Calcipotriol

NHS information about the medicine calcipotriol, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.

What calcipotriol is for

Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis which affects the skin and scalp.

It's a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D can help psoriasis plaques get better by slowing down how fast your skin cells grow.

Some medicines containing calcipotriol also contain steroids (corticosteroids), which help to reduce inflammation and swelling.

How to use calcipotriol

Calcipotriol comes as an ointment or lotion. Most people need to use calcipotriol once or twice a day on areas affected by psoriasis.

The ointment is usually used for treating your skin, and the lotion (scalp solution) is usually used for your scalp.

Your doctor will give you advice on how much to use, and how long to use it for. It's important not to use more than the maximum weekly amount of calcipotriol because it can cause serious side effects, such as increased calcium levels in your blood.

Check the leaflet that came with your medicine to find out the maximum weekly amount, or ask a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure.

Wash your hands thoroughly after using calcipotriol so it does not get on other parts of your body. Do not use it on your face because it can cause skin irritation.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to use it or have any problems using it.

Keep away from flames and cigarettes when using calcipotriol because it can easily catch fire.

Side effects of calcipotriol

Like all medicines, calcipotriol can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of calcipotriol can include:

• skin problems such as itchy skin, a rash or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
• pain, burning, or stinging in the affected area
• your psoriasis getting worse

Calcipotriol will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

These are not all the side effects of calcipotriol.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.

Who can and cannot use calcipotriol

Most adults and children aged 6 years or over can use calcipotriol.

But calcipotriol is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had a previous allergic reaction or serious side effect from using calcipotriol
• you have erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis
• you have kidney or liver problems
• you've been told by a doctor that you have high or low levels of calcium in your body
• you're having ultraviolet (UV) light treatment

Before using calcipotriol, it's important to tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and calcipotriol

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Calcipotriol can sometimes be used while breastfeeding but you must get advice first.

If your doctor says you can use calcipotriol while you're breastfeeding, do not use it on your breasts.

Pregnancy and calcipotriol

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Calcipotriol is not usually used during pregnancy because it's not known if it may cause problems with how your baby develops.

Using calcipotriol with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with calcipotriol.

This includes:

• vitamin D and calcium supplements, and supplements that contain vitamin D or calcium
• some types of diuretic medicines, such as indapamide
• medicines used to treat heart rhythm problems, including digoxin

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with calcipotriol. Before using it, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with calcipotriol

You can eat and drink as normal while using calcipotriol.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice