CALCIPOTRIOL

Description: Calcipotriol is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D, which is a vitamin essential for healthy skin

Uses

Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis in which red scaly patches (plaques) develop on your skin. The most common areas affected are over your elbows and knees, the scalp, and the lower part of your back. The patches may vary in size from time to time and can be itchy. Treatment for psoriasis aims to clear the plaques as much as possible.

Psoriasis is caused by cells in the outer layer of your skin multiplying faster than normal. This causes the older and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin, causing the scaly patches. Calcipotriol works by slowing this overproduction of skin cells, which eases the inflamed, scaly areas.

Warnings

Calcipotriol should be used with caution:

With certain types of psoriasis, such as generalised pustular or erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis
If using ultraviolet light therapy
In pregnant and lactating women

It should not be used:

On the face
If you have an allergy (hypersensitivity) to any of the ingredients
If you have problems with the level of calcium in your body (disorders of calciummetabolism).

Side Effects

Skin irritation
Rash
Burning and stinging sensations
Dry skin
Itchy skin
Redness of the skin
Inflammation of the skin (dermatitis)
Worsening of psoriasis
Eczema
Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
Changes to the color (pigmentation) of the skin.

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then stop taking calcipotriol and inform your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Precautions

Precautions

To make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using calcipotriol it is important that your doctor knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.
If you have been told you have a form of psoriasis known as erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis. This is because more severe forms of psoriasis like these should only be treated by a skin specialist doctor.
If you have been told you have high calcium levels in your blood, or if your body has problems processing calcium.
If you are taking any other medicines or using any other skin preparations. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Interactions

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking including prescription medicines and medicines you have bought over the counter without a prescription. Tell your doctor if you are taking vitamins or complementary remedies such as herbal products, as these can also interact with medicines.

Overdose & Brands

Excessive use of calcipotriol may cause high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). These return to normal levels when you stop using calcipotriol. If overdose is suspected, bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

Available brands:

Daivonex (Leo Pharma)