Dovonex (calcipotriene 0.005%) is a man-made, topical form of vitamin D that may be used to treat plaque psoriasis. It works by slowing down the overproduction of skin cells which eases inflamed, scaly areas.

Dovonex is available as a cream or ointment. The topical scalp lotion has been discontinued.

You should not use Dovonex if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body, or if you are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients in Dovonex.

Before using Dovonex, tell your doctor if you are receiving phototherapy (light treatments) for your psoriasis.
Avoid exposing areas where you have applied Dovonex to excessive amounts of natural or artificial sunlight, including tanning booths or sun lamps.

Avoid contact with the face or eyes. Do not use it to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medication with other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Dovonex if you are allergic to calcipotriene, 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 many vitamin D supplements).

To make sure Dovonex 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 plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

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

Apply Dovonex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply larger or smaller amounts than recommended or use for longer than recommended. Do not use this medicine on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Do not apply this medicine to your face.

• Apply a thin layer of Dovonex cream or ointment to the affected area and rub in gently and completely.  Only apply to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin.
• Wash your hands after applying unless you are using Dovonex to treat psoriasis on your hands.

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.

You should not use Dovonex if you are allergic to calcipotriene, 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 many vitamin D supplements).

To make sure Dovonex 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 plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether calcipotriene topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

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

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 for the missed dose.

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

• Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with Dovonex unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not get Dovonex in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
• Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using Dovonex, 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.
• Do not smoke or go near naked flames because the ointment contains propylene glycol and there is a risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings, etc) that has been in contact with the ointment burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Dovonex such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Dovonex 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 Dovonex side effects 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.