Description
How it works
Dovobet contains two active ingredients that work together:
- Calcipotriol – a vitamin D analogue
- Helps normalise the speed of skin cell growth
- Slows down the overproduction of cells that causes thick, scaly plaques
- Betamethasone dipropionate – a potent corticosteroid
- Reduces inflammation, redness and swelling
- Eases itching and irritation
By combining these two actions, Dovobet:
-
- Softens and thins down plaques
- Reduces flaking and scaling
- Calms redness, soreness and itching
- Helps improve the overall appearance and comfort of psoriatic skin
Who it may be suitable for
Dovobet is used in adults for the topical treatment of stable plaque psoriasis that is suitable for treatment with creams, ointments or gels.
It may be appropriate if you:
- Have mild to moderate plaque psoriasis
- Have well-defined red, scaly patches on the body or scalp
- Need a once-daily treatment that combines a vitamin D analogue and a potent steroid
Who should not use Dovobet
Do not use Dovobet if:
- You are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone or any other ingredient in the product
- You have erythrodermic, exfoliative or pustular psoriasis
- You have a known problem with calcium metabolism (for example, high blood calcium)
- You have certain skin infections or conditions in the area to be treated, such as:
- Viral infections (e.g. cold sores, shingles, chickenpox)
- Untreated bacterial or fungal infections
- Parasitic skin infections
- Acne, rosacea or perioral dermatitis
- Ulcers, open wounds or very fragile, thin skin
Dovobet is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years, as there is limited safety and dosing information.
Use with extra care (speak to a pharmacist first) if you:
- Are using other steroid creams/ointments on your body
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have diabetes
- Have a history of eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Need to treat large areas of skin – the treated area should generally not exceed about 30% of your body surface and the daily total amount should not exceed 15 g (for calcipotriol-containing products as a whole)
Dovobet is not for use on:
- Face
- Genitals
- Skin folds (e.g. under breasts, armpits, groin) unless specifically instructed – these areas absorb more steroid and are more prone to side effects
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Use during pregnancy only if a doctor feels the benefits outweigh any risks
- If breastfeeding, do not apply on the breasts, especially before feeds, to avoid contact with the baby’s skin or mouth
Side Effects
Most people use Dovobet without major problems, especially for short courses. As with all steroid-containing skin treatments, side effects are more likely with prolonged use, use on large areas, under occlusive dressings, or on sensitive areas.
Common skin-related side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Itching (pruritus)
- Skin peeling or flaking
- Mild skin irritation or burning sensation at the application site
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people):
- Redness or worsening of psoriasis in the treated area
- Rash (various types – bumpy, pustular or widespread)
- Skin thinning (atrophy), especially with long-term use
- Skin colour changes, bruising or small purple spots
- Dermatitis or eczema-like reactions
- Skin pain or discomfort at the application site
Rare but important side effects:
- Pustular psoriasis – sudden appearance of pus-filled spots within red patches
- Hypercalcaemia (raised calcium level) when using more than the recommended amount – symptoms may include:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Confusion or tiredness
- Signs of steroid-related effects, particularly with long-term or excessive use:
- More obvious veins or stretch marks (striae)
- Skin thinning, easy bruising
- Acne, increased hair growth or folliculitis
- Possible effects on hormone balance (for example, adrenal suppression) in rare severe cases
Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions:
- Worsening redness, swelling or itching
- Rash, hives or swollen areas
- Rarely, swelling of the face or eyelids
If your psoriasis suddenly worsens, you develop pustules, severe irritation, or signs of allergy, stop using Dovobet and seek medical advice.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
- Active ingredients:
- Calcipotriol (vitamin D analogue)
- Betamethasone dipropionate (potent corticosteroid)
- Indication: Topical treatment of stable plaque psoriasis in adults
- Form: Usually available as an ointment and/or gel for use on the body and/or scalp
- Frequency: Typically once daily
- Course length: Often up to 4 weeks at a time, with the possibility of repeated courses under medical supervision
Important precautions:
- Do not treat more than 30% of body surface area
- Do not exceed 15g per day of calcipotriol-containing products in total
- Avoid use on face, genitals and skin folds unless specifically directed
- Avoid tight or occlusive dressings over treated areas unless told to do so
- Limit excessive natural or artificial UV exposure (sunbeds) while using Dovobet; follow your pharmacist’s advice if you receive phototherapy
Storage:
- Store as directed on the packaging (usually below 25°C)
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
Directions
Dovobet is for external use on the skin (or scalp) only. Do not swallow. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and inside the nose.
