Calcipotriol - Topical

Calcipotriol is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat a certain type of psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales) called plaque psoriasis that affects the body or the scalp.

Apply Calcipotriol exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more often or over a larger area than instructed by your doctor.

Calcipotriol is available as a cream, ointment, or scalp solution.

If you are using the ointment or cream, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Clean and dry the affected area before application.
3. Rub the ointment or cream gently on the skin until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
4. Wash your hands after using.
5. Replace the cap of the tube.

If you are using the scalp solution, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands.
2. Part and comb your hair to get rid of dead skin before using the solution.
3. Place the nozzle on the affected area of the scalp. Carefully squeeze the bottle to dispense a few drops.
4. Rub the solution gently on the scalp until it disappears. Do not cover, wrap or bandage the area unless instructed by the doctor.
5. Wash your hands after using.
6. Replace the cap of the bottle.

Avoid contact with the face or eyes. Rinse immediately with water if it gets into your face or eyes. Alert your doctor if you start to have any problems with your eyes.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• high calcium levels in the blood
• problems with the breakdown of calcium in the body
• severe liver disease
• severe kidney disease

as Calcipotriol may not be suitable for you.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Calcipotriol to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

For as long as you are using this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check your calcium levels in the blood. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.

This medicine in its various forms can be flammable. Avoid exposure of the medicine to fire and flames or smoking during and immediately after applying Calcipotriol on your skin or scalp.

Certain factors such as dry and cold weather, stress, trauma to the skin, infections, alcohol, and smoking can trigger or worsen psoriasis. Take good care of your skin by keeping it clean, moisturised and free from cuts and infections. Avoid going out during dry and cold weather. Learn to manage your stress, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking. Regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are also good for your overall health and wellness.

Calcipotriol may cause any of the following side effects: skin irritation, redness or dryness, changes in the skin colour, itching, burning or stinging sensation of the skin, and pain at the application site.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• headache, confusion, tiredness, weakness, constipation, upset stomach, bone pain

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• calcium supplements
• vitamin D containing medicines
• thiazide diuretics (certain type of water pills or medicines for water retention)
• estrogen (a medicine used in hormone replacement therapy to treat or prevent certain health conditions in women)
• anabolic steroids (medicines used to treat low levels of testosterone [certain male hormone])
• other medicines that regulate calcium levels in the blood e.g. parathyroid hormone

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Calcipotriol.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from the reach of children.

Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Keep the Calcipotriol scalp solution away from heat or open flame. The bottle should be placed back in the outer carton after use to protect the contents from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.