Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical

Generic name: betamethasone and calcipotriene topical [ BAY-ta-METH-a-sone-and-KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een ]
Brand names: Enstilar, Taclonex, Wynzora, Dovobet, Taclonex Scalp
Dosage forms: topical cream (0.064%-0.005%), topical foam (0.064%-0.005%), topical ointment (0.064%-0.005%), ... show all 4 dosage forms topical suspension (0.064%-0.005%)
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Dec 19, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat plaque psoriasis.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene side effects

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

Side effects can occur if your skin absorbs topical steroid medicine. Tell your doctor if you have:

• swelling, weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);

• thinning skin, stretch marks, acne, increased facial hair;

• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or

• memory problems, feeling irritable.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• high calcium levels--confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss; or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects of betamethasone and calcipotriene topical may include:

• skin color changes;

• worsening of psoriasis;

• skin irritation, rash, itching, redness, or hives;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles; or

• headache.

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.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use betamethasone and calcipotriene if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• too much calcium in your blood or urine;

• an adrenal gland disorder;

• cataracts or glaucoma;

• liver disease;

• severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness);

• have a thinning skin at the treatment site;

• a skin infection; or

• if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy).

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Using highly potent steroid medicine during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birthweight in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using betamethasone and calcipotriene topical. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply betamethasone and calcipotriene to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, apply this medicine to the smallest skin area and for the shortest amount of time possible to treat your psoriasis.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene topical is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Wynzora is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I use betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene doses may not be the same for adults and children. Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label when using this medicine on a child (ages 12 to 17 years).

Wash your hands before and after using betamethasone and calcipotriene, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Shake the suspension (liquid) or foam well just before each use.

If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.

You may need blood or urine tests while using this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should stop using this medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

You should not stop using betamethasone and calcipotriene suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle or tube tightly closed when not in use.

Throw away any unused foam or cream 6 months after you first opened the can.

The foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the product has completely dried on your skin.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

High doses or long-term use of betamethasone and calcipotriene topical can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Avoid using other skin medications that contain betamethasone or calcipotriene. Do not use betamethasone and calcipotriene topical to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid getting betamethasone and calcipotriene topical in your eyes or on your face, underarms, groin area, or areas of thin skin.

Betamethasone and calcipotriene could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect betamethasone and calcipotriene?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, triamcinolone, and others); or

• any other medicine to treat psoriasis.

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

Related/similar drugs

Otezla, Sotyktu, methotrexate, Humira, cyclosporine, adalimumab, Enbrel, Remicade, Tremfya, Cosentyx

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

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