Taclonex

What is Taclonex?

Taclonex is a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene. Betamethasone, a steroid, is used to treat acne. It stops the release of substances that can cause inflammation. Calcipotriene, a vitamin D derivative, works by slowing down the rate at which skin cells reproduce. Taclonex ointment, a prescription medication, is only for skin use. The ointment can be used to treat adults aged 18 and older with psoriasis. The ointment should only be applied to the skin by adults.

Taclonex Topical Liquid Suspension is used to treat plaque psoriasis on the scalp and other parts of the body. The suspension can be used on the scalp or skin by adults. Children over 12 years of age can only use the liquid on their scalp. Patients aged 12–17 years old should not exceed 60 grams per week, while patients 18 years of age or older should not exceed 100 grams.

Warnings

Taclonex should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Use it only as prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor before using Taclonex if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Use the medication immediately after you remember missing a dose. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip any missed ones and plan for it accordingly. You should not take extra medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

Taclonex may interact with other drugs. Inform your doctor of all prescription and non-prescription medications you take. Vitamin, mineral and herbal products as well as drugs prescribed by physicians. Never start a new medication before consulting your doctor. If you feel you've used too much Taclonex, you should seek emergency medical attention if any of the following symptoms appear: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of your throat or face.

Similar/related drugs

Cosentyx, Otezla, Taltz, Sotyktu, Bimzelx, methotrexate, and Humira

Before you take this drug

Taclonex should not be used if you have an allergy to betamethasone or calcipotriene.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medication is safe for you:

• Too much calcium in the blood or urine
• An adrenal gland disorder
• Glaucoma or cataracts
• Liver disease
• Psoriasis with pus, peeling skin and severe redness is considered a severe form.
• Have thinned skin on the treatment site.
• A skin infection;
• If you receive UV light treatment (phototherapy),

Steroids can cause glucose (sugar) to increase in the blood or urine. Inform your doctor if diabetes is present. The use of highly potent steroids during pregnancy can increase the risk that the baby will be born with a low birth weight. Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.

Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. Avoid areas where the mouth of a baby may be in contact with Taclonex if you apply it to your chest.

You should only use this medication if you are pregnant or nursing to treat psoriasis. Apply it to the smallest area of skin and for as little time as possible. Children may experience more adverse reactions due to absorption through their skin. Taclonex ointment cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18. Taclonex Topical Suspension cannot be used by anyone under 12 years of age.

How to take Taclonex?

Follow the instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Read all the instructions and directions included on the prescription label. Take it only by mouth. Topical medicines are only to be used on the skin. Please read and adhere to all instructions that accompany your medication, if there is anything unclear please seek advice from either your physician or pharmacist. If unsure, seek their guidance immediately.

Taclonex dosages for children and adults may differ. Follow all instructions on the label of this medicine when treating a child (12–17 years old). You should wash your hands both before and after you use Taclonex unless this medication is being used to treat your skin. Rub a thin layer on the affected area of skin. Do not apply the medicine to a large surface area unless you have been told by your doctor. Cover the treated area only if your doctor says so. Covering the treated area can increase the amount of medicine absorbed by your skin and cause adverse effects.

Before each use, shake the suspension well. This medicine may require blood or urine testing. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek medical assistance immediately. Once your skin symptoms have been controlled, you should stop taking this medication. Taclonex should not be stopped abruptly. You should follow your doctor's advice about reducing your dose. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. When not in use, keep the tube tightly sealed.

Details on dosage

Adult dose of Taclonex:

Topical ointment
Psoriasis verrucosa: Apply the cream to affected areas every day for up to 4 weeks. The maximum dose per week should not be more than 100 g. It is not recommended to treat more than 30% of the body surface.
Topical suspension
Plaque psoriasis on the scalp or body: Apply the cream to the affected area once daily for 8 weeks. If the condition clears up, the treatment can be stopped earlier. Patients aged 12–17 years should receive a maximum dose of 60 grams per week. Patients 18 years of age or older can take up to 100 grams.

What happens if I miss the dose?

If it is close to time for your next dose, take an alternate approach and forego taking the missed one. Never apply two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

If anyone accidentally swallows the medicine, seek emergency medical care or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Taclonex may cause thinning of the skin, bruising easily, changes in body weight (especially on your neck, face, back, and waist), an increase in acne, facial hair or menstrual issues, impotence, or a loss of interest in sexual activity.

What should be avoided?

Use other skin medications that do not contain betamethasone and calcipotriene. Taclonex should not be used to treat skin conditions that have not been examined by your doctor.

Avoid getting the medicine on your eyes, face, underarms, or groin. Taclonex can cause you to sunburn more easily. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30) or higher.

Side effects of Taclonex

If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact an emergency medical professional immediately.

If your skin absorbs topical steroids, side effects may occur. You should tell your doctor if:

• Weight gain, especially in the face and upper back or torso;
• Stretch marks, facial hair, and thinning of the skin
• Changes in sexual function, irregular menstrual cycles,
• Memory problems and feeling irritable.

If you experience:

• Skin conditions are worsening;
• Redness, heat, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation on any skin treated;
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
• High calcium levels can cause confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. They may also lead to constipation or increased thirst.
• High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and a fruity breath smell.

Taclonex may cause side effects such as:

• Skin color changes;
• Psoriasis worsening;
• Itching, skin irritation, or hives are all symptoms of skin irritation.
• Redness or crusting on your hair follicles.
• Headache.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:

• Any other steroid medication (such as fludrocortisone or hydrocortisone), prednisone, triamcinolone, and others;
• Any other medication to treat psoriasis.

This list is incomplete. Betamethasone, calcipotriene, and other drugs can interact, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.