WHAT IS CALCIPOTRIOL?CalcipotriolCalcipotriol is used in the form of an ointment , cream , or lotion to treat psoriasis . Calcipotriol is a vitamin D derivative, its structure similar to vitamin D3. Calcipotriol inhibits the division of epidermal cells, which is increased in psoriasis. It also improves the way in which dividing skin cells grow. Calcipotriol was initially marketed in the Netherlands under the brand name Daivonex (Daivonex ointment, cream, and lotion). The ointment version was withdrawn from the market in 2007, and the other Daivonex products were withdrawn in 2016. Calcipotriol ointment, cream, and lotion are now available again in the Netherlands, but as a generic product, no longer under the Daivonex brand, and from other suppliers.COMBINATION PREPARATIONS WITH CORTICOSTEROIDSCombinations of calcipotriol and a corticosteroid (hormone ointment) are also available. The advantage of a combination is that you only need to apply it once instead of twice with two different tubes. Examples of combinations of calcipotriol and a corticosteroid are Calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment , Calcipotriol/betamethasone gel , and Enstilar foam (calcipotriol/betamethasone).HOW DO YOU USE CALCIPOTRIOL?Apply a thin layer to the psoriasis patches twice or once a day. Twice a day is more effective than once a day. Do not use more than 100 grams of ointment or cream per week (for lotion, do not use more than 60 ml per week). Wash your hands after applying calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion, unless you also need to use it on psoriasis patches on your hands. Try to avoid transferring calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion from the treated areas to other parts of your body, especially your face.
If you use a moisturizer, apply it first and wait until it has absorbed before applying calcipotriol.
Do not use calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion on your face. Do not cover the treated area with a waterproof bandage. You should avoid excessive exposure to sunlight while using this ointment.
Do not use a cream or ointment containing salicylic acid on the areas where calcipotriol ointment, cream or lotion is to be applied, as this will break down the active ingredient calcipotriol.WHEN CAN I EXPECT AN EFFECT?You can expect to see an improvement after using calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion for about two weeks. The flaking usually disappears first. This makes the skin feel smoother in the areas affected by psoriasis. It takes longer for the redness to diminish. The maximum effect is usually achieved after 4-8 weeks.POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTSLike all medicines, calcipotriol can cause side effects. As with all medicines, an allergic reaction can occur (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 people). Signs of an allergy include hives and swelling of the face, eyelids, hands, feet, or throat. If you experience one or more of these symptoms after using this ointment, stop using it and contact your doctor immediately. Side effects may occur in approximately 25% of patients treated with this medicine. These reactions are usually mild. The most commonly reported side effects are various transient skin reactions.Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 users):- skin irritationCommon side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10 users):- itching
- burning and stinging sensation
- dry skin
- redness
- rashSide effects that occur occasionally (affecting less than 1 in 100 users):- contact eczema (contact dermatitis)
- eczema
- worsening of psoriasis.Very rare side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10,000 users):- Hypersensitivity reactions
- High calcium levels in the blood and urine
- Itchy, bumpy rash (hives)
- Temporary changes in skin color
- Temporary increased sensitivity of the skin to light
- Inflammation of the face and the skin around the mouth. If the ointment accidentally gets on your face, it may cause redness or irritation on your face and around your mouth.WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT USE CALCIPOTRIOL?- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in this medicine.
- If you have severe kidney or liver damage.
- If you have problems with your calcium metabolism, or if your calcium levels are too high. This ointment may increase blood calcium levels.
- If you are being treated with other medicines that can increase blood calcium levels.WHEN SHOULD YOU BE EXTRA CAUTIONARY WITH CALCIPOTRIOL?- in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, because there is insufficient experience using this ointment in children and adolescents under 18 years of age
- if you have severely reduced kidney or liver function, because there is insufficient experience in this group
- if you use more than 100 g of calcipotriol ointment or cream 0.05 mg/g per week (lotion: more than 60 ml), because you may develop high blood calcium levels. This can cause weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and constipation
- if you are exposed to sunlight while using the ointment. Try to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight while using this ointment.
- if you know that you have a certain form of psoriasis, namely generalised pustular psoriasis or erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.CALCIPOTRIOL IN COMBINATION WITH LIGHT THERAPYThe use of calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion with artificial UV light (including a tanning bed) should be discussed with your doctor first. Calcipotriol can be combined with light therapy, which is a highly effective combination. When using calcipotriol in combination with light therapy, be sure to apply it at least 30 minutes before the light treatment. After light treatment, you must wait at least 30 minutes before applying calcipotriol.Pregnancy and breastfeedingThis medication should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. It is unknown whether calcipotriol is excreted in breast milk. Your doctor will decide whether you can use this medication while breastfeeding. Short-term use on a small area is not expected to affect the nursing child.Use in children and adolescents up to 18 yearsCalcipotriol ointment, cream or lotion is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as there is insufficient experience with the use of this medicine in these patients.Have you used too much of this medicine?If you have applied more calcipotriol ointment, cream, or lotion than you should (more than 100 grams per week), consult your doctor. Excessive use can lead to high blood calcium levels, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, vomiting, muscle weakness, lack of energy, fatigue, and loss of consciousness.HOW TO STORE CALCIPOTRIOL?Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. Do not use the contents for 3 months after first opening the tube. Store below 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Store in the original packaging.COMPOUNDCalcipotriol ointmentOne gram of ointment contains 0.05 mg (equivalent to 50 micrograms) of calcipotriol. The other ingredients are: macrogol cetostearyl ether, disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, alpha-tocopheryl acetate, propylene glycol (E490), light liquid paraffin, purified water, and white soft paraffin.Calcipotriol creamOne gram of cream contains 0.05 mg (equivalent to 50 micrograms) of calcipotriol. The other ingredients are: disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, chloroallylmethenamin chloride, glycerol, macrogol cetostearyl ether, cetostearyl alcohol, light liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin, and purified water.Calcipotriol lotionOne gram of lotion contains 0.05 mg (equivalent to 50 micrograms) of calcipotriol. The other ingredients are sodium citrate, hypromellose, propylene glycol, isopropyl alcohol, levomenthol, and purified water. |
