Psoriasis Treatment DAIVONEX® ointment, cream and scalp solution
Friday, May 29th, 2009DAIVONEX® ointment, cream and scalp solution
Calcipotriol (Kal-sippo-try-all)
daivonex psoriasis treatment
Please read this leaflet carefully before you start your treatment.
Keep this leaflet. You may want to read it again.
What is in this leaflet?
This leaflet answers some common questions about using DAIVONEX. It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using DAIVONEX against the benefits it is expected to have for you.
If you have any concerns about using DAIVONEX, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
What DAIVONEX is used for
DAIVONEX is an anti-psoriasis medicine. DAIVONEX contains calcipotriol (related to Vitamin D). DAIVONEX does not contain steroids.
DAIVONEX is used only on skin affected by psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells are overactive. The calcipotriol in DAIVONEX treats the overactive skin cells.
DAIVONEX is used in the commonest type of psoriasis, where “plaques” form in the skin. Plaques are raised, rough, reddened areas covered with fine, dry silvery scales. Plaques are usually a centimeter or two across.
DAIVONEX preparations are available as ointment, cream and scalp solution.
DAIVONEX preparations are available only with a doctor’s prescription.
This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
This medicine is not addictive.
Before you use DAIVONEX
When you must not use DAIVONEX (All Preparations)
Do not use DAIVONEX if you have an allergy to:
* any medicine containing calcipotriol
* any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet (see Product description).
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash, itching or “hives” on the skin.
Do not use DAIVONEX for severe widespread psoriasis, or the types of psoriasis known as guttate, generalised pustular or erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis. Your doctor will identify these conditions for you.
Do not use DAIVONEX if you
* have high blood calcium levels.
* are taking calcium, vitamin D supplements or vitamin D-like medicines, for example calcitriol.
Do not use DAIVONEX
* after the expiry date printed on the pack OR
* if the packaging is torn, doesn’t look quite right or shows signs of tampering.
If the DAIVONEX packaging is damaged or it is past the expiry date, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Do not breast-feed if you are using DAIVONEX on your breasts.
If you are not sure whether you should start using DAIVONEX, talk to your doctor.
When you must not use DAIVONEX Cream or Scalp Solution
Do not use DAIVONEX cream or scalp solution in children.
Safety and effectiveness of these forms of DAIVONEX in children have not been established.
DAIVONEX ointment may be used in children (see How to use DAIVONEX).
Do not use DAIVONEX cream or scalp solution if you are having other treatments for psoriasis.
DAIVONEX ointment may be used with some other treatments for psoriasis. Talk to your doctor to find out if this applies to you.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor if you have a known allergy to DAIVONEX or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Tell your doctor if you
* have kidney or liver problems.
* are suffering from any other illness.
Tell your doctor if you
* are pregnant
* are breast-feeding
* intend to breast-feed.
If you have not told your doctor about any of the above, tell him/her before you start using this medicine.
Other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on any other medicines, including any that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines you should be careful with or avoid whilst using DAIVONEX.
How to use DAIVONEX
Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much of each DAIVONEX preparation to use
Children:
DAIVONEX ointment only
* over 12 years old
– Do not use more than 75 g in one week.
* 6 – 12 years old
– Do not use more than 50 g in one week.
* under 6 years old
– Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Adults:
* DAIVONEX cream and ointment:
– Do not use more than 100 g in one week.
For example, no more than
o 3 tubes of 30 g
or
o 1 tube of 100 g.
Adults:
* DAIVONEX scalp solution:
– Do not use more than 60 mL in one week.
For example, no more than
o 1 bottle containing 60 mL or
o 2 bottles containing 30 mL.
Adults:
* Using combinations of DAIVONEX preparations
IMPORTANT: You may need to use a combination of DAIVONEX preparations to treat your psoriasis. For example, you may use scalp solution on your head and ointment or cream on other parts of your body.
– In one week do not use more than
o 60 mL of DAIVONEX scalp solution plus one 30 g tube of DAIVONEX cream or ointment
or
* 30 mL of DAIVONEX scalp solution plus two 30 g tubes of DAIVONEX cream or ointment.
- In one week do not use more than
* one 30 g tube of DAIVONEX cream and two 30 g tubes of DAIVONEX ointment
or
* two 30 g tubes of DAIVONEX cream and one 30 g tube of DAIVONEX ointment.
NOTE: If you use more than the recommended amount, the levels of calcium in your body may rise, and this can have serious effects.
