Diprophos 7 mg/mL suspension for injection – betamethasone for inflammatory and allergic conditions

Diprophos 7 mg/mL suspension for injection contains the corticosteroid betamethasone in two forms: betamethasone dipropionate (slow release, long-lasting effect) and betamethasone sodium phosphate (rapid onset). One millilitre contains a total of 7 mg betamethasone.

Corticosteroids reduce swelling, redness, itching and allergic reactions. Diprophos is used for inflammatory conditions requiring systemic corticosteroid therapy – joint and soft-tissue disorders, allergic conditions and skin diseases. The injection is given by a doctor, and the medicine is used only in inpatient healthcare facilities.

What is Diprophos injection used for and how does the doctor give it?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Diprophos used for?

According to the leaflet, Diprophos is used for inflammatory conditions requiring systemic corticosteroids, in particular:

• arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, lumbago and other disorders of bones and deep tissues (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid polyarthritis, tendinitis, foot disorders such as bursitis, hallux rigidus or Morton’s metatarsalgia);
• allergic conditions – asthma (including status asthmaticus), hay fever and allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchitis, allergic reactions to medicines, insect stings or bites, angioedema;
• skin diseases – atopic and contact dermatitis, urticaria, psoriasis, alopecia areata, keloids, cystic acne and other corticosteroid-responsive conditions;
• other conditions as assessed by the doctor (e.g. collagen disorders such as systemic lupus, certain bowel and kidney diseases, palliative treatment of some leukaemias and lymphomas).

Corticosteroid therapy is supportive (adjuvant) and does not replace the basic treatment of the disease.

How is it given and dosed?

The injection is given by a doctor or healthcare professional; the dose is adjusted to the disease and the patient’s response, following the rule of the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Approximate doses from the information for healthcare professionals:

The ampoule should be shaken before use. The medicine is never given intravenously or subcutaneously. After intra-articular injection, relief of pain and stiffness may occur within 2–4 hours and usually lasts four weeks or more.

Special patient groups

• Children and adolescents: corticosteroids can slow growth, so during prolonged treatment the doctor monitors growth and development. Because of benzyl alcohol the medicine is not given to premature or newborn babies, and in children up to 3 years it may cause harmful and allergic reactions.
• Liver, kidney, heart or thyroid disease, diabetes: tell your doctor before treatment – additional checks and treatment adjustments may be needed.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

You must not receive Diprophos:

• if you are allergic to betamethasone or any of the excipients;
• if you are allergic to other corticosteroids;
• if you have a fungal infection – the doctor may decide to treat it first.

Warnings and precautions

Before treatment tell your doctor:

• if you have diabetes, thyroid, liver or kidney problems;
• if you have epilepsy or convulsions, eye problems, a viral or bacterial infection;
• if you have gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure or heart disease;
• if you have muscle weakness or loss of calcium (osteoporosis);
• if you have ever had a psychiatric illness;
• if you are due to receive any vaccine.

Contact your doctor immediately if you develop blurred vision or other visual disturbances. The medicine contains methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (may cause allergic, possibly delayed, reactions) and benzyl alcohol (9 mg/mL). Tell your doctor you are receiving Diprophos if you have laboratory tests.

Interactions with other medicines, food and drink

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking. Particularly important are antiepileptics, antibiotics, hormonal medicines and medicines for the heart and blood vessels (e.g. diuretics) – their doses may need adjusting. With anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) the risk of stomach problems is increased. Some medicines, e.g. ritonavir and cobicistat (HIV medicines), may increase the effect of betamethasone. Do not drink alcohol during treatment, as it may cause digestive problems.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

It is not known whether Diprophos can be used safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding – tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast-feeding. If the mother receives corticosteroids during pregnancy, both mother and child must be carefully monitored during and after delivery.

Driving and using machines

It generally does not affect reactions and coordination, but at high doses or with long-term use euphoria, drowsiness or visual disturbances may occur, which affect the ability to drive.

Possible side effects

The side effects of corticosteroids depend on the dose and duration of treatment. During treatment the following may occur:

• heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, fluid retention, weight gain;
• muscle weakness and pain, loss of calcium;
• thinning of the skin, bruising, facial redness, slow wound healing, increased sweating, urticaria, hypersensitivity reactions, acne;
• stomach ulcers, hiccups;
• convulsions, euphoria, insomnia, dizziness, headache, mood changes, severe depression, irritability, psychotic reactions (especially with previous psychiatric illness);
• cataract, glaucoma, bulging eyes, blurred vision;
• moon face, menstrual and libido disorders, increased need for insulin or antidiabetic medicines, appearance of latent diabetes;
• slowed growth of the foetus or child, suppression of skin tests;
• masking of infection symptoms, activation of latent infection and reduced resistance (tuberculosis, candida, viruses).

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: the medicine is given by a doctor in a healthcare facility, so receiving too high a dose is unlikely; ask your doctor if you have questions.
• Missed dose: the doctor or nurse ensures regular administration – a double dose is never given.
• Stopping treatment: treatment must not be stopped suddenly; the doctor reduces the dose gradually.

Related information

Diprophos is given by a doctor in a healthcare facility as part of the treatment they determine. For questions about treatment and check-ups after the injection, please talk to your treating doctor.

Composition, pack and manufacturer

• Active substances: per 1 mL – betamethasone dipropionate 6.43 mg (5 mg betamethasone) and betamethasone sodium phosphate 2.63 mg (2 mg betamethasone).
• Excipients: disodium phosphate dihydrate; sodium chloride; disodium edetate; polysorbate 80; benzyl alcohol; methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218); propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216); carmellose sodium; macrogols; hydrochloric acid; water for injections.
• Appearance and pack: clear, colourless to pale yellow, slightly viscous liquid with white particles that are easily resuspended; 5 colourless type I glass ampoules of 1 mL.
• Marketing authorisation holder: Organon d.o.o., Milutina Milankovića 1i, Novi Beograd (since 10.11.2021). Manufacturer: Schering-Plough Labo NV, Industriepark 30, Heist-op-den-Berg, Belgium.

Storage

• Store below 25 °C.
• After opening use the ampoule immediately; shake before use.
• Shelf life: 2 years; keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly does Diprophos work?

It contains a fast-acting and a long-acting form of betamethasone. In respiratory allergic complaints relief is achieved within a few hours of the intramuscular injection, and after a joint injection pain and stiffness may ease within 2–4 hours.

How long does the effect of a joint injection last?

According to the information for healthcare professionals, relief after intra-articular injection lasts four weeks or more in most cases, but varies considerably between patients.

Does Diprophos affect blood sugar?

It can. Corticosteroids may increase the need for insulin or oral antidiabetics in people with diabetes and reveal latent diabetes, so blood sugar should be monitored.

Can I drink alcohol after a Diprophos injection?

No. According to the leaflet, you must not drink alcohol during treatment, as it may cause digestive problems.

Sources

• ALIMS – Summary of Product Characteristics, Diprophos® 7 mg/mL suspension for injection (SmPC, Serbian)
• ALIMS – Patient information leaflet, Diprophos® 7 mg/mL suspension for injection (PIL, Serbian)

Sources checked on: 25 October 2026.