Vectical vs. Dovonex for Plaque Psoriasis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Calcitriol ointment

(Vectical)

Calcipotriene

Summary for Vectical

Prescription only

Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) is used to treat an autoimmune skin condition called plaque psoriasis in adults and children 2 years and older. It's a form of vitamin D, or a vitamin D analogue, that's thought to help regulate the immune system to treat psoriasis. The ointment is applied onto affected areas of the body twice a day. Side effects might include skin discomfort. This prescription medication is available under the brand name Vectical and as a lower-cost generic.

Indications for Vectical

Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis

Pros and Cons for Vectical

Pros

Generally well tolerated with very few side effects
Safe to use on children age 2 or older
Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Not for severe plaque psoriasis
Can't apply onto the face
Might not be the best option for people who are taking calcium supplements or high doses of vitamin D

Common Side Effects for Vectical

High calcium levels in the blood (24%)
Skin discomfort (3%)

Warnings for Vectical

High calcium levels

Summary for Dovonex

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Dovonex

Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution

Pros and Cons for Dovonex

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

Common Side Effects for Dovonex

Skin irritation
Temporary burning, stinging, or tingling feeling on the skin
Skin redness
Dry skin
Rash
Itching
Worsening psoriasis

Warnings for Dovonex

Allergic reaction
Higher calcium levels
Flammable (foam and solution only)

Prices with our coupons for Vectical vs. Dovonex

Calcitriol1 tube / 100g of 3mcg/g

$162.48$551.09

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Calcipotriene1 tube / 60g of 0.005%

$55.90$422.98

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Vectical vs. Dovonex

Calcitriol ointment

Calcipotriene

Summary for Vectical

Indications for Vectical

Pros and Cons for Vectical

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vectical

Warnings for Vectical

Summary for Dovonex

Indications for Dovonex

Pros and Cons for Dovonex

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dovonex

Warnings for Dovonex

Prices with our coupons for Vectical vs. Dovonex

Browse medications by letter

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Calcitriol ointment

Calcipotriene

Summary for Vectical

Indications for Vectical

Pros and Cons for Vectical

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Vectical

Warnings for Vectical

Summary for Dovonex

Indications for Dovonex

Pros and Cons for Dovonex

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dovonex

Warnings for Dovonex