Calcipotriene; Betamethasone Skin Ointment

What is this medication?

CALCIPOTRIENE; BETAMETHASONE (kal si poe TRYE een; bay ta METH a sone) is used to treat psoriasis. It helps reduce skin redness, thickness, and scaling.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Taclonex

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis
• getting light therapy for psoriasis
• high levels of calcium in the blood
• high levels of Vitamin D in the blood
• skin infection or thinning
• an unusual reaction to calcipotriene, betamethasone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands before and after use. Apply a thin film of medicine to the affected area. Do not cover with a bandage or dressing unless your doctor or health care professional tells you to. Do not use on healthy skin or over large areas of skin. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water. It is important not to use more medicine than prescribed. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• othersteroid medicines, like hydrocortisone or prednisone

Do not use any other skin products on the same area of skin without asking your doctor or health care professional.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fever
• skin infection, thinning
• worsening of psoriasis

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change of skin color, lighter or darker
• skin irritation, itching, redness, or stinging

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in a well closed container. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.