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Dovonex

Generic name: calcipotriene
Dosage form: cream, ointment
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jun 13, 2023.

What is Dovonex?

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.

Warnings

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:

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.

How do I use Dovonex?

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.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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

What should I avoid while using Dovonex?

What are the side effects of Dovonex?

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:

Common Dovonex side effects may include:

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.

What other drugs will affect Dovonex?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

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.

Ingredients

Active: Calcipotriene 0.005%

Inactive (cream): cetearyl alcohol, ceteth-20, diazolidinyl urea, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, dl-alpha tocopherol, glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and water.

Inactive (ointment): disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, all-rac-α-tocopherol, liquid paraffin, macrogol (2) stearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, white soft paraffin.

Supplied as 60-gram and 120-gram aluminum tubes.

Storage

Store at room temperature 15°C – 25°C (59°F – 77°F). Do not freeze.

Manufacturer

Leo Laboratories Ltd.

Popular FAQ

In studies, Enstilar Foam (calcipotriene / betamethasone dipropionate) has been used safely and effectively to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17 years of age. Foam preparations are often preferred by patients with scalp psoriasis (over ointments or thick creams) and the ingredients in Enstilar Foam are considered standard first-line treatments. Continue reading

Enstilar is a topical spray foam applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis. It contains calcipotriene, a vitamin D analog, and betamethasone dipropionate, a potent corticosteroid. Enstilar is used on the skin for up to 4 weeks in people 12 years and older. Continue reading

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.