Calcitrene
Generic name:calcipotriene topical [ KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een ]
Brand names: Calcitrene, Dovonex, Sorilux
Drug class:Topical antipsoriatics
What is Calcitrene?
Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.
Calcitrene (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).
Calcitrene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use Calcitrene if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Do not apply Calcitrene to your face.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Calcitrene if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or
high levels of vitamin D in your body (usually caused by taking too much vitamin D supplements).
To make sure Calcitrene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.
How should I use Calcitrene?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. Calcitrene is for use only on the skin. Do not use Calcitrene on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.
Do not apply this medicine to your face.
Do not use Calcitrene to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.
Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply Calcitrene. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin.
Shake the foam (Sorilux) well just before you measure a dose.
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.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep in a refrigerator or freezer.
Calcitrene foam and solution are flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high...
