CALCIPOTRIENE - TOPICAL
(kal-SIP-oh-try-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Dovonex Cream, Dovonex Lotion, Dovonex Ointment,
Dovonex, Calcipotriene.
USES
Dovonex (calcipotriene) is a form of vitamin D.
It is used on the skin to treat psoriasis.
HOW TO USE
Dovonex (calcipotriene) is for use on the skin
only as directed. Do not use Dovonex Cream, Dovonex
Lotion or Dovonex Ointment for any other skin condition
other than that for which it has been prescribed.
Apply Dovonex (calcipotriene) in a thin layer to
the affected area(s) usually twice a day. Rub it
in gently and completely. Wash hands after using.
Do not apply to the face or near the eyes.
SIDE EFFECTS
Dry skin, peeling or itching of the skin may occur.
If these effects continue or become bothersome,
inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop:
a skin rash, irritation, inflammation or swelling
of the skin, worsening of psoriasis. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, high
blood calcium levels, allergies. Dovonex (calcipotriene)
should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Dovonex (calcipotriene) appears
in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription
med you may take especially of: all skin products
used for psoriasis. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Dovonex
(calcipotriene)icine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES
You should see some improvement in your condition
after two weeks of using Dovonex Cream, Dovonex
Lotion or Dovonex Ointment with marked improvement
after 8 weeks of therapy. Laboratory tests may
be done periodically while using Dovonex (calcipotriene)
to monitor its effectiveness and prevent side effects.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose of Dovonex Cream, Dovonex Lotion
or Dovonex Cream, apply it as soon as remembered;
If it is near the time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE
Store Dovonex Cream, Dovonex Lotion and Dovonex
Ointment at room temperature between 59 and 86
degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from
heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard
unused med after expiration date on the container.