Vectical 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 and children at least 2 years old.

Vectical is not for use in treating severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).

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 ointment is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas. The ointment 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 this medicine 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.

Use Vectical exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not use Vectical on your lips or face, or around your eyes.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat psoriasis on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of the medication and rub it in completely.

Do not cover treated skin areas with bandaging or plastic.

Vectical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas.

Calcitriol topical doses are based on age in children. Your child's dose needs will change once the child is 7 years old.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze or refrigerate.

Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Usual Adult Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Ointment: Apply to affected areas twice a day, morning and evening
Maximum weekly dose: 200 grams

Use: Treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Plaque Psoriasis:

Ointment:
2 years and older: Apply to affected areas twice a day, morning and evening
2 to 6 years, maximum weekly dose: 100 grams
7 years and older, maximum weekly dose: 200 grams

Use: Treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis

To make sure Vectical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• 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 if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Vectical should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.

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

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

This medicine could make your skin more sensitive to harmful effects of the sun. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or mouth, or in your vagina.

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated areas; or

• worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis.

Using Vectical can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), including:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation;

• increased thirst or urination;

• lack of energy, feeling tired;

• muscle weakness;

• confusion; or

• bone pain.

Common Vectical side effects may include:

• calcium in your urine;

• itching; or

• abnormal lab tests.

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 other medicines, especially:

• other medicines to treat psoriasis;

• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D; or

• a diuretic or "water pill" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ, Diovan HCT, Hyzaar, Maxzide, Tenoretic, Zestoretic, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with calcitriol topical, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.