Calcipotriene

Calcipotriene is a prescription medication used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).

• Calcipotriene is available under various brand names: Calcitrene, Dovonex, Sorilux 

Common side effects of calcipotriene include:

• Mild skin irritation.
• Skin rash; or
• Itching.

Serious side effects of calcipotriene include:

• Hives. 
• Difficult breathing. 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe burning, stinging, skin rash, or other irritation after applying the medicine.
• Worsening of the skin condition; or
• High calcium levels--confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss.

Rare side effects of calcipotriene include:

• None

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical solution

• 0.005% (generic)

Topical ointment

• 0.005% (generic)

Topical cream

• 0.005% (Dovonex, generic)

Topical foam

• 0.005% (Sorilux)

Plaque psoriasis

Adult dosage

Plaque psoriasis Topical:

• Cream: Apply a thin film to the affected skin twice daily.
• Foam: Apply a thin film to the affected skin or scalp twice daily.
• Ointment: Apply a thin film to the affected skin once or twice daily.
• Solution: Apply to the affected scalp twice daily

Pediatric dosage

• Foam: Children above 4 years and Adolescents: Topical: Apply a thin layer to affected areas of scalp and body twice daily
• Cream, ointment; Children above 2 years and Adolescents: Topical: Apply a thin layer to affected areas of scalp and body twice daily

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Calcipotriene has severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Calcipotriene has serious interactions with no other drugs.
• Calcipotriene has moderate interactions with no other drugs.
• Calcipotriene has minor interactions with no other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the rxlist Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity 
• High levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
• High levels of vitamin D in your body (usually caused by taking too many vitamins D supplements)

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Calcipotriene?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Calcipotriene?”

Cautions

• You should not use calcipotriene topical if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Do not apply this medicine to your face.
• Calcipotriene topical foam and solution are flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
• Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with calcipotriene topical unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
• Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor has told you to.
• Calcipotriene could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
• No data available on drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes in pregnant women exposed to calcipotriene
• Foam: Systemic exposure to calcipotriene is likely to be low
• Lactation
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
  • There are no data on the presence of topically administered calcipotriene in human or animal milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production
  • After topical administration, plasma concentrations of calcipotriene are low, and therefore, concentrations in human milk are likely to be low