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This medication is used to treat psoriasis. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of cells.
How to use calcitriol Top
Use this medication on the skin only. Wash the affected area and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of medication usually twice daily, in the morning and in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Apply only to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis. Gently rub in. Wash your hands after using, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Do not apply calcitriol to the face, in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
Do not apply to a larger area of skin, apply more often, or use longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster and this may increase the risk of side effects. Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not apply to more than one-third of your body. Do not use more than 1 ounce (30 grams) daily.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. You should usually begin to see an improvement in your skin condition after 4 weeks of treatment.
Pain, burning, itching, redness, or peeling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may rarely increase calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms of high calcium occur: unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation, pink/bloody urine, painful urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high calcium/vitamin D levels (hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis D), kidney disease, liver disease.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this medication. Discuss this further with your doctor.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other products containing vitamin D, drugs that can increase calcium levels (such as thiazide \"water pills\", calcium supplements).
Calcitriol ointment may be irritating to the skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of other skin products that may have a drying effect (such as astringents, peeling agents).
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
This medication may be harmful if applied to large areas or swallowed. If overdose or swallowing is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, depression.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as calcium levels) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised May 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
