Betaspan® Depot (Betamethasone) 1 ml x 5 ampoules

Common/Other brand names: Celestone® (USA), Diprospan® (Germany and other countries), Betaject® (Canada), Celestone Soluspan® (Australia), Betnesol Injection® (India), Betamethasone L.A.® (Argentina), Betamed® (Poland), Betadol® (Mexico)

What is Betaspan® Depot?

Betaspan® Depot is a long-acting injectable medication that contains betamethasone, a potent corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anti-allergic properties.

It is formulated as a suspension for injection, which combines two different forms of betamethasone—betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate.

This combination is designed to provide both rapid and prolonged therapeutic effects.

• Betamethasone dipropionate is a less soluble form, which acts slowly, providing a sustained effect over several days or even weeks.
• Betamethasone sodium phosphate is a more soluble form, which is rapidly absorbed, ensuring quick onset of action.

This dual-action mechanism makes Betaspan® Depot particularly effective for treating conditions that require both immediate relief and long-term management of symptoms.

How is Betaspan® Depot Administered?

Betaspan® Depot is used in a variety of ways depending on the condition being treated:

• Intramuscular Injection: Typically used for systemic conditions that require a corticosteroid throughout the body, such as severe allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.
• Intra-articular Injection: Used to inject directly into joints for conditions like arthritis to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Intralesional Injection: Injected directly into a specific area affected by inflammation, such as skin lesions or local inflammatory conditions.

The medication must be administered by a healthcare professional to avoid complications and ensure the correct dose and method are used for the specific condition.

Key Uses of Betaspan® Depot

Betaspan® Depot is indicated for a wide range of conditions, thanks to its ability to suppress inflammatory and immune responses. Some of the major uses include:

• Dermatological Conditions: Such as psoriasis, eczema, and keloid scars.
• Rheumatologic Conditions: Including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and bursitis.
• Allergic Reactions: For severe conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis, and angioedema.
• Collagen Diseases: Such as systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.
• Other Conditions: Including adrenal insufficiency, Crohn’s disease, and some oncological conditions (e.g., leukemia).

Betaspan® Depot is especially useful for managing conditions that need a high level of inflammation control over an extended period, while minimizing the frequency of injections.

Mechanism of Action

Betamethasone in Betaspan® Depot works by penetrating cell membranes and forming complexes with specific receptors. These complexes then enter the cell nucleus, binding to DNA and altering the synthesis of certain proteins, which leads to the suppression of inflammatory and immune system processes. This action results in decreased production of pro-inflammatory mediators, reduced immune cell activity in the affected area, and stabilization of lysosomal enzymes, which collectively decrease inflammation and related symptoms.

Benefits of Betaspan® Depot

• Rapid and Sustained Relief: The unique combination of betamethasone forms ensures both fast and long-lasting relief from symptoms.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for multiple administration routes depending on the condition, making it versatile for systemic, local, or targeted treatment.
• Reduced Frequency of Administration: Due to its prolonged action, fewer injections are required, improving patient compliance and convenience.

Considerations Before Use

• Betaspan® Depot should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as dosage and administration routes must be individualized based on the specific medical condition and the patient's response to therapy.
• It is not suitable for intravenous or subcutaneous use.
• Gradual dose reduction is necessary after long-term use to avoid adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if corticosteroids are abruptly discontinued.
• The medication must be used cautiously in patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, or other chronic health conditions due to potential side effects that can exacerbate these issues.

How Betaspan® Depot Stands Out

Betaspan® Depot is particularly effective in conditions that require both immediate intervention and long-term control of inflammation. It has a stronger anti-inflammatory effect compared to other corticosteroids like hydrocortisone and prednisolone, making it an important option for managing more severe inflammatory conditions or those that do not respond adequately to weaker corticosteroids.

What is the Difference Between Betaspan® and Diprospan®?

Betaspan® and Diprospan® are both injectable corticosteroids containing betamethasone, but they differ mainly in their formulations and brand availability.

• Betaspan® Depot is a combination of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate, designed to provide both immediate and sustained anti-inflammatory effects. It is often used for various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, offering a fast onset of action alongside prolonged relief.

• Diprospan® also contains a mix of betamethasone dipropionate and betamethasone sodium phosphate, providing a similar mechanism of rapid and prolonged action. Diprospan® is widely recognized and used across the globe for its effective management of inflammatory conditions.

The primary differences between Betaspan® and Diprospan® are related to branding, regional distribution, and manufacturing entities rather than their core ingredients or therapeutic effects.

Both medications contain similar active ingredients and provide effective treatment for conditions like arthritis, severe allergic reactions, skin disorders, and other inflammatory conditions.

We also provide Diprospan® along with Betaspan®, offering a wide range of high-quality betamethasone-based products to address various medical needs effectively.