Wynzora
Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is a topical cream used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. It's a combination of 2 medications: calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D) and betamethasone (a corticosteroid). This medication is applied to the affected area once a day, for up to 2 months. Potential side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and irritation where you apply it. Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is brand name only and not available as a generic medication.
What is Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)?
What is Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) used for?
How Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) works
Wynzora (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 Wynzora (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
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Irritation at the application site
The following Wynzora (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
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Pros and cons of Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Pros
- Applied just once a day
- Combines two medications into one cream
- Applied directly to the affected area(s)
Cons
- Not an option for children
- Not a long-term treatment for psoriasis
- Brand name medication only
Pharmacist tips for Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
- Wash your hands before and after you use Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone), unless you're treating your hands.
- Don't use Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) on areas of your body that have thinner skin, such as your face, underarms, or groin, unless your prescriber told you to do so.
- If you accidentally get Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) 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.
- Don't cover any affected areas with bandages or dressings unless your prescriber tells you it's okay. 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 Wynzora (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 take other medications containing calcipotriene or a corticosteroid at the same time as Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) without consulting your prescriber first. Doing so can cause more side effects.
- Throw away Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) once it's been open for 6 months. It's unclear whether the medication will still work well or is safe to use after this time.
- Speak to your prescriber about how long you should use Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone). Typically, it should be used for the shortest time possible to treat your psoriasis symptoms, no longer than 2 month.
- Tell your care team if you become pregnant while using Wynzora (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 Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) might cause harm during pregnancy.
- It's unclear whether Wynzora (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 Wynzora (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 Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Yes, one of the medications in Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) called betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid. Betamethasone treats psoriasis by lowering inflammation in the skin. This helps relieve redness, itching, and swelling.
A two-month clinical study showed that about 37% of people who used Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) saw clear or almost clear skin at the end of the study compared to about 4% of people who experienced the same with placebo (a cream with no active medication in it). Before this study, the majority of the people had moderate psoriasis. In addition, the study showed that Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) works similarly well in treating psoriasis when compared to calcipotriene/betamethasone topical suspension. Talk with your dermatologist if you've questions about how well Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) works.
You should avoid applying Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) to your face unless your prescriber gave you instructions to do so. This is because the steroid medication in Wynzora is betamethasone, 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.
No, there isn't a generic version of Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) cream available. But there are other forms of topical betamethasone/calcipotriene, such as ointment and topical suspension, that are available as generics. Talk with your dermatologist if you've questions about these generic medications.
Yes, Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) does expire. There should be an expiration date on your product. Don't use the medication past this date, because it might not work as well anymore. But once you open the tube, the medication is only good for 6 months. After this time, throw it away. If your Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is expired or it has been open for 6 months or longer, ask your prescriber or pharmacist about a refill.
No, Wynzora (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 Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Wynzora (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
Wynzora (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
Wynzora contains betamethasone, a corticosteroid. This is a man-made version of cortisol, the stress hormone naturally made by the body. Using Wynzora (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 Wynzora (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 Wynzora (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 Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone). Speak to your prescriber if you develop a skin rash from using Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone), or if your symptoms aren't getting better.
Cataracts and glaucoma
Wynzora (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.
Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) dosage
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60g of 0.005%/0.064% | 1 tube | $250.00 | $250.00 |
Typical dosage for Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
Wynzora cream contains calcipotriene 0.005% and betamethasone 0.064%.
- Adults: Apply to the affected area(s) once a day for up to 8 weeks. Don't use more than 100 grams per week.
How much does Wynzora (calcipotriene / betamethasone) cost?
$250.00
