Dyvon

Calcipotriol ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of chronic stable plaque type psoriasis vulgaris in adult patients.

Topical Vitamin D & related preparations

Calcipotriol is a non-steroidal antipsoriatic agent, derived from vitamin D. Calcipotriol exhibits a vitamin D-like effect by competing for the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor. Calcipotriol is as potent as 1,25(OH)2D3, the naturally occurring active form of vitamin D, in regulating cell proliferation and cell differentiation, but much less active than 1,25(OH)2D3 in its effect on calcium metabolism. Calcipotriol induces differentiation and suppresses proliferation (without any evidence of a cytotoxic effect) of keratinocytes, thus reversing the abnormal keratinocyte changes in psoriasis. The therapeutic goal envisaged with calcipotriol is thus a normalization of epidermal growth.

Adults: Calcipotriol ointment should be applied topically to the affected area twice daily (i.e. in the morning & in the evening). Less frequent application may be indicated after the initial period of treatment. After satisfactory improvement has occurred, treatment should be discontinued. If recurrence takes place after discontinuation, the treatment may be reinstituted. Experience is lacking in the use of Calcipotriol for periods longer than 1 year. Calcipotriol Ointment should not be used in children, as there is inadequate experience with its use.

Betamethasone & Calcipotriol Ointment is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. It is also contraindicated in patients with known disorders of calcium metabolism. Patients with severe renal insufficiency or severe hepatic disorders are also contraindicated. The patient must be instructed on correct use of the product to avoid application and/or accidental transfer to the scalp, face, mouth or eyes. Betamethasone & Calcipotriol Ointment is not recommended for use on the face since it may give rise to itching & erythema of the facial skin. Treatment of more than 30% of the body surface should be avoided. Patients should be instructed to wash their hands after using Betamethasone & Calcipotriol Ointment, to avoid inadvertent transfer of Ointment to the face from other body areas.

The most common adverse reactions are folliculitis & burning sensation of skin.

Pregnancy: Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established. Therefore Calcipotriol should not be used during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Lactation: It is not known whether Calcipotriol is excreted in breast milk, therefore, the drug should be used during lactation only if the benefits clearly out weigh the risks. Calcipotriol should not be applied to the chest area during breast feeding to avoid possible ingestion by infants.

Store below 25° C, away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.