Health Library Calcipotriene for PsoriasisFrom Healthwise

Ointment, cream, and solution

Calcipotriene, available by prescription, may be used 2 times a day for 6 to 8 weeks or longer. It may also be used in combination with ultraviolet B (UVB) light.

Calcipotriene, which is a form of vitamin D, controls the rapid growth of skin cells.

Calcipotriene is used to treat mild to severe plaque forms of psoriasis. It is used on the scalp and skin.

Calcipotriene, also known as calcipotriol, is considered an effective treatment for psoriasis.¹

These products are usually as effective as corticosteroid creams and ointments.¹

Calcipotriol may delay relapse (flare-ups).¹

If you use calcipotriene as your doctor tells you to, it is not likely to cause any side effects except for some skin irritation, such as itchy, red, or tender skin. But if you spread the ointment over too much of your body, a large amount of ointment may be absorbed and can cause serious side effects, including high levels of calcium in the blood and kidney stones.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Calcipotriene is not the same type of vitamin D found in over-the-counter products. These products will not help your psoriasis.

Diets that include large amounts of vitamin D are not effective in treating psoriasis.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Naldi L, Rzany B (2006). Psoriasis (chronic plaque), search date July 2006. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15): 1–39.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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