calcitriol
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.
What is Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)?
What is Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) used for?
- Mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis
How Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) works
Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) is a vitamin D analog, a form of vitamin D. It's not known how it exactly works to treat psoriasis, which is an autoimmune skin condition. But some studies suggest that vitamin D can help calm down your immune system. This might lessen skin inflammation and slow down how fast skin cells are made, which are both involved in psoriasis.
Drug facts
Side effects of Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
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
- High calcium levels in the blood (24%)
- Skin discomfort (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itchiness
The following Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) 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
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- High calcium level—increased thirst or amount of urine, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual weakness or fatigue, bone pain
- High phosphorus level—muscle pain or cramps, bone or joint pain, numbness and tingling around the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Upset stomach
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Pros and cons of Calcitriol ointment (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
Pharmacist tips for Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
- Apply just enough calcitriol ointment (Vectical) to cover the area(s) of skin that has psoriasis only. Gently rub the ointment into the skin until you don't see the medication anymore. Apply in the morning and at night.
- Only apply calcitriol ointment (Vectical) on top of the skin. Avoid applying the ointment onto the face or lips. Don't put the medication into your mouth, eyes, or vagina because it can be harmful.
- Wash your hands after you apply calcitriol ointment (Vectical) onto the skin, unless you're treating psoriasis on your hands. Washing your hands helps prevent leftover medication from getting onto other things, including your mouth or eyes.
- Don't place a waterproof bandage over the area(s) where you applied calcitriol ointment (Vectical). This lowers your chances of getting more medication absorbed into the skin and having side effects.
- Be sure to let your care team know about any medications or supplements you're taking or planning to take. Calcium supplements, medications that can raise your calcium levels, and high doses of vitamin D can put you at risk of having high calcium levels while you're using calcitriol ointment (Vectical).
- Keep calcitriol ointment (Vectical) somewhere safe at room temperature. Don't refrigerate or freeze the medication.
Common questions about Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
In clinical studies, about 20% of people who used calcitriol ointment (Vectical) twice daily on areas of plaque psoriasis saw skin improvement after 2 months of treatment. Some people had clear skin, while others had skin that looked light red or pink, dry with some white color, or slightly raised. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about how well calcitriol ointment (Vectical) is helping to improve your psoriasis.
No, calcitriol ointment (Vectical) isn't available over the counter. You need a prescription for the medication from a healthcare professional so that you can get it from the pharmacy.
No, calcitriol ointment (Vectical) isn't a steroid. Instead, it's a form of vitamin D. Steroid medications and vitamin D analogues work differently to make your immune system less active and to lessen skin inflammation. In fact, topical steroids and vitamin D analogues are sometimes used together to help with psoriasis.
Hair thinning wasn't a side effect that people who used calcitriol ointment (Vectical) reported during clinical studies. Speak with your care team if you experience hair thinning or hair loss while you're taking this medication. Your care team can examine you and discuss possible reasons why this might be happening.
No, you shouldn't apply calcitriol ointment (Vectical) onto your face, even if you have psoriasis there. The skin on your face, especially around your eyes and lips, is sensitive, so these areas can become irritated if you apply the medication there. Speak with your prescriber about your options if you need to treat psoriasis on your face.
Calcitriol (Vectical) and calcipotriene are similar topical medications that can help treat plaque psoriasis on the body. Calcitriol (Vectical) comes as an ointment only, whereas calcipotriene comes as either an ointment or cream. Calcipotriene has other formulations that can also treat symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp. Speak with your prescriber for more information about comparing calcitriol (Vectical) and calcipotriene. They can discuss which option is best for your needs.
It's not known if using calcitriol ointment (Vectical) during pregnancy is safe for you or your unborn baby. Speak with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of the medication if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Maybe. Speak with your prescriber about whether you should use calcitriol ointment (Vectical) while breastfeeding. It's not known whether the medication can get into breast milk after it's absorbed through the skin. But if you decide to breastfeed, make sure to avoid applying calcitriol ointment (Vectical) to your nipples and the areas surrounding them. This helps prevent medication from getting into your baby's mouth.
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Risks and warnings for Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) 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
- Risk factors: Covering the treated area with a bandage | Taking medications that raise calcium levels, including calcium supplements | Taking a high dose of vitamin D
Some people who used calcitriol ointment (Vectical) had high calcium levels. This might happen because the medication is a form of vitamin D and vitamin D affects the levels of calcium in the body.
Covering the treated area with a bandage while using calcitriol ointment (Vectical) raises the risk of high calcium levels, as it allows more medication to be absorbed through the skin. You might also be at risk if you take calcium supplements, other medications that can raise your calcium levels, and high doses of vitamin D. Let your prescriber know if you have signs or symptoms of high calcium levels, such as weakness, tiredness, low appetite, constipation, and mood changes like depression.
Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) dosage
Tube of ointment| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100g of 3mcg/g | 1 tube | $162.48 | $162.48 |
Typical dosage for Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
Apply calcitriol ointment (Vectical) to the affected areas of your body twice a day (morning and evening).
The maximum amount of medication that you can apply onto the skin each week depends on your age.
- Age 7 years or older: Maximum 200 grams per week.
- Age 2 to 6 years: Maximum 100 grams per week.
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