Dovonex

Common Name: calcipotriol cream, ointment, and scalp solution

How does Dovonex work?

This medication is used to treat the skin condition psoriasis. The lotion form of this medication is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Calcipotriol belongs to the family of medications known as vitamin D analogues. It works by controlling the excessive production of skin cells seen in psoriasis. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Dovonex?

This medication is usually applied twice daily to the affected areas of the skin or scalp. It may be applied once daily for maintenance treatment. Once an appropriate improvement has occurred, treatment may be stopped. When used in combination with other psoriasis medications, it is usually applied once daily. The maximum weekly adult dose for the cream or ointment is 100 g (5 mg of calcipotriol). The maximum weekly adult dose for the scalp lotion is 60 mL (5 mg of 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 calcipotriol in each product, for a maximum weekly dose of 5 mg 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 this medication by mouth. Store the medication at room temperature out of the reach of children. 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 very important that this medication be used on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember, then carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses.

What form(s) does Dovonex come in?

Dovonex® is available as a cream, ointment, and scalp solution. Cream: Each gram of white cream contains calcipotriol 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetomacrogol 1,000, cetostearyl alcohol, chlorallylhexaminium chloride (dowicil 200), disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, glycerol 85%, liquid paraffin, purified water, and white soft paraffin. Ointment: Each gram of faintly translucent, white-to-yellowish ointment contains 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. Scalp solution: Each mL of colourless, slightly viscous solution contains calcipotriol 50 µg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, isopropanol, levomenthol, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium citrate.

What should I NOT take with Dovonex?

Calcipotriol cream, ointment, and scalp solution not be used by people who are allergic to calcipotriol or any ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dovonex?

High calcium in the blood: If this medication is used for severe psoriasis with extensive skin involvement or is used in excess of the maximum recommended weekly amount of 100 g of cream or ointment (or 5 mg calcipotriol), there is a risk of developing high calcium levels in the blood. Use on the face: This medication should not be used 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 this medication and contact your doctor immediately. People using this medication should wash their hands thoroughly after use and avoid touching any part of the face with their hands. Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using this medication. Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medication. Children under two years of age: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for use by children under two years of age.