What are the most common side effects of Luxiq?

The most common side effects associated with the use of Luxiq include temporary burning or stinging at or around the areas you apply the Luxiq foam. This should go away shortly after you apply the medication.

Luxiq contains the active ingredient betamethasone. It is a topical steroid that decreases inflammation in your skin and surrounding tissues. The drug is thought to block your immune system from releasing substances that lead to inflammation symptoms like swelling and itching.

What should I do if betamethasone valerate doesn't work for me?

Betamethasone relieves itching and reduces inflammation caused by scalp problems, such as psoriasis or eczema. If your symptoms do not get better within two weeks of using this medication, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest a different treatment option.

Can children use Luxiq Foam?

The FDA approved Luxiq for use in adults over 18. Do not use it on a child without a healthcare provider's advice. Children may absorb larger amounts of betamethasone valerate through their skin than adults, increasing the risk of side effects.

Luxiq (Betamethasone) Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages

What Is Luxiq?

Luxiq (betamethasone) is a medicated foam available by prescription that is applied topically (to the skin's surface) to relieve dryness, itching, redness, and inflammation caused by various skin conditions that affect the scalp, such as plaque psoriasis. Luqix is approved for use in adults and children 12 and older.

Luxiq contains the active ingredient betamethasone, which is classified as a medium-strength corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids, also known as glucocorticoids, are medications used to treat conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and allergies. Corticosteroids work by lowering inflammation in the body and are immunosuppressive, meaning they reduce the activity of your immune system.

Luxiq is a foam that comes in one strength of 0.12%. It contains 1.2 milligrams of betamethasone per gram of foam. It comes in aluminum bottles that contain 50 or 100 grams of foam.

Luxiq is available as a brand-name and generic drug. As a generic product, it is sold under the name betamethasone valerate and is available as a topically applied ointment.

This article will highlight Luxiq as a brand-name medication to be applied to the skin as a medicated foam.

Drug Facts

Generic Name: Betamethasone

Brand Name(s): Luxiq

Drug Availability: Prescription

Therapeutic Classification: Medium-strength corticosteroid

Available Generically: Yes

Controlled Substance: No

Administration Route: Topical

Active Ingredient: Betamethasone valerate

Dosage Form(s): Foam

What Is Luxiq Used For?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Luxiq for use in adults 18 and older to relieve itching and inflammation on the scalp.

While Luxiq isn’t approved for any particular scalp condition, common uses include:

Scalp psoriasis: An autoimmune condition in which skin cells build up and form raised itchy patches.
Seborrheic dermatitis: A common skin condition in which a rash and greasy, yellow crusts appear on the skin in areas with many oil glands, such as the scalp.
Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy rash.

Luxiq isn’t a cure for scalp problems but it can help ease itching and reduce inflammation.

How to Apply Luxiq

Apply Luxiq Foam only as directed by your healthcare provider. The following instructions are general recommendations from the drug's manufacturer:

To apply Luxiq, turn the bottle upside down. Then dispense a small amount of foam onto a cool, clean surface, such as a small dish. Do not dispense the foam directly onto your hand because the foam will melt upon contact with your skin.

Instead, use your fingers to pick up small amounts of foam, then massage it into the affected scalp area.

Only use a thin layer, just enough to cover the affected area. Be sure to move aside any hair to apply the foam directly to the scalp. Allow the treated area to dry naturally.

Luxiq is meant for use on the scalp. Make sure to wash your hands after applying Luxiq. Be careful to keep the foam away from your eyes, as it will sting.

If the foam gets into your eyes, rinse well with cold water. If the stinging doesn't go away, contact your healthcare provider.

Storage

Store Luxiq at room temperature (68 F to 77 F). Keep the bottle out of direct sunlight. This product is flammable, and the contents are pressurized. Do not store or use Luxiq near an open flame or direct heat. Do not store it in the bathroom.

If applicable, be sure to keep out of reach of children and pets.

Off-Label Uses

Healthcare providers may prescribe Luxiq and other topical steroids for conditions other than those specified by the FDA.

For example, healthcare providers may prescribe Luxiq to relieve itching caused by plaque psoriasis on the skin and not only the scalp.

How Long Does Luxiq Take to Work?

You can expect your symptoms to improve within a few days of starting a topical steroid like Luxiq.

Contact your healthcare provider if you don't see improvement after two weeks. It isn't recommended to use Luxiq for more than four consecutive weeks.

What Are the Side Effects of Luxiq?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare providerl can advise you on side effects.

If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Luxiq that may temporarily occur in the treated area include:

Burning or stinging sensation
Itchin

Severe Side Effects

Luxiq does not usually cause severe side effects. However, in rare cases, serious allergic reactions may occur.

Specifically, Luxiq may cause:

Numbness
Skin atrophy, or thinning of the skin
Striae (stretch marks)
Acne
Hair loss
Urticaria (hives)

Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Long-Term Side Effects

Luxiq is a topical steroid that mainly works within your skin's layers to reduce inflammation and relieve itching.

Still, it is possible for the drug to absorb into your bloodstream and lead to systemic (whole-body) reactions, some of which can have long-term effects.

Some examples of potential long-term side effects of steroids may include the following:

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): A disorder that may cause excessive thirst, hunger, and fatigue
Cushing's syndrome: A disorder of the endocrine system in which you may develop anxiety, depression, weight gain, and a moon face (full, puffy face), among other symptoms
Adrenal gland problems: Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, headache, and nausea
Increased frequency of skin infections that are slow to heal

The above side effects are more likely to occur if you apply Luxiq in large amounts or over a large area.

