Dovonex (calcipotriene) is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.
Dovonex is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).
Dovonex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Dovonex if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body.
Before using Dovonex, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.
Avoid getting this medication on your face or in your eyes, mouth, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use Dovonex to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medication with other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Dovonex if you are allergic to calcipotriene, or if you have:
To make sure Dovonex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Dovonex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Dovonex?
Use Dovonex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Do not take by mouth. Dovonex is for use only on the skin. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.
Do not apply this medicine to your face.
Do not use Dovonex to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before and after applying Dovonex, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.
Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply Dovonex. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep in a refrigerator or freezer.
Dovonex scalp solution is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin.
Dovonex dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:
Cream: Apply a thin layer to affected areas twice a day and rub in gently and completely.
Comments:
-The safety and efficacy of cream has been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.
Use: Treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults
Solution: After combing the hair to remove scaly debris and then suitably parting, apply to lesions twice a day, and rub in gently and completely, taking care to prevent the solution spreading onto the forehead.
Comments:
-The safety and efficacy of solution has been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.
-Keep solution away from the eyes
-Avoid application of the solution to uninvolved scalp margins
Use: Topical treatment of chronic, moderately severe psoriasis of the scalp
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Dovonex?
Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes.
Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using Dovonex, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight or tanning beds. Dovonex can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing when you are outdoors.
Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Dovonex, unless your doctor tells you to.
Dovonex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Dovonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Dovonex and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe burning, stinging, skin rash, or other irritation after applying the medicine;
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worsening of your skin condition; or
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high calcium - nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle pain or weakness, bone pain, confusion, and feeling tired or restless.
Common Dovonex side effects may include:
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mild skin irritation;
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skin rash; or
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itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Dovonex?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with calcipotriene topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
