Dovonex (Calcipotriene)

Dovonex Review

Dovonex Cream is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

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Dovonex Drug Class and Mechanism

The efficacy of calcipotriol in the treatment of psoriasis was first noticed by the observation of patients receiving various forms of Vitamin D in an osteoporosis study. Unexpectedly, a patient's psoriasis lesions dramatically disappeared. The precise mechanism of calcipotriol in remitting psoriasis is not well-understood. However, it has been shown to have comparable affinity with calcitriol (Vit D) for the Vitamin D receptor, while being less than 1% as active as the calcitriol in regulating calcium metabolism. The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily, and is found on the cells of many different tissues including the thyroid, bone, kindney, and T cells of the immune system. T cells are known to play a role in psoriasis, and it is thought that the binding of calcipotriol to the VDR modulates the T cells gene transcription of cell differentiation and proliferation related genes.

Dovonex Uses

Dovonex (Calcipotriene) is for external use only. Do not use Dovonex orally and do not apply it in your vagina. Use Dovonex only as directed. 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 increase the chance of side effects. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average dose of Dovonex (Calcipotriene). If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Dovonex Side Effects

Some of the most frequent side effects that may occur while using Dovonex Cream are: skin irritation, rash, pruritus, dermatitis and worsening of psoriasis.

Dovonex Pregnancy

Studies of teratogenicity were done by the oral route where bioavailability is expected to be approximately 40-60% of the administered dose. Increased rabbit maternal and fetal toxicity was noted at 12 |ig/kg/day (132 |lg/m /day). Rabbits administered 36 |ig/kg/day (396 |lg/m /day) resulted in fetuses with a significant increase in the incidences of pubic bones, forelimb phalanges, and incomplete bone ossification. In a rat study, oral doses of 54 |ig/kg/day (318 |ig/m /day) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of skeletal abnormalities consisting primarily of enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. The enlarged fontanelles are most likely due to calcipotriene's effect upon calcium metabolism.

Dovonex Overdose

Topically applied calcipotriene can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Elevated serum calcium has been observed with excessive use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored.

Dovonex More Information

Dovonex (Calcipotriene) may cause irritation of the affected area(s) of your skin for a short time after you have applied it. Sometimes it may also cause irritation of the surrounding normal skin. If this happens, try not to scratch the area.