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Betamethasone and calcipotriene (Topical application)

Generic name: betamethasone and calcipotriene [ bay-ta-METH-a-sone-dye-PROE-pee-oh-nate, kal-si-poe-TRYE-een ]
Brand names: Enstilar, Taclonex, Taclonex Scalp, Wynzora
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 20, 2023.

Uses for betamethasone and calcipotriene

Betamethasone and calcipotriene combination is used on the skin and scalp to treat plaque psoriasis.

Betamethasone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). It helps relieve redness, pain, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by certain skin problems.

Calcipotriene is a form of Vitamin D. It works by changing how the skin cells are produced in the areas affected by psoriasis.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using betamethasone and calcipotriene

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of betamethasone and calcipotriene cream in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of betamethasone and calcipotriene topical foam, ointment, and suspension in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of betamethasone and calcipotriene combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Proper use of betamethasone and calcipotriene

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects or skin irritation.

This medicine should only be used on the skin or scalp. Do not get it into your eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, or apply it on your face, under your arms, or on your groin area. Do not use it on skin or scalp areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away with water.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To help clear up your skin or scalp problem completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment. Do not miss any doses.

This medicine should only be used for skin conditions that your doctor is treating. Check with your doctor first before using it for other skin conditions, especially if you think that a skin infection may be present. This medicine should not be used to treat certain kinds of skin infections or conditions, such as severe burns.

The treated areas should not be bandaged or covered after the medicine is applied, unless your doctor tells you to.

To use the topical cream:

To use the foam:

To use the ointment:

To use the topical suspension:

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Keep the bottle of topical suspension in the carton when not in use. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.

Store the foam can at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Store the cream can at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.

Precautions while using betamethasone and calcipotriene

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

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

Using too much of this medicine or using it for a long time may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. The risk is greater for children and patients who use large amounts for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

Check with your doctor right away if blurred vision, difficulty with reading, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want your eyes be checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

This medicine may cause too much calcium to build up in your body. Too much calcium may increase your risk for adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you have stomach pain, confusion, constipation, depression, dry mouth, headache, incoherent speech, increased urination, loss of appetite, a metallic taste, muscle weakness, nausea, thirst, unusual tiredness, vomiting, or weight loss.

Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, flaking, itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also having ultraviolet (UV) light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis before using this medicine.

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

Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated areas.

Side Effects of betamethasone and calcipotriene

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Some side effects 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:

Less common

Rare

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Antipsoriatic

Pharmacologic Class: Betamethasone

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.