Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.

Calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).

Calcipotriene topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use calcipotriene topical if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Do not apply calcipotriene topical to your face.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Calcipotriene topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use calcipotriene topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin.

Do not apply this medicine to your face.

Do not use calcipotriene topical 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.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply calcipotriene topical. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin.

Shake the foam (Sorilux) well just before you measure a dose.

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.

Calcipotriene topical foam and solution are flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.

Usual Adult Dose for Psoriasis:

Cream/foam: Apply a thin layer to affected areas twice a day and rub in gently and completely
Ointment: Apply a thin layer to affected areas once or 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

You should not use calcipotriene topical if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia); or

• high levels of vitamin D in your body (usually caused by taking too much vitamin D supplements).

To make sure calcipotriene topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze calcipotriene cream or solution.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Do not get calcipotriene topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor has told you to.

Calcipotriene could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Calcipotriene topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using calcipotriene topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, stinging, skin rash, or other irritation after applying the medicine;

• worsening of your skin condition; or

• high calcium levels--confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss.

Common side effects of calcipotriene topical may include:

• mild skin irritation;

• skin rash; or

• 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.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• mineral supplements that contain calcium; or

• vitamin D or multivitamins.

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.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to calcipotriene.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Taclonex® (containing Betamethasone, Calcipotriene)