betamethasone / calcipotriene
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is a combination medication used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It contains betamethasone (a topical corticosteroid) and calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D). Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is available as brand name and generic ointment and topical suspension. The suspension can be applied to the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks, while the ointment can be applied once daily for 4 weeks. Side effects can include itching and a burning sensation on the skin.
What is Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)?
What is Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) used for?
How Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) works
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is a combination of two medications that help treat psoriasis.
- Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells to prevent skin patches in psoriasis.
- Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid (meaning it's applied to the outside of your body). It blocks swelling (inflammation) to relieve redness and itching.
Drug facts
Side effects of Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itching (3%)
- Headache (3%)
- Runny nose, sore throat (2%)
- Itching (4%)
- Psoriasis (2%)
- Skin redness (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Scaly rash
- Skin irritation
- Skin burning
- Inflamed hair pores (folliculitis)
- Lightening of skin color at the site of application
The following Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
- Change in vision
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
- High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Sensitivity to light
- Small, red, pus-filled bumps on skin around hair follicles
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Pros and cons of Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Pros
- Only need to apply it once a day
- Combines two medications for convenience
- Comes in an ointment and suspension
- Available in lower-cost generic versions
Cons
- Might need to use for many weeks
- Can cause skin irritation
- Can't be used in children under 12 years of age
- Not available over the counter
Pharmacist tips for Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
- Wash your hands before and after you use Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone), unless you're treating your hands.
- Don't use Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) on sensitive areas such as your face, underarms, or groin unless your prescriber told you to do so.
- Try not to get Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) in your eyes. If it gets in your eyes or on your face, wash the area well with water as soon as possible. If you continue to have irritation, contact your prescriber.
- If you're using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension, shake the bottle well each time before you use it. Keep in mind that once it has been opened, Taxclonex suspension (and its generics) is only good for 6 months.
- If you're using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension on your scalp, don't wash your hair right after applying it, and don't apply it within 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments have been applied to your hair.
- Don't cover areas treated with Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) with bandages or dressings, unless your prescriber tells you to do so. This can cause more medication to be absorbed and can lead to more side effects.
- Avoid spending too much time in the sunlight, tanning beds, and sunlamps, since Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you need to be in the sun, you should wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Don't use other medications containing calcipotriene or a corticosteroid at the same time as Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) without consulting your prescriber first. Doing so can cause more side effects.
- Speak to your prescriber about how long you should use Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone). It should be used for the shortest time possible to treat your psoriasis symptoms. Typically, the Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension should be used for no longer than 2 months, while Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) ointment should be used for a maximum of 1 month.
- Tell your care team if you become pregnant while using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone). It's unclear whether this medication is safe to use during pregnancy. Based on animal studies of calcipotriene and on reports from people using high-potency topical corticosteroids, there's a chance that Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) might cause harm during pregnancy.
- It's unclear whether Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is safe to use during nursing. Talk with your dermatologist about the risks and benefits of using this medication if you're breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeeding while using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone), avoid applying the medication to the nipple or area around it to lower your baby's risk of exposure to the medication.
Common questions about Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Yes, Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) contains a topical steroid(betamethasone). Betamethasone works to treat psoriasis by lowering inflammation in the skin. This helps relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
You should avoid using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) on the face, unless your prescriber instructed you to use it there. This is because the steroid medication in Taclonex, betamethasone, is considered a medium-to-high potency corticosteroid. Typically, this type of steroid shouldn't be used on or near sensitive skin areas, like the face, because the skin is thinner and doing so can result in more side effects. If you need a corticosteroid for the face, your dermatologist might recommend a low-potency corticosteroid to minimize the risk of side effects.
The manufacturer doesn't state how long you need to leave Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension on your scalp. But instruction does say that you should avoid showering or washing your hair right after applying it. Leaving Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) on your skin for as long as possible will help the medication work best for your psoriasis.
No. Don't wash Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) off of your scalp or body after applying it. You should leave the medication on for as long as possible.
Yes, Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) can expire. There should be an expiration date on your product. Don't use the medication past this date, because it's unclear whether it will still work well or be safe after this date. If you're using the Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension, it's only good for 6 months after it has been opened. After this time, throw it away. If your Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is expired, ask your prescriber or pharmacist about a refill.
Yes. Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is available as both a generic ointment and generic suspension.
No, Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) isn't available over the counter (OTC). You can only get it with a prescription from your dermatologist or other healthcare professional. There are treatments for psoriasis that are available OTC, such as hydrocortisone 1%, which is a low-potency corticosteroid.
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Risks and warnings for Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
High calcium levels
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) can cause high calcium levels in your blood or urine. Your healthcare team might order lab tests to check your calcium levels while you're taking this medication to make sure they're within a safe range. If your calcium levels are too high, they might ask you to stop this medication until the levels return to a safe range. If you have concerns, speak to your care team.
Changes in stress hormone levels
- Risk factors: Using high potency (strong) corticosteroids | Large treatment areas | Long-term use | Using more than one corticosteroid product | Liver failure | Children | Broken skin | Using occlusive dressings
Taclonex contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid. This is a man-made version of cortisol, the stress hormone naturally made by the body. Using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) for a long time can lead to symptoms of too much stress hormone, including weight gain and higher blood sugar levels. Children are at a higher risk, since more medication might be absorbed.
In addition, using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) over a longer period of time can cause your body to stop making its own stress hormone. When you stop this medication, it takes a while for the body to ramp up making its own stress hormone again. During this time, you might experience topical steroid withdrawal symptoms, such as itchy or burning skin. If you need to stop Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone), your healthcare team can help you do so safely by lowering your dose slowly over time.
Talk with your healthcare team if you're concerned about any of these side effects.
Allergic skin reaction
Some people can experience an allergic skin reaction to the ingredients in Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone). Speak to your prescriber if you develop a skin rash from using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone), or if your symptoms aren't getting better.
Cataracts and glaucoma
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) might raise your risk of glaucoma (raised pressure in your eye) and cataracts. You should avoid using this medication near your eyes. If you notice any vision changes, such as blurred vision, eye pain, or tunnel vision, let your care team know.
Sun sensitivity
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds while using Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone), and wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside to prevent skin damage.
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) dosage
Typical dosage for Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Taclonex and its generics contain calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone 0.064%.
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) ointment:
- Adults and children 12 years and older: Apply to the affected area(s) once daily for up to 4 weeks.
Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) suspension:
- Adults and children 12 years and older: Apply to the affected area(s) on the scalp and body once daily until psoriasis is under control or for up to 8 weeks. (The age cut might be different if you're using the generic version of this medication).
Adults shouldn't use more than 100 grams per week. Children 12 to 17 years old shouldn't use more than 60 grams per week. When using the ointment, the medication should cover no greater than 30% of the body.
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