Betamethasone/Calcipotriene, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is put on the skin to treat psoriasis. Use it exactly as directed.
• This medicine may cause unwanted side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that are serious, continue, or get worse.
• Tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take.

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What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: vitamin D analog/corticosteroid; antipsoriatic

Generic and brand names: betamethasone/calcipotriene, topical; Enstilar; Taclonex; Taclonex Scalp

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is applied to the skin to treat psoriasis.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• An allergic reaction to any medicine
• Diabetes
• High levels of calcium or vitamin D in the blood
• Kidney stones
• Kidney or liver disease

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are getting phototherapy (light therapy) treatments for your psoriasis or if you take any other steroid medicines.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I use it?

This medicine comes as an ointment, foam, or a liquid. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not use more of this medicine or use it more often than directed. Using too much may cause too much calcium to build up in your body or cause problems with your adrenal gland. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

Check with your healthcare provider before using this medicine in children under age 18.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying this medicine. If using the ointment, apply this medicine in a thin layer. Rub the medicine into the affected areas gently and completely.

If using the liquid on your scalp, do not color your hair, have a permanent, or use other strong chemicals unless you check with your healthcare provider first. You should not use the liquid medicine 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to your hair. To use the medicine, shake well and put on the affected areas of the scalp or skin. Do not wash your hair or take a bath or shower right after applying the liquid medicine because it will not work as well to treat your psoriasis.

Do not apply this medicine to the face or near the eyes, or under your arms, or in your groin. If you get this medicine in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water.

Do not bandage or cover the area where you put the medicine unless your healthcare provider tells you to do so. Do not wear tight fitting clothing over the area being treated.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I watch out for?

If you get a skin infection while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare provider. You may need a different medicine to treat the infection. Do not use this medicine for any other skin condition or share this medicine with anyone else.

If this medicine makes your psoriasis worse or irritates the nearby skin, contact your healthcare provider right away. Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve.

You may need to have lab tests to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning beds. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

If you need emergency care, surgery, lab tests, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (Report these to your healthcare provider right away.): Severe nausea or vomiting; constant headache; drowsiness; severe constipation; confusion; irregular heartbeat; extreme thirst; increased urination; lightheadedness or fainting; change in appetite; unexplained weight gain; increased or painful urination; joint or muscle pain or weakness; trouble breathing; change in the color of treated skin, skin thinning, severe skin irritation, or worsening of psoriasis.

Other: Mild redness, burning, stinging, peeling, itching, or pain on treated skin or scalp; dry skin.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use other medicines or cosmetic products on the affected skin, or have phototherapy, unless your healthcare provider approves. Also, check with your provider or pharmacist before taking supplements that contain vitamin D or calcium.

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in the original container at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. If you use the liquid form, discard any unused medicine after 6 months.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.