How to use DAIVONEX preparations
NOTE: unlike certain other skin preparations which you use sparingly, use DAIVONEX as follows:
* DAIVONEX cream and ointment:
o Apply DAIVONEX cream or ointment to the psoriasis plaques only. Form a visible coating. If you accidentally get some of the cream or ointment on normal skin, wash it off.
o DO NOT use DAIVONEX cream or ointment
+ in skin folds,
+ on the genitalia,
+ on the scalp or
+ on the face.
* DAIVONEX scalp solution:
o Use DAIVONEX scalp solution ONLY on the scalp.
o Apply DAIVONEX scalp solution, drop by drop, only to the areas of your scalp that have psoriasis.
o If any accidentally gets on your face, wash it off immediately.
Wash your hands thoroughly after applying it on any part of your body, unless your hands are being treated.
Take care not to get DAIVONEX in your eyes. If this happens, rinse your eyes with clean water and tell your doctor.
Avoid getting DAIVONEX on your face accidentally.
If any skin irritation develops, wash off the DAIVONEX preparation.
Do not use DAIVONEX on the face. An itchy red rash may develop.
Do not use DAIVONEX under occlusive dressings (eg a bandage). The treated area does not need to have a special covering. You may wear your usual clothes.
When to use DAIVONEX preparations
Apply DAIVONEX twice a day (morning and night).
How long to use it
* Children:
Do not use DAIVONEX ointment for more than 8 weeks.
* Adults:
Continue to use DAIVONEX for as long as your doctor tells you.
If you are using DAIVONEX for longer than 3 months your doctor will probably do blood tests to check your calcium levels and kidney function.
Your doctor may decide to stop DAIVONEX treatment once your psoriasis has improved.
If you forget to use it
If you forget to use DAIVONEX, use it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to use your medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for some hints.
While you are using DAIVONEX
Things you must do
While you are using DAIVONEX, protect the treated skin areas from sunlight and Ultra Violet (UV) rays, for example, by wearing protective clothing. This is particularly important if your job or lifestyle means you spend much time out-of-doors. [An exception is if your doctor has advised combination treatment with DAIVONEX ointment and UV therapy.]
If you are going to start any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist that you are using DAIVONEX.
If you become pregnant while using DAIVONEX, tell your doctor immediately.
Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be checked.
Your doctor may do some blood tests from time to time.
Things you must not do
Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not use DAIVONEX cream or scalp solution with other treatments for psoriasis.
Your doctor will tell you if you can use DAIVONEX ointment with other psoriasis treatments.
Do not use more than the recommended weekly dose (see How to use DAIVONEX).
Side effects
As with all medicines, DAIVONEX can cause some side effects.
Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist:
* if you have any unpleasant effects while you are using DAIVONEX
or
* if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
– skin irritation (including rashes or peeling)
– a rash on your face
– a change in the color of your skin
– your skin is more sensitive to light.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
After using DAIVONEX
Keep DAIVONEX in the box until required.
Storage
Keep your DAIVONEX ointment or cream or scalp solution in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. However, do not keep DAIVONEX cream or ointment in the refrigerator as the cream or ointment will not spread easily.
Also, keep your DAIVONEX scalp solution away from fire or flames because it may catch fire.
Do not store DAIVONEX or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep DAIVONEX where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop using DAIVONEX or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any DAIVONEX that is left over.
Product description
What it looks like
DAIVONEX ointment is a white to yellowish ointment.
DAIVONEX cream is a soft white cream.
DAIVONEX scalp solution is a colorless, non-runny solution.
Ingredients
DAIVONEX ointment contains the active ingredient calcipotriol (50 micro gram/g). It also contains:
* dl-α-tocopherol,
* disodium edetate,
* sodium phosphate – dibasic dihydrate
* purified water
* liquid paraffin
* steareth-2
* propylene glycol
* soft white paraffin.
DAIVONEX cream contains the active ingredient calcipotriol (50 micro gram/g). It also contains
* disodium edetate
* quaternium-15
* sodium phosphate – dibasic dihydrate
* cetomacrogol 1000
* glycerol
* liquid paraffin
* cetostearyl alcohol
* soft white paraffin
* purified water.
DAIVONEX scalp solution contains the active ingredient calcipotriol (50 micro gram/ml).
It also contains
* menthol
* hydroxypropylcellulose
* sodium citrate
* propylene glycol
* isopropyl alcohol
* purified water.
DAIVONEX does not contain lactose, sucrose, gluten, tartrazine or any other azo products.
This is not all the information available on DAIVONEX. If you have any more questions or are unsure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
