halobetasol
Brand names: Ultravate
Halobetasol Propionate Ointment is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin. It helps reduce swelling, itching, and redness.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$0.41/unit
Generic Available
Yes (6 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This ointment treats skin problems that cause inflammation and itching.
Common side effects
Stinging or burning
Key warnings
Using too much Halobetasol Propionate Ointment can affect your adrenal glands.
How It Works
Halobetasol Propionate Ointment is a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. This helps relieve itching and other skin problems.
How to Take It
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin. Gently rub it in completely. Do this once or twice a day, as your doctor tells you. Do not use more than 50 grams in one week. Do not cover the treated area with bandages.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is not known if this medicine will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Missed Dose
Apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 1,037 FDA adverse event reports.
Serious Warnings
Using too much Halobetasol Propionate Ointment can affect your adrenal glands. This medicine is very strong. Do not use it for more than two weeks.
Common Questions
Can I use this on my face?
How long should I use this medicine?
What should I do if my skin gets worse?
Can I use a bandage over the treated area?
What if someone accidentally swallows the ointment?
Can I buy this over the counter?
Is it safe to use on children?
What should I do if I experience burning or stinging?
Can I use this for any skin condition?
What ingredients are in this medicine?
What are the common side effects of halobetasol?
What drug class is halobetasol?
Is halobetasol safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Topical Corticosteroid (Superpotent)
Other drugs grouped near halobetasol — same-class peers and common alternatives.
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azelaic acid
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benzoyl peroxide
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betamethasone
Diprosone, Luxiq
Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin.
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What the FDA Data Shows for halobetasol
The FDA label for halobetasol (sold under brand names such as Ultravate) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Topical Corticosteroid (Superpotent) class. This ointment treats skin problems that cause inflammation and itching. Official labeling lists 1 commonly reported side effect, including Stinging or burning.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 1,037 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $0.41.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: May 29, 2024
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages