This medication is used to treat psoriasis. Calcitriol
is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of
cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using calcitriol and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication on the skin only. Wash the affected
area and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of medication as directed by your
doctor, usually twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening).
Apply only to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis. Gently rub in. Wash
your hands after using, unless you are using this medication to treat the
hands. Do not apply calcitriol to the face, in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or
inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with
plenty of water.
Do not apply to a larger area of skin, apply more often,
or use longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster and
this may increase the risk of side effects. Discuss with your doctor the
maximum amount of medication you may use per day (or per week). Do not
cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Do not apply to more than one-third of your body.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse. You should usually begin to see an improvement in your
skin condition after 4 weeks of treatment.
Pain, burning, itching, redness, or peeling at the
application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may rarely increase calcium in your
blood. Tell your doctor right away if any of these symptoms of high calcium
occur:
- unusual tiredness
- mental/mood changes
- unexplained constipation
- pink/bloody urine
- painful urination
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if
you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive
ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to
your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- high calcium/vitamin D levels (hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis
D)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor
right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Your doctor
may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this product.
Ask your doctor for details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- other products containing vitamin D
- drugs that can increase calcium levels (such as thiazide
"water pills", calcium supplements)
Calcitriol ointment may be irritating to the skin. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of other skin products that
may have a drying effect (such as astringents, peeling
agents).
This medication may be harmful if applied to large areas
or swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as
passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness,
depression.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium levels) may be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told
to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that
case.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate.
Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.