Calcipotriene

What is calcipotriene?

Calcipotriene is used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form due to increased production of skin cells on some areas of the body). Calcipotriene is in a class of medications called synthetic vitamin D₃ derivatives. It works by slowing the excessive production of skin cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Calcipotriene comes as a cream to apply to the skin and as a solution (liquid) to apply to the scalp. The cream and solution are usually applied twice a day. Use calcipotriene at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you don't understand. Use calcipotriene exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Calcipotriene controls psoriasis but does not cure it. You may see some improvement in your condition after 2 weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks before you feel the full benefit of calcipotriene. Do not apply calcipotriene cream to the face. Calcipotriene solution may catch fire. Do not use this medication near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.

To use the cream, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Apply a thin layer of cream to the area to be treated. Be careful not to get the cream on your face, especially in or near your eyes.
3. Rub the cream into the skin until it disappears.
4. Wash your hands.

To use the solution, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Comb hair to remove any unattached psoriasis scales.
3. Make a part in your hair near the affected areas.
4. Apply a small amount of the solution to the lesions. Be careful not to get the solution on your forehead or other areas of your face, especially in or near your eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. Rub the solution into the injury gently.
6. Wash your hands.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using calcipotriene,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to calcipotriene, or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while using calcipotriene. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking calcipotriene, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing (such as a hat), sunglasses, and sunscreen. Calcipotriene may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Calcipotriene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Itching
• Redness
• Worsening of psoriasis
• Burning
• Stinging or Tingling of Skin
• Dry Skin

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• Rash
• Irritation of the treated or nearby area of skin

Calcipotriene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication or if your symptoms get worse.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

🔗 Reference: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a608018.html