Always use it exactly as your prescriber has told you.
General dosing (adults)
- Apply once daily to the affected psoriatic areas
- Usual duration of a course: around 4 weeks for body psoriasis; treatment can be repeated as advised by your pharmacist
- For long-term management, repeated courses may be used under regular medical supervision, usually up to 52 weeks with breaks and review
Maximum amounts (for all calcipotriol-containing products you are using):
- Do not use more than 15g per day in total
- Do not treat more than 30% of your body surface
Your prescriber may adjust how long and where you use Dovobet depending on:
- Thickness and size of plaques
- Whether it is used on the body or scalp
- Your response and any side effects
How to apply Dovobet (ointment or gel)
- Wash and dry your hands and the affected skin.
- Apply a thin layer of Dovobet directly to each psoriatic plaque.
- Gently rub it in until the area is covered with a thin film.
- Do not use on normal, unaffected skin.
- Do not cover with airtight dressings or cling film unless specifically told to do so – this increases steroid absorption.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after use (unless you are treating the hands).
For scalp psoriasis (if using Dovobet gel or a scalp-appropriate preparation):
- Part the hair to expose the affected areas
- Apply a small amount to the plaques
- Gently rub in; leave on as long as recommended before washing hair
- Avoid getting the product on the face, in the eyes or inside the ears
Avoid:
- Applying immediately before bathing or showering, as this may wash the product off
- Use on face, groin or genitals unless specifically directed
- Using other strong steroid creams on the same area at the same time
Missed a dose?
- If you forget to apply Dovobet at your usual time, apply it as soon as you remember that day.
- If you only remember at the time of your next dose, just skip the missed application and continue as normal.
- Do not apply twice the amount or use extra applications to make up for a missed dose.
- Try to use it once a day, at roughly the same time, to get the best effect.
If you have used more than the recommended amount or accidentally used it over large areas for a prolonged period, contact a doctor or pharmacist, especially if you feel unwell or notice new symptoms. Overuse can rarely affect calcium levels or cause steroid-related side effects.
FAQs
What does Dovobet treat?
Dovobet is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults – a long-term skin condition that causes red, scaly, thickened patches on the skin. It helps to reduce scaling, redness, itching and thickness of these patches.
How quickly will my psoriasis improve?
Many people notice smoother and less scaly skin within 1–2 weeks. The full effect is usually assessed after a 4-week course. If there is not enough improvement, or if the psoriasis worsens, your treatment plan may need to be reviewed.
Can I use moisturisers with Dovobet?
Yes. In fact, regular emollients (moisturisers) are important in psoriasis. Apply your moisturiser first, let it absorb fully. Then apply Dovobet to the plaques as directed. Leave a reasonable gap between applications so the product isn’t diluted or rubbed off. Your pharmacist can help you plan a simple daily routine.
Can I use Dovobet on my face or genitals?
Generally no. The face and genital areas are very sensitive to steroid side effects such as thinning and irritation. Dovobet is usually not recommended on these areas unless a specialist has specifically advised it, and then only for very short periods.
Can I use Dovobet long term?
Dovobet is typically used in short courses (often 4 weeks). If psoriasis returns, more courses can be used, but long-term continuous use increases the risk of side effects from the steroid component. Your pharmacist may: use Dovobet for flare-ups, switch you back to vitamin D-only or other treatments in between, and/or review your treatment regularly if you need ongoing therapy.
Is Dovobet safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: Use only if clearly needed and on the advice of a pharmacist, on small areas for short periods. Breastfeeding: It can sometimes be used with caution, but do not apply to the breasts. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What should I do if Dovobet irritates my skin or makes psoriasis worse?
If you develop, severe burning, redness or irritation, new pustules or widespread rash, and/or worsening of psoriasis, then stop using Dovobet and seek medical advice. You may need a different treatment, and your skin may require a period of gentle care and emollients only.
Can I use Dovobet with phototherapy (light treatment)?
Sometimes Dovobet is used alongside UV therapy, but this must be carefully supervised. The vitamin D analogue and steroid may increase sensitivity to UV, so your doctor will advise on safe exposure limits. Do not use sunbeds or deliberately sunbathe more than usual without medical advice.
What They Say About Us...
Great service, the follow up phone call to ensure that I was getting the correct medication was appreciated. Would yes 24 HR Pharmacy again.
Excellent customer service and prompt communication. My enquiry was resolved quickly, and my order was delivered ahead of time.
The service I received was faultless. Sehar is very knowledgeable and supportive in her consultation. The service was quick and easy to use.