Brand Name
Dovonex
Common Name
calcipotriol
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02150956 | DOVONEX 50 µG/G CREAM |
| 01976133 | DOVONEX 50 µG/G OINTMENT |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Calcipotriol belongs to the family of medications known as vitamin D analogues. It is used to treat the skin condition psoriasis. It may be used alone or in combination other medications (i.e., topical corticosteroid, cyclosporin A, or acitretin). Calcipotriol works by controlling the excessive production of skin cells seen in psoriasis.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
This medication is usually applied twice daily (in the morning and evening) to the affected areas of the skin. If needed, it may be applied once daily for maintenance treatment. When used in combination with other psoriasis medications, it is usually applied once daily, at a different time of day than the other medication.
The maximum weekly adult dose for the cream or ointment is 100 g (5 mg of calcipotriol). Maximum doses for children are calculated based on body surface area and age. When the cream, ointment, or scalp solution are used together, the weekly maximum dose is based on the total amount of calcipotriol in each product, for a maximum weekly dose of 5 mg calcipotriol for adults.
Wash your hands after applying the medication so that you do not get it on other parts of your body. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or on your face. If the medication gets on your face, wash it off. If it gets in your eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of water. Do not take this medication by mouth.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Cream
Each g of white cream contains calcipotriol 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, chlorallylhexaminium chloride (dowicil 200), disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, glycerol 85%, liquid paraffin, macrogol cetostearyl ether, purified water, and white soft paraffin.
Ointment
Each g of faintly translucent white to yellowish ointment contains calcipotriol 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, DL-a-tocopherol, liquid paraffin, polyoxyethylene-(2)-stearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, and white soft paraffin.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Calcipotriol should not be used by anyone who is allergic to calcipotriol or to any of the ingredients of the medication.
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