Calcipotriene Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Applies to calcipotriene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical ointment, topical solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you have a skin rash, burning, stinging, redness, swelling, or irritation on the skin.

If your psoriasis does not improve within a few weeks or becomes worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may temporarily increase the calcium levels in your blood (hypercalcemia). Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, depression, dry mouth, headache, incoherent speech, increased urination, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle weakness, unusual tiredness, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss.

Calcipotriene may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, including a hat, when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, calcipotriene topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking calcipotriene topical:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking calcipotriene topical:

Symptoms of overdose

• confusion
• constipation
• discouragement
• dry mouth
• feeling sad or empty
• headache
• incoherent speech
• increased urination
• irritability
• lack of appetite
• loss of interest or pleasure
• metallic taste
• muscle weakness
• nausea
• stomach pain
• thirst
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness
• vomiting
• weight loss

Other side effects

Some side effects of calcipotriene topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to calcipotriene topical: topical cream, topical foam, topical kit, topical ointment, topical solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were burning, stinging, tingling, and skin irritation.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Allergic reactions (including angioedema)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Transient burning (about 23%), stinging (about 23%), tingling (about 23%), skin irritation (up to 15%), rash (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, dermatitis, contact dermatitis (including facial and perioral), dry skin, irritation, worsening of psoriasis, erythema, peeling
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, folliculitis, eczema
• Frequency not reported: Transient changes in skin pigmentation, transient photosensitivity, urticaria, angioedema, skin exfoliation^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercalcemia
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Transient increases in serum calcium
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria (especially if the total recommended dose is exceeded)^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Lesional/perilesional irritation (up to 39%), face and/or scalp irritation (up to 25%)^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Periorbital or face edema^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• Can Enstilar be used on the scalp?
• Is Enstilar Foam used to treat plaque psoriasis?
• What causes Plaque Psoriasis?

Further information

Calcipotriene topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer