calcipotriene
Calcipotriene is a topical form of vitamin D that helps treat plaque psoriasis. It comes in many different dosage forms, such as a cream, ointment, foam, and solution. Calcipotriene is typically applied to the affected skin once or twice a day, depending on the form you have. Most forms are available as both brand-name and generic versions, except for the cream. The brand name for the calcipotriene cream, Dovonex, isn't available anymore, but there's still a generic version of it. Some side effects include skin irritation, burning, and stinging.
What is Calcipotriene?
What is Calcipotriene used for?
Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution
How Calcipotriene works
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analogue, which is a lab-made form of vitamin D. When the medication is applied directly to your skin, it's thought to slow down cell growth. This might help shrink the size of your psoriatic patches.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Calcipotriene?
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation
- Temporary burning, stinging, or tingling feeling on the skin
- Skin redness
- Dry skin
- Rash
- Itching
- Worsening psoriasis
Other Side Effects
- Application site pain
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Confusion
discouragement
feeling sad or empty
headache
incoherent speech
increased urination
irritability
lack of appetite
loss of interest or pleasure
metallic taste
muscle weakness
stomach pain
thirst
tiredness
trouble concentrating
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness
vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Burning, dryness, irritation, peeling, or redness of the skin
Less common
Pain at the application site
Rare
Darker color in the treated areas of the skin
pus in the hair follicles
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Calcipotriene
Pros
Usually helps improve your skin condition after 2 weeks of treatment
Generally safe to use and has few side effects
Available in different formulations (e.g., cream, foam, ointment, solution), depending on your specific needs
Cons
Probably need to use with topical steroids for the greatest benefits
Not a cure for plaque psoriasis; only manages symptoms
Not all formulations approved for children
Pharmacist tips for Calcipotriene
Follow the instructions for the specific form of calcipotriene you have because they might have different instructions. After you apply a thin layer of calcipotriene to the affected area(s) of your skin, be sure to rub the medication in gently and completely.
For treating scalp psoriasis with the calcipotriene foam or solution, make sure your hair is dry and that you comb it to get rid of any loose flakes or dandruff before you apply the medication. Part your hair to place the medication directly to the affected area. Avoid getting calcipotriene onto the forehead.
Avoid getting calcipotriene on your face, in your eyes, or areas of skin that don't have psoriatic plaques. Wash your hands after you apply the medication (unless you're treating your hands). This helps prevent getting the medication on areas of skin that tend to get irritated more easily. Rinse the area well with water if the medication gets on the face, in or near the eyes, or any other irritated area.
The skin and the surrounding areas where you applied calcipotriene can get temporarily irritated. Talk to your prescriber if your symptoms or skin irritation become worse as you use calcipotriene.
Avoid being in the sun for too long or going to tanning salons while you're using calcipotriene. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you're outside. Your skin can become more sensitive to sunlight, which can make it easier for you to get sunburns.
Speak with your dermatologist if you don't see improvement in your skin condition after several weeks of using calcipotriene. The dermatologist can discuss other medications and self-care methods to help manage your psoriasis.
Frequently asked questions about Calcipotriene
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What are the risks and warnings for Calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene 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.
Allergic reaction
It's possible for calcipotriene to cause an allergic reaction on your skin. Allergic reactions can look like skin redness, skin that's hot to the touch, and itchy skin. If this happens, stop using calcipotriene and talk to your prescriber.
Higher calcium levels
Risk factors: Using too much calcipotriene on the skin
Some people who use calcipotriene might have higher calcium levels for a brief amount of time. It's possible for some medication to absorb through your skin. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D, and vitamin D can affect the levels of calcium in the body. Changes to your calcium levels from treatment are reversible.
Contact your prescriber if you have symptoms of high calcium levels like weakness, fatigue, low appetite, or unusual mood changes while you're using calcipotriene. Your prescriber might check your calcium levels to check whether it's too high. You'll probably need to stop using this medication until your calcium levels go back to usual.
Flammable (foam and solution only)
The calcipotriene foams and solutions are flammable. Avoid fires, flames, and smoking when you're applying calcipotriene onto the skin and also right afterwards. Keep the foam or solution away from heat, direct sunlight, or very high temperatures.
Calcipotriene dosage forms
Typical dosing for Calcipotriene
Adults: Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) of your skin 2 times daily.
Trionex cream and dressing kit
Adults: Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected area(s) of your skin 2 times daily. Apply a transparent dressing to the affected area as needed for protection.
Calcitrene brand name and generic calcipotriene ointment
Adults: Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area(s) of your skin 1 or 2 times daily.
Sorilux brand name and generic calcipotriene foam
People ages 4 years and older: Apply a thin layer of foam to the affected area(s) of your skin or scalp 2 times daily.
Generic calcipotriene solution
Adults: Apply the solution to the affected area(s) of your scalp 2 times daily.
Interactions between Calcipotriene and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Calcipotriene cost?
Calcipotriene contraindications
What are alternatives to Calcipotriene?
Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution
Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis
What is the latest news about Calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene images
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References
Best studies we foundCosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Calcipotriene- calcipotriene solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Dlott, A. H., et al. (2024). Calcipotriol and 5-fluorouracil combination therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis in the clinic: A review article. Clinical Drug Investigation.
Gil, Á., et al. (2018). Vitamin D: Classic and novel actions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism.
Golden State Medical Supply, Inc. (2024). Calcipotriene- calcipotriene cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Kim, G. K. (2010). The rationale behind topical vitamin d analogs in the treatment of psoriasis: Where does topical calcitriol fit in? The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Luger, T. A., et al. (2008). A study of the safety and efficacy of calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate scalp formulation in the long-term management of scalp psoriasis. Dermatology.
Mayne Pharma. (2024). Calcipotriene aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
Mayne Pharma. (2024). Sorilux- calcipotriene aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Psoriasis Foundation. (n.d.). Plaque psoriasis.
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2019). Calcitrene- calcipotriene ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (2024). Calcipotriene ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.
V2 Pharma, LLC. (2023). Trionex- calcipotriene cream, 0.005% and transparent dressing kit [package insert]. DailyMed.
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