Calcipotriol brands and prices in Pakistan

About Calcipotriol

Calcipotriol (also called calcipotriene in the US) is a skin medicine for psoriasis. It is a form of vitamin D that slows down how fast skin cells grow, which helps with the red, scaly patches of psoriasis. It controls psoriasis but does not cure it. It comes as an ointment for the skin and as a lotion (scalp solution) for the scalp, and it is a prescription medicine in the UK. Some products also contain a steroid (corticosteroid) to reduce redness and swelling.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not use it if you have ever had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from calcipotriol.
• Do not use it if you have problems with calcium levels in your body (too high or too low).
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are having light (UV) treatment for your skin.
• Age: the NHS says most adults and children aged 6 and over can use it, but the UK and Irish leaflets say it is for adults and not recommended under 18. Ask your doctor.
• Pregnancy: it is not usually used, and the effect on a baby's development is not known. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: it may be used only after getting medical advice, and it must not be put on the breasts.
• Do not put it on the genitals, skin folds, or broken or infected skin unless a doctor tells you to. Do not cover treated skin with dressings or bandages.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Vitamin D and calcium supplements can raise the chance of too much calcium in the blood. Avoid them unless your doctor advises.
• Some water tablets (diuretics), such as indapamide and other thiazides
• Heart rhythm medicines such as digoxin
• Other skin treatments for psoriasis on the same patch of skin: ask your doctor or pharmacist first
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal remedies and supplements you use, including any steroid medicines.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Use it exactly as your doctor or the leaflet tells you, and do not use more than the maximum amount you have been told.
• Wash your hands after you put it on, unless you are treating your hands, so you do not spread it to your face or other skin.
• If you forget a dose, use the next one when you remember. Never use extra to make up for it.
• It can catch fire easily. Keep it away from flames and cigarettes, and take care with treated clothes and bedding.
• Your skin may become more easily irritated by sunlight. Limit sun exposure, avoid sunbeds and other UV light, and cover up or use sunscreen.
• Ointment may stain some fabrics, so avoid contact with silk and other easily stained materials.
• You can eat and drink as normal. It does not usually affect driving or using machines.
• Keep out of reach of children. Ask your pharmacist how to get rid of leftover medicine safely.
• Do not stop or change treatment without speaking to your doctor, especially for products that also contain a steroid.

Common questions

How long before it works?
It can take a while to see an improvement, and it is normal for psoriasis not to clear straight away. Keep using it as directed and tell your doctor if you do not see any improvement.

Can I use it on my face?
No. Avoid the face and keep it away from the eyes. Wash your hands after using it so you do not spread it to your face by accident.

Can I go out in the sun?
Be careful. Your skin may be more easily irritated by sunlight, so limit time in the sun, avoid sunbeds, and cover up or use sunscreen. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.

Can I drink alcohol or eat normally?
Yes. The NHS says you can eat and drink as normal while using it.

Why do I need to keep it away from flames?
The medicine can catch fire easily, and so can clothes and bedding that have it on them. Do not smoke or go near naked flames after using it.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.