What is Calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene, a synthetic form of vitamin D, is important for the growth and development of skin cells. Topical Calcipotriene (for the skin) is used for treating plaque psoriasis and psoriasis. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Calcipotriene Topical.
Side effects of Calcipotriene
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to your lips or throat - medical attention must be sought immediately!
Calcipotriene topical may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- After applying the medicine, you may experience a severe skin rash or burning.
- Skin conditions are worsening;
- High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Side effects of calcipotriene cream include:
- Mild skin irritation;
- Skin rash
- Itching.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects. For advice or medical recommendations related to side effects. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
If you have high calcium or vitamin D levels in your body, then you should avoid using calcipotriene. Avoid applying calcipotriene to your face.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to calciumpotriene, please refrain from taking this medicine.
- Hypercalcemia is a condition where there are high calcium levels in the blood.
- High levels of vitamin D (usually due to taking too many vitamin D supplements) in your body.
Tell your doctor about any phototherapy you receive for psoriasis. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. This medicine should not be given to children without consulting a doctor.
How to take Calcipotriene?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Do not swallow. Calcipotriene is only to be used on the skin. Use calcipotriene only on the skin. Alternatively, apply only on your body - never directly onto the face! Use calcipotriene only after consulting your doctor. This medicine should not be shared with anyone else, even if the other person has similar symptoms. You should wash your hands both before and after using this medication, unless it is to treat an infection of the hand. Apply calcipotriene only to the affected area. Do not apply the product directly onto nearby skin. Do not apply the medication to the surrounding skin. Only use it in the affected area. Just before measuring a dose, shake the foam (Sorilux). Your symptoms may improve in as little as 2 weeks. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement after 8 weeks. Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature - don't put in the refrigerator or freezer! The topical solution and foam of Calcipotriene are flammable. Do not use the medication near an open flame, and do not smoke until it has dried completely on your skin. Avoid exposing the canister to open flames or high temperatures, like in a car during a hot summer day. If the canister gets too warm, it may explode. Empty canisters should not be punctured or burned.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:
Cream or foam: Apply a thin coating to the affected area twice daily and rub it in completely.
Ointment: Apply a thin, even layer of the ointment to the affected area once or twice daily and gently rub it in.
Comments:
The safety and effectiveness of the cream were demonstrated by patients who were treated for 8 weeks.
Use: Treatment for plaque psoriasis among adults
Solution: Apply the solution twice daily to the lesions after combing the hair to remove any scaly material. Rub in completely and gently. Take care not to let the solution spread onto the forehead.
Comments:
The safety and effectiveness of the solution have been proven in patients who were treated for 8 weeks.
Keep the solution away from your eyes.
Avoid applying the solution to scalp margins that are not affected.
Use: Topical treatment for moderately severe chronic psoriasis on the scalp
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never apply two doses at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not use other topical skin medications on areas that you have treated with calcipotriene unless you are told to by your doctor. Avoid getting calcipotriene topical into your eyes. Rinse with water if you do. Use vitamin and mineral supplements only if your doctor tells you to. Calcipotriene can cause you to burn more quickly. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock (SPF 30 or higher).
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop using any of your current ones.
- Mineral supplements containing calcium
- Vitamin D or multivitamins
This list is incomplete. This list is not complete. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.