Halobetasol Propionate is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Bryhali, Lexette, Ultravate
- Taken
- Topical
- Label
- Coral Way Pharma, LLC, revised June 29, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (5 companies) · details
What it is used for
Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older. Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% is a corticosteroid indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 12 years of age and older. ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
Halobetasol Propionate Lotion, 0.05% is a white to off-white lotion. Each gram of Halobetasol Propionate Lotion contains 0.5 mg of halobetasol propionate. Halobetasol PropionateLotion: 0.05% (0.5 mg/g). (3)
Who should not take it (contraindications)
None. None (4)
Warnings and precautions
– Reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression may occur, with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during or after treatment. Systemic absorption may require evaluation for HPA axis suppression. ( 5.1 ) Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also include Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Use of potent corticosteroids on large areas, for prolonged durations, under occlusive dressings, or on an altered skin barrier may increase systemic exposure. ( 5.1 ) Children may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity when treated with topical corticosteroids. ( 5.1 , 8.4 ) Local adverse reactions with topical steroids may include atrophy, striae, irritation, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, and allergic contact dermatitis. Adverse reactions may be more likely to occur with occlusive use or more potent corticosteroids. ( 5.2 , 5.5 ) Topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of cataract and glaucoma formation. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist tor evaluation. ( 5.3 ) Initiate appropriate therapy if concomitant skin infections develop. ( 5.4 )
5.1 Effects on Endocrine System Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% has been shown to suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may include reversible HPA axis suppression, with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of treatment of the topical corticosteroid.The potential for hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) suppression with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% was evaluated in the following studies: In a study of 20 adult subjects with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis involving 20% of their body surtace area.Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% produced HPA axis suppression when used twice daily for two weeks in 5 out of 20 (25%) adult subjects with plaque psoriasis. The effects of HPA axis suppression were reversible on discontinuation of the treatment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . In another clinical study, 16 adolescent subjects (12 to less than 17 years old) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis involving 10% or more of their body surtace area applied a maximum of approximately 50 grams of Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% to affected areas twice daily for two weeks. Of the 14 subjects evaluated for HPA axis suppression, adrenal suppression occurred in 1 subject (7%) which recovered upon retest [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Because of the potential for systemic absorption, use of topical corticosteroids, including Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05%, may require that patients be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression. Factors that predispose a patient using a topical corticosteroid to HPA axis suppression include the use of more potent corticosteroids, use over large surtace areas, prolonged use, occlusive use, use on an altered skin barrier, concomitant use of multiple corticosteroid-containing products, liver failure, and young age. An ACTH stimulation test may be helpful in evaluating patients for HPA axis suppression. If HPA axis suppression is documented, attempt to gradually withdraw the drug, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute a less potent steroid. Manifestations of adrenal insufficiency may require supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of topical corticosteroids.Systemic effects of topical corticosteroids may also include Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Use of more than one corticosteroid-containing product at the same time may increase the total systemic exposure to topical corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible than adults to systemic toxicity from the use of topical corticosteroids due to their larger surtace-to-body mass ratios [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )].
5.2 Local Adverse Reactions Local adverse reactions from topical corticosteroids may include atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, secondary infection, and miliaria. These may be more likely to occur with occlusive use, prolonged use, or use of higher potency corticosteroids, including Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05%. Some local adverse reactions may be irreversible.
5.3 Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions Use of topical corticosteroids may increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataracts and glaucoma. Cataracts and glaucoma have been reported in postmarketing experience with the use of topical corticosteroid products. Advise patients to report any visual symptoms and consider referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation.
5.4 Concomitant Skin Infections Use an appropriate antimicrobial agent if a skin infection is present or develops. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, discontinue use of Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% until the infection has been adequately treated.
