Calcipotriene

What is it text.

Psoriasis makes skin cells grow and pile up far too fast, which creates thick, scaly patches. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It signals skin cells to slow down and grow in a more normal way. It also calms some of the immune signals that cause redness and scaling. Over a few weeks, this helps flatten and smooth psoriasis plaques.

Educational overview only — follow your own prescription.

• Comes as a cream, ointment, solution, or foam.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice a day, as directed.
• It is often used together with a topical steroid, sometimes in one combined product (Taclonex, Enstilar).
• Do not use more than 100 grams per week to lower the risk of high blood calcium.
• Avoid the face and skin folds unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Wash your hands after applying (unless you are treating your hands).

• Burning, stinging, itching, or tingling where you apply it
• Dry or red skin
• Rash or peeling
• Worsening of psoriasis in some people
• Skin that is more sensitive to sunlight

• Signs of high blood calcium: nausea, vomiting, constipation, extra thirst or urination, tiredness, confusion, or muscle weakness. This is rare and usually happens only with overuse. Call your doctor.
• Severe skin irritation, blistering, or swelling
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or trouble breathing — seek urgent care

• People with high blood calcium or vitamin D toxicity
• People allergic to calcipotriene
• Not for use on the face unless a doctor directs it
• Use with caution if you have a calcium-related disorder or take medicines that affect calcium