Calcipotriene, Topical

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KEY POINTS

• This medicine is applied to the skin or scalp 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; antipsoriatic

Generic and brand names: calcipotriene, topical; Calcitrene; Dovonex; Sorilux

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is applied to the skin or scalp 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
• High levels of calcium or vitamin D in the blood

Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are getting phototherapy (light therapy) treatments for your psoriasis.

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 is for external (on the skin or scalp) use only. This medicine comes in different forms. The foam, cream, or ointment may be used on your skin. The foam or liquid may be used on your scalp.

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. 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 you are using the foam form of this medicine, shake before use.

If you are using the cream, ointment, or foam on your skin: Apply this medicine in a thin layer. Rub the medicine into the affected areas gently and completely. Do not apply to the face or near the eyes.

If you are using the liquid or foam on your scalp: First comb your hair to remove extra flakes and scales. Then part your hair near the affected area and apply the medicine only on the areas where you need it on your scalp. Gently rub the medicine in. Be careful to not get the medicine on your forehead, face, or near the eyes. If you are using the foam medicine, it should be applied when your hair is dry.

If you get this medicine in your eyes, rinse them with plenty of cool water.

The foam and liquid forms of this medicine are flammable. Avoid heat, open flame, or smoking during and right after you use this medicine.

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?

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. Also tell your provider if your condition does not improve.

While you are using this medicine, avoid or limit exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

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; muscle weakness; extreme thirst; increased urination; severe skin irritation or worsening of psoriasis.

Other: Mild redness, burning, stinging, or peeling on treated skin or scalp; dry skin; change in color of treated 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 at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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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.