5.5 Allergic Contact Dermatitis Allergic contact dermatitis with corticosteroids is usually diagnosed by observing failure to heal rather than noting a clinical exacerbation. Consider confirmation of a clinical diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis by appropriate patch testing. Discontinue Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% if allergic contact dermatitis is established.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
– The most commonly reported adverse reactions (≥1%) are telangiectasia, application site atrophy, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Coral Way Pharma, LLC at 1-888-403-8874 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . See 17 for PATIENT CONSELING INFORMATION Revised: 03/2026
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trials 277 adults with plaque psoriasis were treated with Halobetasole Propionate Lotion 0.05% twice daily for up to two weeks (up to approximately 50 grams/week). Table 1 presents adverse reactions that occured in at least 1% of subjects treated with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0,05% twice daily for up to two weeks, and more frequently than in vehicle-treated subjects. Tale 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 1% of Subjects Treated with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% for up to Two Weeks 0.05% Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% (N=277) Vehicle Lotion (N=259) Adverse Reaction % % Telangiectasia 1% 0% Application site atrophy 1% <1% Headache 1% <1% Less common dverse reactions (incidence less than 1% but greater than 0.1%) that occured in subjects treated with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0,05% included application site discoloration, herpes zoster, influenza, nasopharyngitis, otitis media acute, throat infection, wound, and increased blood pressure.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
–
8.1 Pregnancy There are no available data on Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Published data report an increased risk of low birthweight with the use of greater than 300 grams of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid during pregnancy. In animal reproduction studies, halobetasol propionate administered systemically during organogenesis to pregnant rats at 13 and 33 times the human topical dose and to pregnant rabbits at 3 times the human topical dose resulted in teratogenic and embryotoxic effects [see Data]. The clinical relevance of the animal findings is not clear. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data Multiple observational studies found no significant associations between maternal use of topical corticosteroids of any potency and congenital malformations, preterm delivery, or fetal mortality. However, when the dispensed amount of potent or very potent topical corticosteroid exceeded 300 g during the entire pregnancy, use was associated with an increase in low birth weight infants. Animal Data Halobetasol propionate has been shown to be teratogenic in rats and rabbits when given systemically during organogenesis at doses of 0.04 to 0.1 mg/kg/day in rats and 0.01 mg/kg/day in rabbits. These doses are approximately 13, 33, and 3 times, respectively, the human topical dose of halobetasol propionate, 0.05%. Halobetasol propionate was embryotoxic in rabbits but not in rats.Cleft palate was observed in both rats and rabbits. Omphalocele was seen in rats, but not in rabbits.
8.2 Lactation – Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of halobetasol propionate or its metabolites in human milk, the effects on the breastted infant, or the effects on milk production after topical application to women who are breastteeding. Systemically administered corticosteroids appear in human milk and could suppress growth, intertere with endogenous corticosteroid production, or cause other untoward effects. It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk. The developmental and health benefits of breastteeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% and any potentialadverse effects on the breastted infant from Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% or from the underlying maternal condition. Clinical Considerations Advise breastfeeding women not to apply Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% directly to the nipple and areola to avoid direct infant exposure.
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis have been established in patients 12 years of age and older. It is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults and from one uncontrolled safety trial in 16 adolescents (12 to less than 17 years of age). Adolescent patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis covering a minimum of 10% of the total body surface area were treated twice daily for 2 weeks with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05%. Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis function (ACTH stimulation test) was evaluated in a subset of 14 patients. After 2 weeks of treatment, 1 of 14 patients (7%) experienced laboratory evidence of adrenal suppression (i.e., cortisol serum level of sl 8 μg/dL) that recovered upon retest. No other adverse reactions were reported in the study. Because of higher skin surtace area to body mass ratios, pediatric patients are at a greater risk than adults of HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome when they are treated with topical corticosteroids. They are therefore also at greater risk of adrenal insufficiency during or after withdrawal of treatment. Adverse reactions including striae have been reported with use of topical corticosteroids in infants and children. HPA axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in children receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in children include low plasma cortisol levels and an absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema.
8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies with Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% included 89 subjects aged 65 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and those younger than 65 years. Clinical studies of Halobetasol Propionate Lotion 0.05% did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
How it works
Corticosteroids play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation, and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in plaque psoriasis is unknown.
Is there a generic Halobetasol Propionate?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Halobetasol Propionate from 5 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2004.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Cosette Pharms Nc, Encube, Fougera Pharms, Padagis Israel, Quagen
Brand-name versions
- Ultravate Lacer Pharma, approved 2015
- Lexette Mayne Pharma, approved 2018 Discontinued
- Bryhali Bausch, approved 2018
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Halobetasol in the news
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Recalls
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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 4cb1f7b3-c412-6fc7-e063-6394a90a63c9.