Description
How it works
Dovonex contains calcipotriol, a synthetic form of vitamin D designed for use on the skin.
In plaque psoriasis, skin cells:
- Grow and divide too quickly
- Build up on the surface, forming thick, red, scaly plaques
Calcipotriol works by:
- Slowing down the overproduction of skin cells (keratinocytes)
- Promoting more normal skin cell maturation
- Helping to flatten and soften plaques, and reduce redness and scaling
When used correctly and within the recommended weekly amount, its effect on calcium levels in the body is minimal. Using too much or on very large areas can occasionally disturb calcium balance, so dosage limits are important.
Who it may be suitable for
Dovonex is used for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) that is suitable for treatment with creams or ointments.
It may be suitable if you:
- Have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis by a healthcare professional
- Have mild to moderate plaques on areas such as the trunk, limbs or scalp (depending on the formulation prescribed)
- Need a non-steroid vitamin D analogue as part of your psoriasis treatment plan
It can be used:
- In adults
- In children aged 6 years and over, but only on the advice and dosing guidance of a doctor
Who should not use Dovonex
Do not use Dovonex if you:
- Are allergic to calcipotriol or any of the ingredients
- Have problems with calcium metabolism or high calcium levels in your blood (hypercalcaemia)
- Have severe kidney or liver problems (use is generally avoided or only used with specialist advice)
- Are treating a skin condition other than psoriasis, unless specifically advised
Dovonex is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Use with extra care and speak to a clinician if:
- You are already having ultraviolet (UV) light treatment
- You have guttate, erythrodermic, exfoliative or pustular psoriasis
- You need to treat large areas of skin – your doctor may limit how much you can use in a week
- You have sensitive skin or you are treating skin folds (armpits, groin, under breasts), which are more prone to irritation
- You are pregnant, might be pregnant or breastfeeding – it should only be used if clearly necessary, on limited areas, and not on the breasts
Dovonex is not for use on:
- The face (it can easily irritate facial skin and eyes)
- Genitals
- Large areas of broken, ulcerated or infected skin
Side Effects
As with all medicines, side effects can occur, but many are mild and local to the skin. They are more likely if:
- You use Dovonex on sensitive areas (face, skin folds)
- You use it on very large areas or above the recommended weekly amount
- You use it for long periods without review
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Skin irritation at the application site
- Redness of the skin
- Worsening of psoriasis in some cases
- Dermatitis or eczema-like changes in the treated area
- Flaking or scaling
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Itchy rash or skin inflammation where the medicine is used
- Pain or tenderness at the application site
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)
- Rash
- Eczema-type rash – red, itchy, scaly patches, sometimes with blisters
- Dry skin
- Changes in skin colour where the medicine is used
Rare but important side effects:
- Hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) – may present with:
- Swelling of the face, lips, eyelids or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe, widespread rash or hives
- Hypercalcaemia (too much calcium in the blood) or hypercalciuria (too much calcium in the urine), especially if large amounts are used:
- Needing to pass urine more often than usual
- Feeling very thirsty or losing appetite
- Dry or metallic taste in the mouth
- Nausea, constipation or stomach pain
- Weak muscles or bone pain
- Tiredness, fatigue or confusion
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight – skin may burn more easily
- Local swelling or puffiness (oedema)
- Itchy raised rash (hives)
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis– dandruff-like flaking or similar scalp/skin changes
If you develop severe irritation, worsening of psoriasis, pustules, spreading rash or signs of allergy, stop using Dovonex and seek medical advice promptly.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
- Active ingredient: Calcipotriol 50 micrograms per gram of ointment/cream
- Type of medicine: Topical anti-psoriatic, vitamin D analogue
- Indication: Treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
- Age group: Adults and children 6 years and over (in children only as directed by a doctor)
- Max weekly amount:
- Adults – 100 g per week
- 12–17 years – 75 g per week
- 6–12 years – 50 g per week
- When used correctly, it has no or negligible effect on your ability to drive or use machines
Important precautions:
- Do not use on the face or on very sensitive areas unless specifically instructed
- Avoid use on large areas of skin without medical supervision
- Limit excessive sun exposure and avoid sunbeds while using it
- Do not exceed the recommended weekly total amount to reduce the risk of raised calcium levels
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Use only if clearly necessary and on the advice of a clinician
- If breastfeeding, do not apply to the breast area
Storage:
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date on the pack
- Do not store above 25°C (check pack for exact instruction)
- Once opened, the tube should be discarded after the recommended period (for example, 6 months after opening, according to the packaging)
Directions
Dovonex is for external use on the skin only. Do not swallow and do not apply inside the mouth, nose or eyes.
