Calcipotriene/Betamethasone topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is topical calcipotriene/betamethasone used for?

Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone is a combination medication commonly used to treat plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body.

Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical calcipotriene/betamethasone work (mechanism of action)?

Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D and betamethasone is a corticosteroid. In psoriasis, there is an overgrowth of skin cells that build up into bumpy patches. Calcipotriene slows down the growth of skin cells helping to prevent this build up. Betamethasone helps to decrease redness, irritation, itching, and swelling.

How is topical calcipotriene/betamethasone supplied (dosage forms)?

Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone is available as Enstilar, Taclonex, Wynzora, and generic calcipotriene/betamethasone in the following dosage forms that are applied to the scalp and skin.

0.005%/0.064% topical cream
0.005%/0.064% topical foam
0.005%/0.064% topical ointment
0.005%/0.064% topical suspension

How should I store topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

Topical Ointment. Calcipotriene/betamethasone ointment should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Topical Suspension. Calcipotriene/betamethasone suspension should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not refrigerate. Safely throw away unused products 6 months after opening.

Topical Cream. Calcipotriene/betamethasone cream should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not freeze. Store in a cool, dry place. Safely throw away unused products 6 months after opening.

Topical Foam. Calcipotriene/betamethasone foam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not freeze. Do not puncture or store above 120 F (49 C). Protect from heat and light. Safely throw away unused products 6 months after opening. Calcipotriene/betamethasone foam is flammable. Keep away from open flames. Do not puncture the can.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

The most common side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Skin irritation such as rash, redness, itching, burning, and change in skin color at the application site
Thinning of the skin
Swelling and blockage of hair follicles
Worsening of psoriasis

There may be other side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

High Calcium Levels (Hypercalcemia). Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may increase the calcium levels in your blood and urine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of high calcium levels.

Peeing frequently
Feeling thirsty
Weakness
Bone pain
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Low appetite
Muscle aches, cramps, or twitches
Being forgetful, depressed, or cranky

Cushing’s Syndrome. Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may be absorbed through your skin and increase your risk of Cushing’s syndrome, especially if you use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone for a long time in large amounts. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to an excess of cortisol, a steroid hormone. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

A round, rosy face
Weight gain, especially in the upper body
A fat pad in the upper back or base of the neck
Acne or thin skin that bruises easily
Weakness or tiredness
Depression or anxiety

Adrenal Gland Problems. Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may be absorbed through your skin and may cause your adrenal glands to stop working correctly, especially if you use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone for a long time in large amounts. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to make sure your adrenal glands are working correctly while you are using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone.

Increased Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia). Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may be absorbed through your skin and may increase your blood sugar, especially if you use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone for a long time in large amounts. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Thirst
Headaches
Trouble concentrating
Blurred vision
Frequent peeing
Weakness or tiredness
Weight loss

Eye Problems. Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may increase the risk for eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. Avoid contact with your eyes and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.

Redness or pain in your eyes
Seeing halos around lights
Blurred, foggy, or double vision
Partial or complete loss of vision
Headache
Changes in color vision
Problems driving at night

Skin Reactions. Calcipotriene/betamethasone can cause a specific type of allergic reaction called contact dermatitis. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Itchy, dry, cracked, or scaly skin
Swelling or burning skin
Bumps or blisters on the skin

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone products.

Enstilar
Taclonex
Wynzora
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical calcipotriene/betamethasone products they stock.

What should I know about topical calcipotriene/betamethasone before using it?

Do not use calcipotriene/betamethasone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share calcipotriene/betamethasone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep calcipotriene/betamethasone out of the reach of children.

Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or other dressing unless your healthcare provider tells you to. This may increase the amount of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone that is absorbed through your skin and increase the risk of side effects.

Calcipotriene/betamethasone is for use on the skin only. Avoid using it around your eyes, underarms, or on the face. If it accidentally comes in contact with your face or eyes or area around the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths and sun lamps). Use sunscreen if you have to be in sunlight.

Stop using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone when your plaque psoriasis is under control. Using too much topical calcipotriene/betamethasone for too long may increase your risk of having serious side effects.

Do not apply topical calcipotriene/betamethasone topical suspension to the scalp in the 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to your hair. Avoid taking a bath or shower or washing your hair right after applying the medicine.

Children and people above the age of 65 years can be at a greater risk for some side effects of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in one of these age groups.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical calcipotriene/betamethasone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following health conditions.

Hypercalcemia or a condition that increases your calcium levels
Any other skin conditions or infections
Thinning of the skin at the treatment site
Getting phototherapy or light therapy for your psoriasis

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical calcipotriene/betamethasone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical calcipotriene/betamethasone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone while you are pregnant may increase your chance of having a baby with low birth weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical calcipotriene/betamethasone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone while breastfeeding. If you use topical calcipotriene/betamethasone while breastfeeding, use it on the smallest area of the skin and for the shortest time needed. Do not apply topical calcipotriene/betamethasone to areas of the skin that may come into contact with your baby’s mouth or eyes.

Interactions

Does topical calcipotriene/betamethasone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical calcipotriene/betamethasone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect topical calcipotriene/betamethasone.

Does topical calcipotriene/betamethasone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical calcipotriene/betamethasone.

Vitamin D supplement
Calcium supplement
Any other corticosteroid medicines
Any other medicines for your psoriasis
Any other products containing calcipotriene

Does Calcipotriene/Betamethasone topical interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

If you or someone else has used too much topical calcipotriene/betamethasone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical calcipotriene/betamethasone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.