Planex

Indications

Calcipotriol (also called Calcipotriene) is applied to the skin or scalp to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, a long-term condition that causes thick, red, scaly patches. It is often combined with a steroid such as Betamethasone in a single product for faster control.

How It Works

Calcipotriol is a man-made form of vitamin D. In psoriasis, skin cells grow and multiply far too quickly. Calcipotriol binds to vitamin D receptors in skin cells, slowing this overgrowth, helping the cells mature normally and reducing inflammation, so the plaques become thinner and less scaly.

Dosage and Administration

Apply a thin layer to the affected skin once or twice daily and rub in gently, as directed by your doctor or the label. Adults should not use more than 100 g of ointment or cream (or 15 g of combination gel or ointment) per week, and should not treat more than about 30% of the body surface. Combination products with a steroid are usually used once daily for up to 4 weeks, then as prescribed. Wash your hands after use unless treating the hands. Children's use is as prescribed.

Interactions

• Avoid calcium or vitamin D supplements in high doses unless your doctor advises, as blood calcium may rise.
• Thiazide diuretics (e.g. Hydrochlorothiazide) may also increase the risk of high calcium.
• Salicylic acid preparations can inactivate Calcipotriol if applied at the same time.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Calcipotriol.
• High blood calcium or known problems with calcium metabolism.
• Severe kidney or liver disease.
• Combination products with a steroid: skin infections, rosacea, acne, peri-oral dermatitis and skin thinning.
• Erythrodermic, exfoliative or pustular psoriasis.

Side Effects

Common effects include burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness and irritation of the treated skin. Rarely, use over large areas can raise blood calcium, causing tiredness, thirst, passing more urine, nausea and constipation.

Get urgent medical help if you develop severe skin reactions, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or marked confusion, vomiting and weakness that may point to high calcium.

Pregnancy and Lactation

There is limited information on use in pregnancy; use only if your doctor advises. If used while breastfeeding, do not apply to the breast area.

Precautions and Warnings

Do not apply to the face or genitals unless your doctor says so, as these areas are easily irritated. Avoid contact with the eyes. Limit sun exposure and avoid sunbeds on treated skin. Do not cover with bandages unless advised. If the condition worsens, stop and see your doctor.

Overdose

Using much more than recommended can raise blood calcium. Stop using it and seek medical advice; blood tests may be needed.

Therapeutic Class

Antipsoriatic, topical vitamin D analogue.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze. Use within the period stated on the pack after opening.