Generic Name: calcipotriene topical (cal sih poh TRY een)
Brand Names: Dovonex
What is calcipotriene topical?
Calcipotriene is a synthetic topical form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.
Calcipotriene topical is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).
Calcipotriene topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about calcipotriene topical?
Use calcipotriene topical only on affected patches of the skin. Do not use calcipotriene topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on an open wound.
Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using calcipotriene topical.
Do not use more than 100 grams of calcipotriene in a week.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using calcipotriene topical?
Do not use calcipotriene topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated. It could make these conditions much worse. Calcipotriene topical is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether calcipotriene topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use calcipotriene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known if calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk. Do not use calcipotriene topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use calcipotriene topical?
Apply calcipotriene topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.
Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply calcipotriene topical. Apply the medication only to the affected area.
Do not apply calcipotriene topical to eyes, mouth, face, mucous membranes, open sores, or irritated skin. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
Calcipotriene topical is usually applied once or twice a day.
Do not apply more calcipotriene topical than is prescribed by your doctor. Never apply more than 100 grams in a week.
It may take 2 weeks to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using calcipotriene topical if you do not see results immediately. Store calcipotriene topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose.
What happens if I overdose?
If you suspect an overdose, or if calcipotriene topical has been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control center near you.
Symptoms of an overdose of calcipotriene topical include weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, and high levels of calcium in the blood.
What should I avoid while using calcipotriene topical?
Avoid using other topical products at the same time as calcipotriene topical unless they are prescribed by your doctor. Some topical medicines may interfere with the effects or absorption of calcipotriene topical.
Avoid washing the area you are treating more than three times a day. Too much washing may cause your skin to become very dry or irritated.
Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.
Calcipotriene topical side effects
Serious side effects are very rare. Stop using calcipotriene topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some irritation of the skin, such as burning, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, or peeling while you are using calcipotriene topical. These side effects sometimes lessen with continued treatment. Notify your doctor if you experience these side effects.
If you notice a change in your skin color, contact your doctor.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect calcipotriene topical?
Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.
Other medicines, especially other topical medicines, may interact with calcipotriene topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before using any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
More Dovonex resources
- Dovonex Side Effects (in more detail)
- Dovonex Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Dovonex Drug Interactions
- Dovonex Support Group
- 9 Reviews for Dovonex - Add your own review/rating
- Dovonex Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Dovonex Consumer Overview
- Dovonex Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Dovonex Cream MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Calcitrene Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Dovonex with other medications
- Psoriasis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about calcipotriene topical written for health professionals that you may read.
See also: Dovonex side effects (in more detail)
