Drugs & Vitamins

Calcipotriene Skin Cream or Ointment Active Ingredients: Calcipotriene Skin Cream or Ointment Representative Names: Dovonex Skin Cream or Ointment Available Product Images: What is calcipotriene skin cream or ointment? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with calcipotriene? What side effects may I notice from using calcipotriene? What should I watch for while taking calcipotriene? Where can I keep my medicine? What is calcipotriene skin cream or ointment? (Back to top) CALCIPOTRIENE (Dovonex®) is a form of vitamin D that is applied to the skin to treat a type of psoriasis called plaque psoriasis. Calcipotriene is not a cure, but it helps reduce the redness, thickness, and scaling that occur with psoriasis. Generic calcipotriene cream or ointment is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •high level of calcium in the blood •high level of calcium in the urine •high level of vitamin D in the blood •kidney stones •sunburn •an unusual or allergic reaction to calcipotriene, vitamin D, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Calcipotriene is only for use on the skin only. Do not apply the cream or ointment to your face, eyes or genital regions. Apply only to the affected areas as directed. Rub in gently and completely. Do not cover with any dressings (plastic wrap or bandages). Wash your hands well before and after using. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Do not use calcipotriene more often than directed. Avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with calcipotriene? (Back to top) •calcium supplements •vitamin D Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about any other prescription or non-prescription cream, ointment, lotion or other skin products you are using. What side effects may I notice from using calcipotriene? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •constipation •depression •increased thirst •nausea, vomiting •skin redness and swelling •unusual tiredness or weakness •worsening of psoriasis Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •change in skin color •increased sensitivity to the sun •skin irritation, stinging, and itching •skin rash, redness. dry peeling skin What should I watch for while taking calcipotriene? (Back to top) Improvement is usually seen within 2 weeks, although the full effect of calcipotriene may not appear for about 4 to 8 weeks. Complete the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not stop using except on your prescriber's advice. Patients older than 65 years of age may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Only use a small amount of calcipotriene if you use it in areas where you have folds in the skin, to help prevent irritation. Do not get the cream or ointment in your eyes or on areas of healthy skin; if you do, rinse off with plenty of cool tap water. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15—25 degrees C (59—77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:05/07/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.