calcipotriene

This medication is used to treat long-term psoriasis of the scalp. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Use this medication on the skin only. Comb the hair first to remove any scaly flakes. Apply the medication only to the affected areas of the scalp and gently rub in, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take care not to let any of the solution spread onto the forehead or any unaffected area. Wash your hands after using. Do not apply the medication on the face, in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. Do not apply more often or use longer than prescribed. This may increase the risk of side effects. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. You should usually begin to see an improvement in your skin condition after 2 weeks of treatment.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other products containing vitamin D. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., calcium levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

This medication may be harmful if swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high calcium/vitamin D levels (hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis D), sudden worsening of psoriasis. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this medication. Discuss this further with your doctor. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature at 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from sunlight or open flames. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Burning, stinging, tingling, rash, dry skin, or irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: skin thinning/discoloration, stretch marks, "hair bumps" (folliculitis), unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.