Dovonex Ointment

Calcipotriene is an artificial form of vitamin D. It participates in the growth and formation of skin cells. Calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches). Calcipotriene topical can also be used for purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Calcipotriol is an analogue of vitamin D. In vitro results suggest that calcipotriol induces differentiation and inhibits the proliferation of keratinocytes. This is the proposed basis for its effect on psoriasis.

In an 8-week clinical trial, the efficacy and safety of applying Dovonex ointment 1 time a day versus 2 times a day was evaluated in 348 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. After 8 weeks, the administration of Dovonex ointment 2 times a day produced significantly superior results to the application of 1 time a day (the PASI index suffered a variation of –40.6% and -48.3% for the application of 1 and 2 times a day, respectively). The percentage of patients who obtained a significant improvement or clearance of the lesions was 28.5% and 40.2% after applying 1 and 2 times a day, respectively.

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the top layer of the skin grows excessively fast in places. This creates thick, itchy, red spots with silver-gray scales. Psoriasis is common on the knees and elbows, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. Sometimes these spots go away on their own after a while, but the skin condition can also be chronic.

Dovonex inhibits the growth of skin cells. The effect is clearly visible after a few weeks. The skin becomes smooth and dandruff, itching and red spots disappear.

Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will indicate the duration of your treatment with Dovonex ointment.

Adults

The Dovonex ointment should be applied to the affected area twice a day. The application of the ointment can be reduced to once a day when the severity of the injuries has improved.

Do not use more than 100 grams of ointment per week. If your doctor has also prescribed other medicines containing calcipotriol, the total weekly dose of all medicines containing calcipotriol should not exceed 100 grams.

The Dovonex ointment can be used in combination with topical corticosteroids. In such cases, one will be applied in the morning and the other at night.

Apply the ointment to the skin of the affected area, previously cleaned. Massage gently until the ointment is completely absorbed. Wash your hands after applying the ointment.

Use in children

The Dovonex ointment is not recommended for use in children.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

The Dovonex ointment can cause some adverse effects, such as:

Very common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people):

• Skin irritation

Common side effects (affecting less than 1 in 10 people):

• Worsening of your psoriasis
• Skin rash (dermatitis)
• Redness of the skin
• Acne
• Skin exfoliation
• Burning sensation
• Itching (itching)
• Pain at the application site

Uncommon side effects (affecting less than 1 in 100 people):

• Allergic reactions with swelling of the face or other parts of the body such as the hands or feet. Swelling of the mouth/throat and respiratory problems may also occur.
• Calcium levels in your blood or urine can be increased so that you can experience symptoms. Symptoms are frequent urination, constipation, muscle weakness, and confusion. When treatment is stopped, calcium levels return to normal.
• Skin sensitivity to light leading to a skin rash
• Edema of the skin
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Dry skin

Rare side effects (affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people):

• Urticaria
• Changes in skin coloration at the application site

Warning and precautions.

Effects on calcium metabolism:

Due to the content of calcipotriol, hypercalcaemia may occur. Serum calcium levels return to normal when treatment is stopped. The risk of hypercalcemia is minimal when the maximum weekly dose of Dovonex ointment is not exceeded.

Local adverse reactions:

The Dovonex ointment should not be applied to the face.

The patient should be instructed in the correct use of the product in order to avoid accidental application and contact with the face and eyes. Hands should be washed after each application to avoid accidental contact with these areas.

The Dovonex ointment should be used with caution in skin folds as it may increase the risk of experiencing adverse reactions. 

UV exposure:

During treatment with Dovonex ointment, it is recommended that doctors advise patients to limit or avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial light. Dovonex Ointment should only be used if the doctor and patient consider that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

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