Always use it exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Usual dosing – adults
- Apply to the affected psoriatic areas once or twice daily
- Many people start with twice daily and may reduce to once daily when stable, as advised
- Do not use more than 100 g per week in adults (across all areas being treated)
Children and adolescents (only if prescribed)
- Aged 12 years and over:
- Usually applied twice daily
- Maximum 75 g per week
- Aged 6–12 years:
- Usually applied twice daily
- Maximum 50 g per week
- Under 6 years:
- Do not use unless a specialist specifically instructs otherwise
How to apply
- Wash and dry your hands and the affected skin.
- Squeeze a suitable amount of Dovonex onto the psoriatic area or onto a fingertip.
- Apply a thin, even layer, thick enough to cover the plaques, and rub in gently.
- Avoid spreading onto normal, unaffected skin as far as possible.
- Do not use on the face. If it gets on your face or in your eyes by accident, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Unless treating the hands, wash your hands after use to avoid accidentally spreading the ointment/cream to other areas.
You can use moisturisers (emollients) alongside Dovonex:
- Apply your moisturiser first, let it soak in
- Then apply Dovonex to the plaques
- Leave a gap between applications so the treatment is not wiped off or diluted
Do not mix Dovonex directly with other topical products (for example by combining them in your hand before applying) unless specifically instructed.
Your doctor may ask you to limit sun exposure and avoid sunbeds while using Dovonex, particularly if you are also having UV phototherapy.
Fire safety:
As with many ointments and creams containing paraffin or oils, fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings) that has been in contact with Dovonex can burn more easily.
- Keep away from naked flames and cigarettes
- Change and wash fabrics regularly (but be aware some residue may remain)
Missed a dose?
- If you forget to apply Dovonex, put it on as soon as you remember that day.
- Then use the next dose at your usual time.
- If you don’t remember until the next day, skip the missed application and continue as normal.
- Do not apply twice the amount to make up for a missed dose.
If you accidentally use more than prescribed or more than the recommended weekly amount, contact your doctor. Using too much can occasionally increase calcium levels in the blood.
FAQs
What is Dovonex used for?
Dovonex is used to treat plaque psoriasis, which causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. It helps to reduce scaling, thickness and redness by slowing down the overgrowth of skin cells.
How quickly will I see an improvement?
Many people notice that plaques become softer, less scaly and less red within a few weeks. Maximum improvement is usually seen after several weeks of regular use. If there is no improvement after a reasonable trial, or if psoriasis gets worse, your treatment should be reviewed.
Can I use moisturisers with Dovonex?
Yes. Regular emollients are an important part of psoriasis care. Apply your moisturiser first and allow it to soak in. Then apply Dovonex to the psoriatic plaques as directed. Leave a short gap between products so Dovonex is not wiped off.
Can I use Dovonex with steroid creams?
Dovonex is sometimes used on its own or in rotation with topical steroids. In some treatment plans, a steroid may be used at a different time of day or in phases. You should only combine treatments if this has been clearly advised by your doctor.
Can I use Dovonex on my face or genitals?
No, unless you have been specifically instructed by a specialist. Facial and genital skin is more sensitive and prone to irritation. Other treatments are usually preferred in those areas.
Does Dovonex thin the skin like steroids?
Calcipotriol is not a steroid, and it does not thin the skin in the same way potent steroids can. However, it can still cause local irritation and other skin changes, especially if overused. Some people use Dovonex alongside or in rotation with steroid-based products under dermatology advice.
Is Dovonex safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
The safety of calcipotriol in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established, so it is generally used only if clearly needed, on small areas, and for limited periods, under medical supervision. If breastfeeding, do not apply Dovonex to the breasts.
What should I do if I think I’ve used too much?
If you suspect you have used more than the recommended weekly amount or applied it over very large areas, contact your doctor. Watch for signs of too much calcium in the body (increased thirst, more frequent urination, nausea, constipation, muscle weakness, tiredness). Your doctor may advise you to stop the treatment temporarily and may check your blood or urine calcium levels.
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