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Bryhali

Generic name: halobetasol propionate 0.01%

Last updated October 26, 2023 0 views Reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm
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What is Bryhali?

Bryhali is a high-potency, Class I corticosteroid lotion that may be used by adults to reduce inflammation and itching caused by plaque psoriasis. It contains 0.01% halobetasol propionate.

Bryhali was approved on November 6, 2018. It contains a lower concentration than other halobetasol propionate lotions which limits its risk of side effects.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Bryhali (halobetasol propionate 0.01% lotion) is a highly potent, Class I corticosteroid that can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency, including Cushing’s syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Do not use for longer than 2 weeks and do not exceed the recommended dose. Periodic monitoring for HPA suppression may be required.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use halobetasol topical if you are allergic to it.

Bryhali should not be applied to lesions that are exuding serum or to skin folds (where two areas of skin touch each other).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • any type of skin infection;
  • a skin reaction to any steroid medicine;
  • liver disease; or
  • an adrenal gland disorder.

Topical corticosteroids can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Children are more susceptible to systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids. Bryhali is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

It is not known whether halobetasol topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you are instructed to use Bryhali, use only a small amount for the shortest time possible.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you are instructed to use Bryhali, use only a small amount for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the breasts.

What are the side effects of Bryhali?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Bryhali such as hives; difficulty breathing; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • worsening of your skin condition;
  • redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;
  • blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
  • high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; or
  • possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin - weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso), slow wound healing, thinning or discolored skin, increased body hair, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.

Common Bryhali side effects may include:

  • upper respiratory tract infection
  • burning, stinging, itching, or dryness of treated skin
  • high blood sugar levels.

Other side effects that may occur with topical corticosteroids include:

  • acne
  • discoloration of the skin where the tape has been applied
  • dryness
  • excessive hair growth
  • miliaria
  • ophthalmic side effects such as cataracts or glaucoma
  • perioral dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis
  • redness or crusting around your hair follicles (folliculitis)
  • skin thinning
  • spider veins
  • stretch marks.

Topical corticosteroids can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency.

If you develop a skin infection while using Bryhali your doctor may give you an antimicrobial cream to use as well. If this does not resolve the infection, your doctor may discontinue the tape until the infection has cleared.

If irritation develops, stop using Bryhali.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How do I use Bryhali?

Apply Bryhali exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take it by mouth or use it intravaginally. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Rinse with water if Bryhali gets in your eyes or mouth.

  • Wash your hands before and after using Bryhali, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
  • Apply a thin layer of Bryhali lotion to the affected areas once daily. Rub in gently and completely. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Bryhali lotion is for short-term use only (up to 8 weeks). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Clinical trials have shown Bryhali continues to provide relief from psoriasis for up to 4 weeks after stopping using it.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks, or if they get worse. Stop using the product if your symptoms improve sooner.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the product as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

High doses or long-term use of Bryhali lotion can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

  • Avoid applying Bryhali to your face, scalp, underarms, or groin area. Do not use it to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
  • Avoid using other topical steroid medications on the areas you treat with Bryhali unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Do not use more than 50 grams per week.

What other drugs will affect Bryhali?

Bryhali is unlikely to interact with other medications you may take. But you should not use it with other topical or oral corticosteroids, because they may have an additive effect.

Tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Storage

Store at room temperature 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F). Do not freeze.

Keep out of reach of children.

Ingredients

Active: halobetasol propionate 0.01%

Inactive: carbomer copolymer type B and type A, diethyl sebacate, edetate disodium, light mineral oil, methylparaben, propylparaben, water, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitol.

Supplied as 45-gram, 60-gram, and 100-gram aluminum tubes.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC.

Common questions about Bryhali

Can halobetasol propionate be bought over-the-counter (OTC)?
No, halobetasol propionate is not available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. Topical halobetasol is a highly potent prescription medicine used on the skin that reduces inflammation in psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and other corticosteroid-responsive conditions. Continue reading
Halobetasol vs. clobetasol - How do they compare?
Halobetasol and clobetasol are both classified as super high-potency or high-potency topical corticosteroid (“steroid”) creams used on the skin. They are both FDA-approved to treat plaque psoriasis and skin conditions that are responsive to topical corticosteroids, such as dermatitis and eczema (atopic dermatitis). They lessen skin redness and pain, itching, dryness and scaling. Continue reading
Halobetasol vs triamcinolone: Which steroid cream Is better?
Choosing the best topical corticosteroid depends on your skin condition, symptoms, and where the rash appears on your body. Factors like steroid strength, cost, insurance coverage, and safety also matter. Your doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment after examining your skin and reviewing your symptoms. Continue reading
Can halobetasol be used on the scalp?
Halobetasol should not be used on the scalp, face, groin or armpit, although it is used on the skin in other areas of the body. Continue reading
Can halobetasol be used on the face / for acne?
Halobetasol should not be used on the face or for acne because it is a super-high potency topical corticosteroid. The skin on the face is quite thin compared with the skin on other areas of the body and using halobetasol on the face can increase the risk of acne and other side effects such as dryness, irritation, itching, redness, red or purple blotches underneath the skin, skin discoloration or thinning, small red or white bumps or a rash around the mouth, or unwanted hair growth. Continue reading
Can halobetasol be used for poison ivy?
Halobetasol can be applied to the skin to treat the redness, itching and swelling caused by poison ivy in patients 12 years of age and older. It is considered a super-high potency topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. It requires a prescription and comes as a cream, ointment, foam, or lotion. Generic and brand name products are available. Continue reading
How long should you use Duobrii?
There is no limit on how long you can use Duobrii lotion, but you should stop using it when your plaque psoriasis has cleared and your doctor tells you to stop treatment. You may first notice improvement within 2 weeks. Once your skin is clear it may stay that way for up to 3 months after treatment. Continue reading
What happens if you use too much Duobrii?
Using too much Duobrii (halobetasol and tazarotene) can let its strong steroid soak through your skin and into your bloodstream. This can lower your body's natural cortisol levels and may lead to Cushing syndrome, high blood sugar, and eye problems like glaucoma or cataracts. Overuse can also cause more skin irritation, skin thinning, and sunburn. Continue reading

Related medicines

Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer. Source page medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm on October 26, 2023.