Dovonex

Dovonex (Calcipotriol) is usually applied twice daily (in the morning and evening) to the affected areas of the skin. If needed, it may be applied once daily for maintenance treatment. When used in combination with topical corticosteroids, it can be applied once daily, at a different time of day than the other medication. When used in combination with cyclosporin A or acitretin, it can be used twice daily.

The maximum weekly adult dose for the cream or ointment is 100 g (5 mg of Dovonex (Calcipotriol)). Maximum doses for children are calculated based on body surface area and age. When the cream, ointment, or scalp solution are used together, the weekly maximum dose is based on the total amount of Dovonex (Calcipotriol) in each product, for a maximum weekly dose of 5 mg of Dovonex (Calcipotriol) for adults.

Wash your hands after applying the medication so that you do not get it on other parts of your body. Avoid getting the medication in your eyes or on your face. If the medication gets on your face, wash it off. If it gets in your eyes, flush the eyes with plenty of water. Do not take Dovonex (Calcipotriol) by mouth.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Dovonex (Calcipotriol) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor for advice.

Store Dovonex (Calcipotriol) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: occasionally, it may cause stinging and/or itching; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it may cause local redness; it may cause local irritation. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Cream
Each gram of white cream contains Dovonex (Calcipotriol) 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetostearyl alcohol, chlorallylhexaminium chloride (dowicil 200), disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, glycerol 85%, liquid paraffin, macrogol cetostearyl ether, purified water, and white soft paraffin.

Ointment
Each gram of faintly translucent white to yellowish ointment contains Dovonex (Calcipotriol) 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, DL-a-tocopherol, liquid paraffin, polyoxyethylene-(2)-stearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, and white soft paraffin.

Do not use Dovonex (Calcipotriol) if you are allergic to Dovonex (Calcipotriol) or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dovonex (Calcipotriol).

High calcium levels: If Dovonex (Calcipotriol) is used for severe psoriasis covering large areas or is used in excess of the maximum recommended weekly dose, there is a risk of developing high calcium levels in the blood. Your doctor may monitor your blood calcium levels regularly while you are using Dovonex (Calcipotriol).

Skin Cancer: When Dovonex (Calcipotriol) is used with ultraviolet radiation (e.g., some psoriasis treatments use light therapy), there may be an increased risk of developing skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation. Dovonex (Calcipotriol) alone does not cause cancer.

Use in skin folds: Applying Dovonex (Calcipotriol) to skin folds or creases increases the risk of irritation.

Use on the face: Do not use Dovonex (Calcipotriol) on any part of the face, since this may cause redness, irritation, and itchiness. If any of these skin reactions develop, you should stop using Dovonex (Calcipotriol) and contact your doctor immediately. People using Dovonex (Calcipotriol) should wash their hands thoroughly after applying to the affected areas and avoid touching any part of the face with their hands.

Pregnancy: Dovonex (Calcipotriol) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dovonex (Calcipotriol), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Dovonex (Calcipotriol) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Dovonex (Calcipotriol), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Dovonex (Calcipotriol) have not been established for children under 2 years of age. Children 2 to 14 years of age should apply the medication under the supervision of an adult.

This product is to be applied to the skin. To use: Apply a sufficient amount of product and limit the application to the affected area. Rub it in gently with your fingertips. Wash your hands after applying the medication - unless, obviously, you applied the medication on your hands! Do not let this product come in contact with your eyes or lips. Do not apply it on skin that has been cut or scratched. This medication is typically used twice a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.