Introduction

Betamethasone Dipropionate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone dye-PROE-pee-oh-nate), Calcipotriene (kal-si-poe-TRYE-een)

Treats plaque psoriasis. This medicine is a combination of a steroid and vitamin D.

Brand Name(s)

Taclonex, Taclonex Scalp

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Ointment, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should be used on the skin or scalp only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, or apply it on your face, under your arms, or on your groin area. Do not use on skin or scalp areas that have cuts or scrapes. Rinse off any medicine that gets on these areas with water right away.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Topical liquid:
  • Shake the bottle before each use.
  • Part your hair so you can see the patches on your scalp.
  • Apply enough medicine to the affected areas of your scalp. Rub it in gently.
  • Do not wash your hair or take a bath or shower right after you apply the medicine.
  • Do not apply this medicine in the 12 hours before or after you use any hair chemical treatments. Talk with your doctor first.
  • Do not use the medicine for more than 8 weeks.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless your doctor has told you to.
• 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 comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, apply it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle of topical liquid in the carton when not in use. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you use other steroid medicines (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®) or if you receive light therapy for your psoriasis.
• Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing syndrome, diabetes, any skin or scalp infection, or thin skin at the site to be treated. Tell your doctor if you have a calcium metabolism disorder or other types of psoriasis (such as erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis).
• Too much calcium can build up in your body if you use too much of this medicine. This may increase your risk of having adrenal gland problems. Talk to your doctor if you have stomach pain, constipation, increased urination or thirst, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, or nausea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor right away if you have itching, irritation, dryness, redness, or swelling of skin.
• Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.Other tests may also be needed to check for side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Burning, pain, redness, or thinning of the skin
• Change of color or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied
• Increase in thirst or how often you urinate
• Loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, weakness, nausea, vomiting
• Severe itching or worsening of psoriasis
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Swollen hair pores

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

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

Disclaimers

• The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
• A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
• Call 911 for all medical emergencies.
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