Calcipotriene

About Calcipotriene

The cream and ointment are labeled for plaque psoriasis, the scalp solution for chronic, moderately severe psoriasis of the scalp, and Sorilux foam for plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in people 4 and older. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established for the cream, ointment or solution, and the ointment is labeled for adults. A thin layer goes on twice a day (the ointment once or twice), rubbed in gently and completely; MedlinePlus says some improvement may show after 2 weeks, with the full benefit taking up to 8 weeks.

Reversible rises in blood calcium have occurred, so treatment stops until calcium is normal again; the cream, ointment and scalp solution must not be used with high calcium or vitamin D toxicity, nor the foam with known high calcium. The cream and ointment are not used on the face, and every form is kept out of the eyes. Burning, itching and irritation of the plaques and nearby skin are the most common side effects, and a rash or worse psoriasis can occur. Children absorb more for their size, so they are at greater risk of effects beyond the skin. The cream, ointment and solution labels advise avoiding too much sun, tanning beds or sun lamps, and the cream label says prescribers may limit or avoid light therapy.

Taclonex ointment and topical suspension, Enstilar foam and Wynzora cream add the steroid betamethasone dipropionate; the Taclonex and Enstilar labels warn that it can suppress the adrenal glands and raise the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. Taclonex and Enstilar are labeled from age 12, used once a day and kept off the face, groin and underarms: the ointment and foam for up to 4 weeks, and the suspension, for scalp and body, for up to 8. Taclonex is capped at 100 g a week for adults and 60 g for ages 12 to 17, and Enstilar at 60 g every 4 days; Wynzora is for adults. Plain calcipotriene labels set no weekly maximum. The Orange Book lists the Dovonex scalp solution as discontinued.

Taking Calcipotriene

How to take it

Wash your hands before and after use, apply a thin layer only to the plaques and rub it in gently and completely, keeping it off the face and out of the eyes. For the scalp solution, comb out loose scale, part the hair and apply it to the plaques only, keeping it off the forehead. Shake the foam can before use.

If you miss a dose

Apply it when you remember, unless the next application is nearly due; then skip the missed one. Never apply extra to make up.

Storage

At room temperature in the closed original container, out of reach of children; do not freeze. The scalp solution and the foam are flammable: keep them away from heat and open flame, do not smoke while applying them, and never puncture or burn the can. Use a take-back program rather than flushing.

Interactions to know about

Tell the prescriber about calcium, vitamin D or multivitamin supplements, other skin medicines on the same areas, and any light treatment (phototherapy). Call promptly for signs of high calcium, such as confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or more thirst or urination.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Calcipotriene differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Generic calcipotriene cream, ointment and scalp solution each come from only one or a few makers, so not every pharmacy keeps them on the shelf and quotes vary, as does the tube size written (60 or 120 g). Cream, ointment, solution and foam are separate products that the pharmacist cannot swap without the prescriber.

Sorilux, Enstilar and Wynzora have no approved generic and are priced as brands. Taclonex ointment and suspension have generics rated equivalent, so a prescription that allows substitution can be filled with one.

Ways to pay less for Calcipotriene without insurance

• Ask for the generic, and check that the prescription allows substitution.
• If the foam is quoted high, ask the prescriber whether the generic cream, ointment or scalp solution would suit you.
• For a combination with betamethasone, ask whether generic Taclonex ointment or suspension would suit you; for a brand-only product, ask the maker whether its savings program applies to someone paying cash, since many require commercial insurance.
• Ask for the tube size that matches the area you treat, and compare more than one pharmacy.
• Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Calcipotriene

1. 1.Is my prescription for the cream, ointment, scalp solution or foam, and is there a generic?
2. 2.Should I avoid calcium, vitamin D or multivitamin supplements while I use it?
3. 3.What signs of high calcium should make me call my prescriber?
4. 4.How should I fit it around sun exposure or light treatment?

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