DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Calcipotriene Cream and Ointment (kal-sih-POE-try-een)
Brand Name: Dovonex

Calcipotriene Cream is used for:

Treating psoriasis.

Calcipotriene Cream is a synthetic vitamin D₃ analog. It works by regulating skin cell production and development.

Do NOT use Calcipotriene Cream if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Calcipotriene Cream
• you have high blood levels of vitamin D or high calcium levels in your blood or urine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Calcipotriene Cream:

Some medical conditions may interact with Calcipotriene Cream. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney stones

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Calcipotriene Cream. However, no specific interactions with Calcipotriene Cream are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Calcipotriene Cream may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Calcipotriene Cream:

Use Calcipotriene Cream as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Apply a thin layer of Calcipotriene Cream to the affected area. Rub in Calcipotriene Cream gently and completely.
• Wash your hands immediately after using Calcipotriene Cream.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Calcipotriene Cream.

Important safety information:

• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop using Calcipotriene Cream without checking with your doctor.
• Calcipotriene Cream is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face and the eyes. If you get Calcipotriene Cream on your face or in your eyes, wash out immediately with cool tap water.
• Calcipotriene Cream may cause harm if it is swallowed. If you may have taken it by mouth, contact your poison control center or emergency room right away.
• Calcipotriene Cream may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Calcipotriene Cream. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Calcipotriene Cream should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Calcipotriene Cream while you are pregnant. It is not known if Calcipotriene Cream is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Calcipotriene Cream, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Calcipotriene Cream:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dry skin; peeling.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); burning, itching, or worsening of your condition; skin irritation.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Calcipotriene Cream may be harmful if swallowed.

Proper storage of Calcipotriene Cream:

Store Calcipotriene Cream at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Calcipotriene Cream out of the reach of children and pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Calcipotriene Cream, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Calcipotriene Cream is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Calcipotriene Cream. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.