Known as calcipotriene (Dovonex®) in the United States, calcipotriol is available as an ointment, cream and scalp solution at a concentration of 50µg/g. In New Zealand, it is called Daivonex®, and, from 1 July 2016, only the ointment is marketed. Calcipotriol is not available in tablet or injection form.
Is Daivonex the same as calcitriol?
Calcipotriol (INN) or calcipotriene (USAN) is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis, marketed under the trade name "Dovonex" in the United States, "Daivonex" outside North America, and "Psorcutan" in Germany.
Is Dovonex (calcipotriene) effective for psoriasis?
Dean R. Goodless, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in psoriasis. Dovonex (calcipotriene) is a topical cream containing calcipotriene monohydrate, a synthetic vitamin D derivative. It was approved for use in 1991 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.
What is calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis.
Is dovobet the same as calcipotriol?
(Calcipotriol is a vitamin D derivative) Dovobet also called Daivobet in some counties comes in Red & White tubes and is Betamethasone & Calcipotriol based. (Betamethasone is a potent glucocorticoid steroid)
What is the generic for Dovonex?
calcipotriene cream;topical If you purchase medications online, be sure you are buying from a reputable and valid online pharmacy.
What is the brand name of calcipotriol?
Brand-name versions The calcipotriene cream is available as the brand-name product Dovonex. There's no brand-name version of the calcipotriene ointment or solution. Note: The aerosol foam form of topical calcipotriene is only available as the brand-name product Sorilux.
What is the difference between calcipotriene and calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is safe for long-term application in psoriatic skin conditions. It was patented in 1985 and approved for medical use in 1991.
Can Dovonex make psoriasis worse?
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) Worsening of your psoriasis • Skin inflammation • Redness of the skin • Flaking skin • Burning or stinging feeling • Skin irritation • Itching skin • Pain in the area where the medicine is used.
Can you buy calcipotriol over the counter?
No, calcipotriene is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. There are some more affordable over-the-counter options available for treating psoriasis that may or may not be appropriate for you.
How long can you use calcipotriol for?
Topical treatment of stable plaque psoriasis vulgaris amenable to topical therapy in adults. Calcipotriol/Betamethasone ointment should be applied to the affected area once daily. The recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. There is experience with repeated courses of Calcipotriol/Betamethasone up to 52 weeks.
How long does it take for calcipotriol to work?
Calcipotriene controls psoriasis but does not cure it. You may see some improvement in your condition after 2 weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks before you feel the full benefit of calcipotriene.
How long can I use Dovonex for?
Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.
What is Dovonex good for?
Dovonex (calcipotriene) is a synthetic topical (for the skin) form of vitamin D used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).
Which drug worsens psoriasis?
Certain drugs have been linked strongly to psoriasis. Examples of these include beta-blockers, lithium, antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, interferons, imiquimod, and terbinafine.
Does Dovonex thin the skin?
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin thinning/discoloration, stretch marks, "hair bumps" (folliculitis), unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
What is the best and safest treatment for psoriasis?
Topical therapy. Corticosteroids. These drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available as oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays and shampoos.
What is the generic name for calcitriol?
Calcitriol (Rocaltrol) is a strong form of vitamin D used to raise calcium levels. It's commonly used in people with kidney and parathyroid problems.
What is the brand name for apremilast?
Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine used to treat adult patients with: Plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Active psoriatic arthritis.
What type of drug is calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is a topical synthetic vitamin D2 derivative used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Calcipotriol (INN) or calcipotriene (USAN) is a sythetic derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D.
What class of drug is calcipotriol?
Calcipotriene is in a class of medications called synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives. It works by slowing the excessive production of skin cells.
How to stop calcipotriol from getting on skin?
Wash your hands well after using any calcipotriol preparation. This will help to prevent calcipotriol getting on to any areas of your skin which are unaffected by psoriasis, and causing irritation. Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than normal while you are using calcipotriol.
Why does calcipotriol cause scaly skin?
Psoriasis is caused by cells in the outer layer of your skin multiplying faster than normal. This causes the older and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin , causing the scaly patches. Calcipotriol works by slowing this overproduction of skin cells which eases the inflamed, scaly areas. It is similar to vitamin D, which is ...
Is calcipotriol a steroid?
Sometimes calcipotriol is used in combination with a steroid medicine called betamethasone (as in a brand called Dovobet®).
Can psoriasis be treated with calcium?
This is because more severe forms of psoriasis like these should only be treated by a skin specialist doctor. If you have been told you have high calcium levels in your blood, or if your body has problems processing calcium. If you are taking any other medicines or using any other skin preparations.
