therapy, it is only an adjuvant and should not replace the indicated antineoplastic therapy.
Side effects of diprospan
The chances of an unwanted effect from the use of diprospan® are equal to that of other steroids anddepend quite a lot on the dose and duration of treatment. Below, we will name the most common adverse reactions:
- Cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, such as hypokalemia, sodium retention, elevated glucose andhigh blood pressure.
- Psychiatric symptoms such asdepression, abrupt mood swings, insomniaand euphoria (accompanied by sweating).
- Increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma formation and long-term cataracts.
- Development of ulcerativecolitis.
- Muscle weakness and local tissue atrophy.
Important: If any of the above side effects occur, it is necessaryto discontinue the use of diprospan®and seek medical attention.
Contraindications of diprospan
Diprospan® should not be used in a patient with the following conditions because of theelevated risk of possible adverse reactions:
- Known hypersensitivity to betamethasone.
- Women in a state of pregnancy and lactation. (3)
- Clotting disorders, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Possible infections. The steroid can mask the symptoms and if so, diprospan® should be replaced with the necessary antibiotics.
You should know: Before starting treatment withdiprospan®, it is advisable toinform your doctor about your health conditions, thus avoiding unwanted reactions and to receive more information.
Key Findings
- Diprospan® is a medicine used in patients diagnosed withmusculoskeletal, allergic and neoplastic processes, to relieve inflammation.
- Diprospan® comes asa suspension for injection of 5 mg/2 mg in 1 ml, with intramuscular and intradermal route of administration.
- Among the most frequent adverse effects aremetabolic, psychiatric, ocular and local.
- Before starting a treatment with diprospan®, it is necessary that you be aware of the contraindicationsto avoid unwanted reactions.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.