Do not use Luxiq for a longer period than prescribed. Covering the treated area with a bandage or dressing is not recommended because it can increase the drug's absorption and related side effects.

Only cover the treated area if your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to.

Report Side Effects

Luxiq may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

(800) 332-1088

Dosage: How Much Luxiq Should I Use?

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For redness, itching, and swelling of the skin:
- For topical dosage forms (cream and ointment):
  - Adults—Apply to the affected area of the skin one to three times per day.
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For topical dosage form (lotion):
  - Adults—Apply a few drops to the affected area of the skin two times per day (morning and evening).
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For scalp problems:
- For topical dosage form (foam):
  - Adults—Apply to the affected area of the scalp two times per day (once in the morning and once at night).
  - Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss an application of Luxiq, use it as soon as you remember, then return to your regular schedule. However, it is not advised to double up on doses to account for a missed one.

Modifications

Potential users should note the following before beginning treatment with Luxiq:

Allergic reactions: You should not use Luxiq if you are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any of the ingredients in Luxiq foam.

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on pregnant people. Luxiq should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Because many drugs are expelled in human milk, caution should be exercised when Luxiq is administered to nursing people. To clarify, speak with your healthcare provider if you intend to breastfeed while using Luxiq.

Pediatrics: It is not known if Luxiq is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years old.

Liver impairment: Specific dosage adjustments for those with existing liver impairment are not available. Therefore, dosage adjustments are not needed.

Kidney impairment: Specific dosage adjustments for those with existing kidney impairment are not available. Therefore, dosage adjustments are not needed.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Luxiq?

If you use Luxiq only as prescribed, you should not be at risk of an overdose. However, using too thick of a layer of this foam may cause more stinging or burning than usual; however, this should be temporary.

Remember you only need a thin layer, just enough to cover the affected area of your scalp.

If you mistakenly apply extra Luxiq foam and notice a reaction, such as a severe skin rash, you should wash off the affected area and contact your healthcare provider.

What Happens If I Overdose on Luxiq?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Luxiq, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Luxiq, call 911 immediately.

911

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits for any unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you or your child have more than one of these symptoms while you are using this medicine: blurred vision; dizziness or fainting; a fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; increased thirst or urination; irritability; or unusual tiredness or weakness.

Stop using this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have a skin rash, burning, stinging, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Use Luxiq?

You should not use Luxiq if you are allergic to betamethasone valerate or any other Luxiq foam ingredients.

What Other Medications Interact with Luxiq?

Luxiq has a low risk of major drug interactions.

Since Luxiq is a topical foam, the active ingredient (betamethasone) mainly works within the layers of your skin.

Still, the drug may get absorbed into your bloodstream, where it could affect other medications.

You should discuss all medications you take, including other topical medications and products, with your healthcare provider before using Luxiq.

This is particularly important if you take antibiotics, antifungal drugs, or other steroid medications.

What Medications Are Similar?

Many other topical steroids are available besides Luxiq.

Topical steroids are classified into groups based on how potent (strong) they are. Luxiq contains betamethasone, an intermediate-potency (medium-strength) steroid.

Some examples of similar medium-strength topical corticosteroids are:

These alternatives are available in various forms, such as gel, cream, and lotion. These drugs are also prescribed for scalp and skin conditions.

This is not a list of drugs recommended to take with betamethasone valerate. In fact, you should not take these drugs together.

Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about therapeutic alternatives to Luxiq.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Luxiq?

The most common side effects associated with the use of Luxiq include temporary burning or stinging at or around the areas you apply the Luxiq foam. This should go away shortly after you apply the medication.
How does Luxiq work?

Luxiq contains the active ingredient betamethasone. It is a topical steroid that decreases inflammation in your skin and surrounding tissues.
The drug is thought to block your immune system from releasing substances that lead to inflammation symptoms like swelling and itching.
What should I do if betamethasone valerate doesn't work for me?

Betamethasone relieves itching and reduces inflammation caused by scalp problems, such as psoriasis or eczema.
If your symptoms do not get better within two weeks of using this medication, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest a different treatment option.
Can children use Luxiq Foam?

The FDA approved Luxiq for use in adults over 18. Do not use it on a child without a healthcare provider's advice.
Children may absorb larger amounts of betamethasone valerate through their skin than adults, increasing the risk of side effects.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Using Luxiq?

Luxiq relieves itching caused by various conditions that affect the scalp, such as psoriasis.

Besides using this medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider, there are other things you can do to help prevent flares.

Take care of your scalp using a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner. Do your best to avoid scratching your scalp, as this can make psoriasis flares more severe.

Even if your symptoms go away, you should continue using Luxiq for as long as your healthcare provider recommends.

The usual course is four weeks. This allows the medication to provide its full benefits and prevent symptoms from returning.

Medical Disclaimer

Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare professional. Consult your doctor before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

DailyMed. Label: Luxiq- betamethasone valerate aerosol, foam.
Arthritis Foundation. Corticosteroids.
DailyMed. Label: betamethasone valerate ointment.
Prescribers' Digital Reference. Betamethasone valerate - drug summary.
Stacey SK, McEleney M. Topical corticosteroids: choice and application. Am Fam Physician. 2021;103(6):337-343.
National Psoriasis Foundation. Topical steroid potency chart.
Stein LF, Sherr A, Solodkina G, et al. Betamethasone valerate foam for treatment of nonscalp psoriasis. J Cutan Med Surg. 2001;5(4):303-307. doi:10.1007/s10227-001-0006-0

By Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Patricia Weiser, PharmD, is a licensed pharmacist and freelance medical writer. She has more than 14 years of professional experience.

See Our Editorial Process

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?

Luxiq (Betamethasone) - Topical