Calcipotriene for psoriasis

Calcipotriene for psoriasis
Examples
How It Works
Why It Is Used
How Well It Works
Side Effects
What To Think About
References
Credits

Content provided by Healthwise

Examples

Ointment, cream, and solution

Brand Name	Chemical Name
Dovonex	calcipotriene, also known as calcipotriol

Calcipotriene, available by prescription, may be used 2 times a day for 6 to 8 weeks or longer. It may also be used in combination with ultraviolet B (UVB) light.

How It Works

Calcipotriene, which contains vitamin D₃, controls the rapid growth of skin cells.

Why It Is Used

Calcipotriene is used to treat mild to severe plaque forms of psoriasis. It is used on the scalp and skin.

How Well It Works

Calcipotriene, also known as calcipotriol, is considered an effective treatment for psoriasis.¹

These products are usually as effective as corticosteroid creams and ointments.¹

Calcipotriol may delay relapse (flare-ups).¹

Side Effects

Vitamin D preparations applied to the skin do not cause problems when used according to instructions. If the ointment is spread over too much of the body, a large amount of ointment will be absorbed and can cause serious side effects, including:

Skin irritation. Skin may be itchy, red, or tender.
High levels of calcium in the blood.
Stones in the urinary tract.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Calcipotriene is not the same vitamin D found in commercial supplements. Commercial supplements will not help your psoriasis.

Diets that include large amounts of vitamin D are not effective in treating psoriasis.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

Citations
Naldi L, Rzany B (2004). Chronic plaque psoriasis. Clinical Evidence (12): 1–5.

Credits

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Author	Ralph Poore
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Updated	January 6, 2006

Print This

Last updated:	January 06, 2006
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Michele Cronen

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.