Can you take other medicines without a prescription?
If you are taking any other medicines or using any other skin preparations. This includes any medicines which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
Can you use calcipotriol on your hands?
Remember to wash your hands well after using calcipotriol. This will help to prevent accidentally getting it on other areas of your skin, which could cause irritation.
Can you take too much calcipotriol?
The manufacturer's instructions state that you should not use more than a maximum amount of calcipotriol, as otherwise you may get too much calcium in your blood which can cause side-effects. Do not use more than:
What is the medical use of calcipotriol?
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the chief medical use of calcipotriol. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of alopecia areata.
What is calcipotriol metabolized to?
After application and systemic uptake, calcipotriol undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism. Calcipotriol is metabolized to MC1046 (the α,β−unsaturated ketone analog), which is subsequently metabolized to its primary metabolite, the saturated ketone analog MC1080. MC1080 is then slowly metabolized to calcitroic acid.
Is calcipotriol less potent than its parent compound?
The metabolites of calcipotriol are less potent than the parent compound.
When was Dovonex approved?
It was patented in 1985 and approved for medical use in 1991. It is marketed under the trade name "Dovonex" in the United States, "Daivonex" outside North America, and "Psorcutan" in Germany.
Is calcipotriol a compound?
Calcipotriol is a white to almost white crystalline compound.
Is calcipotriene safe for psoriasis?
It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is safe for long-term application in psoriatic skin conditions. It was patented in 1985 and approved for medical use in 1991.
Does calcipotriol help with psoriasis?
The efficacy of calcipotriol in the treatment of psoriasis was first noticed by the observation of patients receiving various forms of vitamin D in an osteoporosis study. Unexpectedly, some patients who also suffered from psoriasis experienced dramatic reductions in lesion counts.
How to use Dovonex?
Dovonex ointment is for use on your skin and should not be swallowed or applied to your face. To use Dovonex , wash your hands thoroughly, remove the cap from the tube and use the point on the back of the cap to pierce the seal of the tube. Apply a generous layer of ointment to the affected area and rub it into the skin gently. Unless you are applying Dovonex to the skin of your hands, you should wash your hands thoroughly after use to prevent spread to other parts of the body. When using a moisturiser, you should wait until it has been completely absorbed before applying Dovonex.
What is Dovonex used for?
Dovonex ointment is a medicine commonly prescribed for psoriasis. It’s a ointment that contains calcipotriol, a form of Vitamin D, and it works by slowing the production of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
How long does it take for Dovonex to work?
If Dovonex is applied daily, you should start to see an improvement in your psoriasis symptoms after 2 weeks.
What is Dovonex ointment?
Dovonex ointment is a widely prescribed antipsoriatic drug. It’s a topical cream containing Calcipotriol, a form of Vitamin D, and it works by slowing the production of skin cells and reducing inflammation.
What happens if you take too much Dovonex?
If you use too much Dovonex, tell your doctor straight away. Using too much Dovonex can increase the level of calcium in your blood. If you forget to use Dovonex, use it as soon as you remember and apply your next dose at the usual time.
Can you use Dovonex on your face?
Dovonex should not be applied to the face, or used to treat psoriasis in children under the age of 6 years old.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Dovonex?
You can drink alcohol while using Dovonex. However, you should be aware that drinking a lot of alcohol can cause psoriasis to get worse, as alcohol dehydrates the skin.
Why is Dovonex not recommended for children?
Because children have smaller skin surface areas, there is a greater likelihood of drug overexposure and adverse side effects if they use Dovonex. This is why the drug is not recommended for use in people under age 18. Coping and Living Well With Plaque Psoriasis.
When was Dovonex first used?
Since its introduction in 1991 , Dovonex has been used by clinicians for a variety of off-label purposes (meaning that it hasn't been approved for such use by the FDA). Some of the more common off-label uses include: Nail psoriasis. Vitiligo.
How long does it take for Dovonex to clear psoriasis?
According to the FDA, preclinical studies reported a 50% reduction in psoriasis symptoms after eight weeks of Dovonex use, although only 4% of users achieved complete clearance.
What temperature should Dovonex be stored at?
Dovonex can be stored safely at room temperature, ideally between 59 and 77 degrees F.
When was Dovonex approved?
It was approved for use in 1991 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Dovonex is generally well tolerated with few side effects. It is sometimes combined with betamethasone dipropionate, a topical steroid, to treat plaque psoriasis (also known as psoriasis vulgaris).
