Taclonex contains a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene. Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.
Taclonex is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Taclonex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use Taclonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Before using Taclonex, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
There may be other drugs that can affect Taclonex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Stop using Taclonex and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Taclonex if you are allergic to betamethasone or calcipotriene.
To make sure Taclonex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia);
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a history of kidney stones;
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liver or kidney disease;
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severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness);
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a skin infection; or
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if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy).
It is not known whether Taclonex will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether betamethasone and calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use Taclonex on a child without a doctor"s advice. Children can absorb larger amounts of steroid medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. Steroid medicine can also affect growth in children. Talk with your doctor if you think your child is not growing at a normal rate while using this medicine.
Taclonex is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I use Taclonex?
Use Taclonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. 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. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
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 using Taclonex, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
Shake the suspension (liquid) just before using it.
Apply Taclonex once daily to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not spread the medicine over a large skin area. Do not apply to areas of thinner skin (face, underarms, groin) unless your doctor tells you to.
Do not cover the treated skin area. Covering skin treated with a topical steroid can increase the amount of medicine your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.
Adults should not use more than 100 grams of this medicine in 1 week. Children age 12 and older should not use more than 60 grams of this medicine in 1 week. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about how much to apply each time you use the medicine.
Taclonex ointment can be applied daily for up to 4 weeks. The liquid can be used daily for up to 8 weeks. Follow your doctor"s instructions about your individual treatment schedule.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.
Call your doctor if your skin condition does not improve after several days of treatment, or if it gets worse while using this medicine.
If you use Taclonex long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
When your skin clears up, stop using the medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Taclonex dosing information
Usual Adult Dose of Taclonex for Psoriasis:
Topical ointment:
Psoriasis vulgaris: Apply to the affected areas once a day for up to 4 weeks. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g. Treatment of more than 30% body surface area is not recommended.
Topical suspension:
Plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body: Apply to the affected areas once a day for up to 8 weeks; treatment may be discontinued earlier if cleared. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g.
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 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.
What should I avoid while using Taclonex?
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use on broken or infected skin. Also avoid using the medicine in open wounds.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medicine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Do not use Taclonex to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not use more than one topical steroid medicine without your doctor"s advice.
Avoid having your hair colored within 12 hours before or after you apply Taclonex liquid to your scalp.
Taclonex side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Taclonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Topical steroid medicine can be absorbed through the skin, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Stop using Taclonex and call your doctor if you have:
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blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights;
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uneven heartbeats;
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sleep problems (insomnia);
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weight gain, puffiness in your face; or
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tired feeling.
Also stop using Taclonex and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe burning or irritation where the medicine was applied;
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redness or crusting around your hair follicles;
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pus, swelling, redness, increased itching, or other signs of skin infection;
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signs of low adrenal gland hormones--worsening tiredness or weakness, feeling light-headed, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss; or
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possible signs of long-term steroid use--weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso); slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair; changes in sexual function; muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.
Common Taclonex side effects may include:
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dry skin;
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itching;
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mild rash; or
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changes in skin color.
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 Taclonex?
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 betamethasone and calcipotriene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
