Calcipotriene Drug Facts

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

CALCIPOTRIENE - TOPICAL (KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dovonex, Sorilux

USES: This medication is used to treat psoriasis. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication on the skin only. Apply a thin layer of the medication as directed by your doctor to the affected area and gently rub in, usually once or twice daily for the ointment or twice daily for the cream or the foam. Wash your hands after using, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Do not apply the medication on the face, in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply more often or use longer than prescribed. This may increase the risk of side effects. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. You should usually begin to see an improvement in your skin condition after 2 weeks of treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, itching, rash, irritation, redness, dry skin, or peeling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin thinning/discoloration, stretch marks, "hair bumps" (folliculitis), unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high calcium/vitamin D levels (hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis D). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Your doctor may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this product. Ask your doctor for details. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: other products containing vitamin D.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as calcium levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light. Do not freeze. The foam is flammable. Avoid smoking during and right after applying the foam. Do not puncture the foam can or expose to high heat or open flame. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.