Drugs & Vitamins

Taclonex Active Ingredients: Betamethasone; Calcipotriene Ointment Representative Names: Betamethasone; C alcipotriene Ointment, Taclonex Available Product Images: What is Betamethasone; Calcipotriene skin ointment? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? What side effects may I notice from receiving Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? What should I watch for while taking Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Betamethasone; Calcipotriene skin ointment? (Back to top) BETAMETHASONE; CALCIPOTRIENE (Taclonex®) is an ointment used to treat psoriasis. It helps reduce the redness, thickness, and scaling that occurs with psoriasis, but it is not a cure. Generic betamethasone; calcipotriene 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: •diabetes •Cushing's Syndrome •high levels of calcium in the blood or urine •high levels of vitamin D in the blood •kidney stones •peripheral vascular disease •skin infection •skin wasting or thinning •an unusual reaction to calcipotriene, betamethasone or other corticosteroids, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) This medicine should only be applied to psoriasis lesions. Do not apply it to the face, under arms, or genitals. Apply only to the affected areas as directed. Do not use for other skin problems. Rub in a small amount gently and completely. Wash your hands well before and after using the ointment. Do not use more often than directed. 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 Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? (Back to top) •any product, both topical and oral , that contains Vitamin D •any product you apply to your skin •calcipotriene •corticosteroids •calcium supplements Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal product. Also tell you prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •increased thirst •infection •nausea, vomiting •severe burning and itching of the skin •skin redness and swelling •thinning of the skin, with easy bruising, sunburn more likely especially on the face •unusual tiredness or weakness •worsening of psoriasis Other serious side effects can develop if you use betamethasone for a long time, or if you use too much. Contact your prescriber or health care professional if you notice any unusual effects. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •increased sensitivity to the sun •dry peeling skin What should I watch for while taking Betamethasone; Calcipotriene? (Back to top) Improvement is usually seen within 2 weeks, although the full effect of this medicine 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. Do not use an airtight bandage to cover the affected area unless your prescriber or health care professional tells you to. If you are to cover the area, follow the prescriber's instructions carefully. Covering the area where the ointment is applied can increase the amount of medicine that passes through the skin and increases the risk of side effects. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun or tanning beds. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:02/28/2006 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.