What calcipotriol is for

Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis which affects the skin and scalp.

It's a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D can help psoriasis plaques get better by slowing down how fast your skin cells grow.

Some medicines containing calcipotriol also contain steroids (corticosteroids), which help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

How to use calcipotriol

Calcipotriol comes as an ointment or lotion. Most people need to use calcipotriol once or twice a day on areas affected by psoriasis.

The ointment is usually used for treating your skin, and the lotion (scalp solution) is usually used for your scalp.

Your doctor will give you advice on how much to use, and how long to use it for. It's important not to use more than the maximum weekly amount of calcipotriol because it can cause serious side effects, such as increased calcium levels in your blood.

Check the leaflet that came with your medicine to find out the maximum weekly amount, or ask a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure.

Wash your hands thoroughly after using calcipotriol so it does not get on other parts of your body. Do not use it on your face because it can cause skin irritation.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

Keep away from flames and cigarettes when using calcipotriol because it can easily catch fire.

Important

You may need to limit or avoid spending time in the sun, or using UV light treatments while using calcipotriol. It can cause your skin to be easily irritated by UV light.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you advice about how to reduce the risk of side effects while you're using it.

If you miss a dose of calcipotriol

If you forget to use a dose of calcipotriol, use the next dose when you remember.

Do not use 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you use too much calcipotriol

Using more calcipotriol ointment or lotion than you should is unlikely to cause problems. But avoid regularly using too much because it can increase the risk of side effects.

Urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible if:

you've been using more than your prescribed dose of calcipotriol

If you're unable to speak to a pharmacist, or you used too much on purpose, call NHS 111 for advice.

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If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the calcipotriol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of calcipotriol

Like all medicines, calcipotriol can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of calcipotriol can include:

skin problems such as itchy skin, a rash or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
pain, burning, or stinging in the affected area
your psoriasis getting worse

Calcipotriol will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Non-urgent advice: Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how you can reduce the side effects. Keep using your medicine unless you're advised to stop.

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Serious side effects

Calcipotriol can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of calcipotriol can include:

an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) - causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash and difficulty breathing
having too much calcium in your blood - causing symptoms such as needing to pee more often, a dry mouth, a metallic taste in your mouth, muscle pain or weakness and loss of appetite

Immediate action required: Call 999 if:

you're using calcipotriol and think you might be having anaphylaxis

If you think you're having any other serious side effect, call NHS 111.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of calcipotriol.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.

Who can and cannot use calcipotriol

Most adults and children aged 6 years or over can use calcipotriol.

But calcipotriol is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had a previous allergic reaction or serious side effect from using calcipotriol
you have erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis
you have kidney or liver problems
you've been told by a doctor that you have high or low levels of calcium in your body
you're having ultraviolet (UV) light treatment

Before using calcipotriol, it's important to tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and calcipotriol

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Calcipotriol can sometimes be used while breastfeeding but you must get advice first.

If your doctor says you can use calcipotriol while you're breastfeeding, do not use it on your breasts.

Pregnancy and calcipotriol

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Calcipotriol is not usually used during pregnancy because it's not known if it may cause problems with how your baby develops.

Using calcipotriol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with calcipotriol.

This includes:

vitamin D and calcium supplements, and supplements that contain vitamin D or calcium
some types of diuretic medicines, such as indapamide
medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, including digoxin

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with calcipotriol. Before using it, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Calcipotriol - Common brands: Dovonex