When to discontinue Dovonex?
If skin irritation is significant and/or does not resolve within the first few days of treatment, discontinue Dovonex use.
Does Dovonex cause hypercalcemia?
Dovonex should be applied to no more than 20% of the body. While overuse may not cause toxicity, per se, doing so is likely to cause hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels). This can weaken your bones and increase the risk of kidney stones. Dovonex may cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn.
What other drugs will affect Dovonex?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
What is Dovonex used for?
It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells. Dovonex is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches). Dovonex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I avoid while using Dovonex?
Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Dovonex, unless your doctor tells you to.
How long does it take for Dovonex to work?
Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply Dovonex. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.
Can you use Dovonex on your face?
Dovonex is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Do not apply this medicine to your face. Do not use Dovonex to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
What are the side effects of calcium?
high calcium levels - confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss. it ching. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
What happens if you are allergic to Dovonex?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Dovonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog, which is a man-made form of vitamin D3. When applied directly to your skin, it slows down cell growth and shrinks the size of your psoriatic patches.
How much does calcipotriene cost?
Calcipotriene is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
What are the side effects of calcipotriene?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
What are the risks and warnings for calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene 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
Is calcipotriene a steroid?
No, calcipotriene is not considered a steroid medication, but it's a form of vitamin D instead. Steroid medications help treat many skin conditions by making your immune system less active and reducing inflammation, which is not how calcipotriene works. Also, steroid medications tend to cause more side effects.
Can calcipotriene cure psoriasis?
Not a cure for psoriasis, and very few people will have complete hea ling by using calcipotriene alone
Can you use calcipotriene cream on your scalp?
You can apply the calcipotriene cream to the affected areas of your body. The ointment and foam forms of this medication can also be used on your body. If you need to treat symptoms on your scalp, talk to your healthcare provider to get a prescription for the foam or solution form of the medication.
What is Dovonex called?
Dovonex also called Daivonex in some countries comes in Blue & White tubes and is Calcipotriol based. (Calcipotriol is a vitamin D derivative)
How long does dovobet ointment last?
Dovobet ointment should be applied to affected areas once daily. The recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. If it is necessary to continue or restart treatment after this period, treatment should be continued after medical review and under regular medical supervision.
Can you use Dovobet with UVR?
During Dovobet ointment treatment, physicians are recommended to advise patients to limit or avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight. Topical calcipotriol should be used with UVR only if the physician and patient consider that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Is Dovobet ointment contraindicated?
Due to the content of corticosteroid, Dovobet ointment is contraindicated in the following conditions: Viral (e.g. herpes or varicella) lesions of the skin, fungal or bacterial skin infections, parasitic infections, skin manifestations in relation to tuberculosis or syphilis, perioral dermatitis, atrophic skin, striae atrophicae, fragility of skin veins, ichthyosis, acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, rosacea, ulcers, wounds, perianal and genital pruritus.
Can topical meds cause hypercalcemia?
Systemic effects after topical use may appear very rarely causing hypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria.
Does Dovobet cause dermatitis?
Dovobet ointment contains butylated hydroxytoluene (E 321), which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
Can you use Dovobet ointment on guttate psoriasis?
There is no experience for the use of Dovobet ointment in guttate psoriasis.
Overview
Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is safe for long-term application in psoriatic skin conditions.
It was patented in 1985 and approved for medical use in 1991. It is marketed under the trade name "Dovonex" in the United States, "Daivonex" outside Nort…
Medical uses
Chronic plaque psoriasis is the chief medical use of calcipotriol. It has also been used successfully in the treatment of alopecia areata.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, use on face, hypercalcaemia, or evidence of vitamin D toxicity are the only contraindications for calcipotriol use.
Cautions include exposure to excessive natural or artificial light, due to the potential for calcipotriol to cause photosensitivity.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects by frequency:
Very common (> 10% frequency)
• Burning
• Itchiness
• Skin irritation
Interactions
No drug interactions are known.
Pharmacology
The efficacy of calcipotriol in the treatment of psoriasis was first noticed by the observation of patients receiving various forms of vitamin D in an osteoporosis study. Unexpectedly, some patients who also had psoriasis experienced dramatic reductions in lesion counts.
The precise mechanism of calcipotriol in remitting psoriasis is not well understood. However, it has been shown to have comparable affinity with calcitriol for the vitamin D receptor (VDR), while …
Chemistry
Calcipotriol is a white to almost white crystalline compound.
External links
• "Calcipotriene". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.