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Calcitriol Coupon - Calcitriol 100g of 3mcg/g tube of ointment

calcitriol

Generic Vectical
Used for Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis
Used for Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 16, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)?

What is Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) used for?

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.

Are you looking for information on calcitriol capsules (Rocaltrol) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVectical
Drug ClassVitamin D analogue
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$599.060
GoodRx discount
$599.06
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Itchiness

Source: DailyMed

The following 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 to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)

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Pros

Generally well tolerated with very few side effects

Safe to use on children age 2 or older

Available as a lower-cost generic

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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

Pharmacist tips for Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)

pharmacist

  • 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.

          • Keep calcitriol ointment (Vectical) somewhere safe at room temperature. Don't refrigerate or freeze the medication.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)

            How well does calcitriol ointment (Vectical) work?
            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.
            Is calcitriol ointment (Vectical) over the counter?
            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.
            Is calcitriol ointment (Vectical) a steroid?
            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.
            Can calcitriol ointment (Vectical) cause hair thinning?
            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.
            Can you use calcitriol ointment (Vectical) on your face?
            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.
            What's the difference between calcitriol (Vectical) and calcipotriene?
            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.
            Is calcitriol ointment (Vectical) safe during pregnancy?
            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.
            Can you use calcitriol ointment (Vectical) while breastfeeding?
            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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            What are the 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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              dosage

              Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 tube of 100g of 3mcg/g of Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) is $685.39 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 34.86% off the average retail price of $1052.23.
              tube of ointment
              Tube of ointment
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              100g of 3mcg/g1 tube$685.39$685.39

              Typical dosing 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.

              drug-cost

              How much does Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Vectical (brand)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $685.39

              (save 34.86%)
              Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $599.06

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              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Calcitriol ointment (Vectical). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Calcitriol ointment (Vectical)
              Used for:
              $599.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Calcipotriene
              Used for:
              $55.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Tazarotene (Tazorac)
              Used for:
              $40.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Calcitriol ointment (Vectical) images

              white - Calcitriol 3mcg / g Topical Ointment
              This medicine is White Tube Of Ointment.white - Calcitriol 3mcg / g Topical Ointment

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Gil, A., et al. (2018). Vitamin D: Classic and novel actions. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism.

              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.

              Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). Calcitriol ointment [package insert]. DailyMed.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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