What is Calcitrene?
Calcipotriene, a synthetic form of vitamin D, is important for the growth and development of skin cells. The skin is treated with calcitrene to treat plaque psoriasis. Calcitrene can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Calcitrene
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling on lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!
Calcitrene may cause serious side effects. Calcitrene should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- 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.
Calcitrene can cause the following side effects:
- Mild skin irritation;
- Skin rash
- Itching.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice regarding side effects? Consult your physician immediately. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Calcitrene should not be used if your body contains high levels of vitamin D or calcium. Never apply calcitrene to your face.
Before you take this drug
Calcitrene should not be used if:
- 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 that you receive phototherapy 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 Calcitrene?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Do not swallow. Calcitrene should only be applied to the skin. Calcitrene should not be used on wounds, sunburned skin, or chapped or dry skin. This medication should never be applied directly to the face. Calcitrene should not be used to treat any condition without first 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. Calcitrene should only be applied to the affected area. Do not apply the medication to the surrounding skin. Only those areas affected should receive treatment. 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 at room temperature away from heat and moisture to preserve its integrity and avoid placing in the fridge or freezer. Both the foam and the solution of calcitrene are flammable. Do not use near an open flame, and do not smoke until your medicine 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.
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 skin medications to treat the same areas that you have treated with Calcitrene unless you are told by your doctor. Avoid getting calcitrene into your eyes. Rinse with water if you do. If you are taking Calcitrene, you should not take any vitamin or mineral supplements unless you have been told to by your doctor. 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 that contain calcium
- Vitamin D or multivitamins
This list is incomplete. This list is not complete. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
