Calcipotriene

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcipotriene ointment USP, 0.005%, is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. The safety and effectiveness of topical calcipotriene in dermatoses other than psoriasis have not been established.

ADVERSE REACTIONS Clinical Trials Experience In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse reactions reported for calcipotriene were burning, itching and skin irritation, which occurred in approximately 10 to 15% of patients. Erythema, dry skin, peeling, rash, dermatitis, worsening of psoriasis including development of facial/scalp psoriasis were reported in 1 to 10% of patients. Other experiences reported in less than 1% of patients included skin atrophy, hyperpigmentation, hypercalcemia, and folliculitis. Once daily dosing has not been shown to be superior in safety to twice daily dosing. Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of Dovonex Ointment.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Studies of teratogenicity were done by the oral route where bioavailability is expected to be approximately 40 to 60% of the administered dose. In rabbits, increased maternal and fetal toxicity were noted at a dosage 12 mcg/kg/day (132 mcg/m 2 /day); a dosage of 36 mcg/kg/day (396 mcg/m 2 /day) resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of incomplete ossification of the pubic bones and forelimb phalanges of fetuses.

WARNINGS Contact dermatitis, including allergic contact dermatitis, has been observed with the use of calcipotriene. CONTRAINDICATIONS Calcipotriene is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. It should not be used by patients with demonstrated hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Calcipotriene should not be used on the face.