Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
Uses Of Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
This medication is a form of vitamin D. It is used on the skin to treat psoriasis.
How To Use Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
This medication is for use on the skin only as directed. Do not use this for any other skin condition other than that for which it has been prescribed. Apply this medication in a thin layer to the affected area(s) usually twice a day. Rub it in gently and completely. Wash hands after using. Do not apply to the face or near the eyes.
What is Dovonex and how does it work?
Dovonex (also known by its generic name calcipotriene) is a form of synthetic vitamin D3 approved for treating psoriasis. It is available by prescription. It slows down the rate of skin cell growth, flattens psoriasis lesions and removes scale. Dovonex also can be used on the scalp and for nail psoriasis. It is not as effective at decreasing inflammation, though for most patients redness will improve over time. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dovonex topical ointment in 1993 for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. It is one of the most commonly used topicals. In addition to the ointment, Dovonex is sold in a cream form and scalp solution. All Dovonex products come in 0.005% strength by prescription, and they are odorless and nonstaining. Dovonex is not related to vitamin D found in vitamin supplements taken by mouth. These supplements should not be used to treat psoriasis. Ingesting large doses of vitamin D–even though it is sold without a prescription–can cause serious side effects.
How well does Dovonex work?
Patients using Dovonex often see results after two weeks of treatment, but clearance or full effect usually takes at least eight weeks. Doctors typically prescribe Dovonex for an initial treatment period of six to eight weeks. People who do not clear at eight weeks may improve if they continue using the medication. In general, Dovonex does not work as quickly as superpotent topical steroids (also called corticosteroids), but unlike steroids, Dovonex has no known serious side effects when used according to directions. Dovonex is FDA-approved for long-term use. For psoriasis plaques on the body, studies have shown that Dovonex ointment is slightly more effective than the cream.
Using Dovonex on the scalp
Dovonex scalp solution is a water- and alcohol-based formulation specifically designed for treating scalp psoriasis. Rub the solution gently into scalp lesions at night, and then cover (occlude) the scalp with a shower cap or plastic bag overnight. The Dovonex may be washed out in the morning, if necessary. Avoid getting the mixture on the face or around the eyes, where it can cause irritation. Sweat can carry the medication onto the face and neck as well, so it is important to protect unaffected areas of skin. Also, Dovonex scalp solution should not be used during a flare of scalp lesions; the alcohol in the solution may irritate the skin.
Using Dovonex for nail psoriasis
Dovonex has proven successful in treating nail psoriasis for some patients. In one study, Dovonex ointment proved about as effective for nail psoriasis as a combination ointment of salicylic acid and a topical steroid.
Using Dovonex with other treatments
Because Dovonex is relatively safe and free of serious side effects, it is used in combination with many other treatments. In that way, it is considered to be one of the most effective and safest long-term treatment regimens for psoriasis.
Combining Dovonex with topical steroids–for example, applying one at night and the other in the morning–can be more effective and less irritating than using Dovonex alone. Also, according to one study, a combined maintenance treatment of daily Dovonex plus weekend use of a superpotent topical steroid (called pulse therapy) may prolong remissions.
Note: Always remember to taper off topical steroids gradually, whether they are being used alone or in combination. Abruptly stopping steroid treatment may cause a rebound (a temporary worsening of psoriasis).
Dovonex has also been combined with nonsteroidal topical treatments, such as Tazorac, anthralin and tar. One small study found that Dovonex and Tazorac together may be as effective as some superpotent corticosteroids.
If Dovonex is prescribed along with other topicals, apply the medications at different times of day and never mix them. The active ingredient in Dovonex is easily inactivated, particularly by acidic compounds like salicylic acid.
Dovonex enhances the efficacy of UVB treatments and PUVA treatments. Dovonex should be applied only after UV treatment because it may partially block the light during treatment, and UV rays can inactivate the medication.
In moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, Dovonex and several systemic treatments have been combined. With Neoral (also known by its generic name cyclosporine) or Soriatane (also known by its generic name acitretin), Dovonex improves overall results and reduces the amount of systemic drugs needed, thereby reducing their risks and side effects. There are no known problems using Dovonex with methotrexate or biologics, but studies are limited.
Side Effects Of Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
Dry skin, peeling or itching of the skin may occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: a skin rash, irritation, inflammation or swelling of the skin, worsening of psoriasis. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions When Taking Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, high blood calcium levels, allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions With Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially of: all skin products used for psoriasis. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose Of Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
Notes On Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
You should see some improvement in your condition after two weeks of using this medication with marked improvement after 8 weeks of therapy. Laboratory tests may be done periodically while using this medication to monitor its effectiveness and prevent side effects.
Missed Dose Of Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Storage Of Dovonex Vitamin D Medication To Treat Psoriasis
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard unused medication after expiration date on the container.