Dovonex Ointment (Calcipotriol)

DOVONEX when used with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may increase the risk of developing skin cancer caused by UVR. DOVONEX alone does not cause cancer.

If DOVONEX is used together with other psoriasis treatments, you should read the warning section of the consumer information for those treatments.

DOVONEX is not recommended for your face as it may cause skin irritation. Use the cream or ointment carefully on body areas with skin folds. If air can not reach the skin under the fold, this area may become irritated if treated with DOVONEX.

Children from 2 to 14 years of age should apply DOVONEX cream or ointment only when supervised by adults. Do not use DOVONEX in children under 2 years of age.

DOVONEX should only be used during pregnancy or while nursing if the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk to your baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or become pregnant during your treatment.

If more than the maximum recommended weekly amount of DOVONEX is used (i.e., 100 g), there is the risk of developing high blood calcium levels.

BEFORE you use DOVONEX talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you have severe extensive psoriasis (the use of DOVONEX may not be recommended).
• you are using any other psoriasis treatments.
• you are using sun tanning beds or sun lamps.
• you are currently using phototherapy for your psoriasis.
• you have allergies to any of the ingredients in DOVONEX cream or ointment or to components of the container.

The most common side effect is local irritation which is usually mild and temporary.

Face and scalp irritation is usually related to the accidental transfer of DOVONEX from other parts of your body. Rare cases of allergic reaction have been reported.

Use of DOVONEX can lead to high blood calcium levels but this is usually related to using more than the weekly maximum.

DOVONEX has been used safely in combination with topical steroids. Except for steroids, there is no clinical trial experience on the interaction of DOVONEX with other topical drugs for psoriasis.

Usual dose:

At the start of your treatment DOVONEX should be rubbed onto affected skin areas twice a day (morning and evening). You should begin to see an improvement within 2 weeks. Best results are seen within 6-8 weeks.

Once your psoriasis improves your doctor may reduce the dose to once a day. Using DOVONEX once a day will help keep your psoriasis under control.

Your doctor may prescribe using DOVONEX together with a steroid. Use each medicine once a day and at different times of the day (i.e., one in the morning, the other in the evening).

DOVONEX may also be used twice daily in combination with cyclosporin A or acitretin. There are no clinical studies in children of combination therapy with DOVONEX.

How to use the cream or ointment:

• Remove the cap. Check that the aluminium seal has not been broken before you use it for the first time. To break the seal, use the other end of the cap to pierce the seal.
• Gently rub DOVONEX on the areas of your skin affected by psoriasis. Wash your hands after using to prevent getting any on your face. You can wear your usual clothes and no special dressing or cover is needed.
• If you accidentally spread DOVONEX onto the surrounding healthy skin, wash it off right away.
• DOVONEX may irritate your skin for a short while after you apply it, especially in skin folds. Try not to scratch the area.
• DOVONEX is not recommended for use on your face because it may irritate this more sensitive area of skin. If you accidentally get some on your face, wash it off right away.

If DOVONEX cream and ointment are used together then the total amount of DOVONEX should not be more than the maximum amount allowed for each age group in one week (see table above).

If you use the cream or ointment in combination with DOVONEX scalp solution then the total amount of DOVONEX products (grams + mLs) should not be greater than 100.

For example, if you use 60 g of cream or ointment, then you should not use more than 40 mL of scalp solution.

Overdose:

The calcipotriol in DOVONEX can lead to increased blood calcium levels if more than the maximum 100 g weekly amount is used. This effect is reversible when treatment is stopped. If you have overdosed, contact your Doctor or go to the nearest Hospital Emergency.

Missed dose:

If you forget to use DOVONEX at the right time, use it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.