Vectical (calcitriol) is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.
Vectical Ointment is used to treat plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults.
Vectical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Vectical ointment if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).
Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you have low or high levels of calcium in your blood, a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance, or if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using to treat psoriasis. Also tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.
Vectical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas. Vectical should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.
Stop using Vectical and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as blistering or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated skin. Using Vectical can affect your body"s ability to metabolize calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Before using Vectical
You should not use Vectical if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).
To make sure you can safely use Vectical, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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low or high levels of calcium in your blood;
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a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance; or
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if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Vectical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known if calcitriol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Vectical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Vectical?
Use Vectical exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Vectical ointment is usually applied once in the morning and once in the evening. Follow your doctor"s instructions.
Do not share Vectical with other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.
Apply a thin layer of the medication and rub it in completely.
Do not cover treated skin areas unless your doctor has told you to.
Vectical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas.
Vectical should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.
Store Vectical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled 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.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, or confusion.
What should I avoid?
Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight or tanning beds. Vectical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Avoid getting Vectical in your eyes or mouth, or on your lips. If this does happen, rinse with water.
Vectical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Vectical: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using Vectical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated areas; or
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worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis.
Using Vectical can affect your body"s ability to metabolize calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Less serious Vectical side effects may include mild itching or skin discomfort.
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 Vectical?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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other medicines to treat psoriasis;
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vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D; or
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a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Vectical. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
