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Calcipotriol (Generic Calcipotriene Topical)

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Why is this medication prescribed?

Psoriasis is managed by the drug calcipotriene (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form due to increased production of skin cells on some areas of the body). Calcipotriene belongs to the group of drugs known as synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives. It functions by reducing the excessive skin cell production.

How should this medicine be used?

Calcipotriene is available as a cream for skin application and as a solution (liquid) for scalp application. Typically, the cream and solution are administered twice daily. Use calcipotriene daily at roughly the same periods. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the calcipotriene instructions exactly. Use it only as directed by your doctor, neither more nor less often.

Psoriasis cannot be cured, although calcipotriene can regulate it. After two weeks, you might notice some improvement in your condition, but it could take up to eight weeks before you start to really benefit from calcipotriene.

Using calcipotriene lotion to the face is not advised.

The calcipotriene solution could burn. When using this medication, keep it away from heat sources and open flames like cigarettes.

Follow these instructions to use the cream:

  1. sanitise your hands.
  2. To treat the region, apply a thin coating of cream. Avoid getting the cream on your face, particularly in or around your eyes.
  3. Once the cream is gone, gently massage it into the skin.
  4. sanitise your hands.

Follow these steps to apply the solution:

  1. sanitise your hands.
  2. To get rid of any loose psoriasis scales, comb your hair.
  3. In the vicinity of the afflicted areas, part your hair.
  4. The solution should only be used sparingly to the lesions. Avoid getting the solution in or close to your eyes, nose, or mouth, as well as on your forehead and other parts of your face.
  5. Gently massage the solution into the lesion.
  6. sanitise your hands.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using calcipotriene,

  • If you have any drug allergies, be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know, including calcipotriene.
  • Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use. Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
  • If you have or have previously had any medical issues, let your doctor know.
  • Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking calcipotriene.
  • Plan to wear protective clothes (such a hat), sunglasses, and sunscreen in addition to avoiding excessive or prolonged sun exposure. Your skin could become photosensitive as a result of calcipotriene.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Keep eating normally unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

As soon as you realise you missed a dose, administer it. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. Using extra cream or solution to make up for a forgotten dose is not advised.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Calcipotriene might have negative effects. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Psoriasis deterioration
  • Burning
  • Skin stinging or tingling
  • Arid skin

Some adverse effects may be severe. Call your doctor right away if you feel any of these symptoms:

  • Rash
  • Inflammation of the skin in the treated region or adjacent areas

Calcipotriene may also have other adverse effects. During using this drug, if you experience any strange issues or if your symptoms worsen, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). Calcipotriene cream or solution shouldn’t be frozen.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of emergency/overdose

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

What other information should I know?

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how your body reacts to calcipotriene, your doctor may request specific lab tests.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

  • Dovonex®
  • Sorilux®
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