What is Taclonex Ointment (Betamethasone Dipropionate/Calcipotriene) prescribed for?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. Many of the symptoms are flaking, inflammation, and thick, white, silvery or red patches of skin. It is a disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. In turn, this makes the skin build up into bumpy red patches with white scales. This can happen anywhere on the body, but they mostly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

This medication is used as a treatment for Psoriasis. It helps reduce the redness, thickening, and scaling of the skin that occurs with this medication. This product contains two medications: Betamethasone Dipropionate and Calcipotriene. Betamethasone is a very strong corticosteroid drug that works by decreasing swelling, redness, and itching. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells so that they don't build up into thickened, scaly skin patches.

Read up on any information given to you by your doctor, and if you have any questions consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is for use on the skin only. When ready, apply a thin layer to the affected area. This is usually done once a day or as prescribed by your doctor. Rub it in to your skin gently. Make sure to wash your hands after applying the medication, unless of course the medication is for your hands.  Do not get any of this medication in your eyes or mouth. If such a thing does occur, make sure to flush with plenty of water.

Do not wrap, bandage, or cover the treated area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not apply this medication to large areas of damaged skin and do not use it in skin folds. Do not apply more of this medication than prescribed or use it more often or for longer than directed. Doing so may increase the amount of medication that is absorbed into your bloodstream, an effect that may increase your risk of side effects.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. It may take a week to see any improvement and 4 weeks to see the full benefit of this medication.

Before taking this medication, it is best to advise your doctor if you are allergic to Betamethasone Dipropionate or Calcipotriene; or to any other medications or allergies in general. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

You should also let your doctor know of all of your medical history. Especially if you have ever dealt with any of these experiences in the past; a certain mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level), thin skin in the areas to be treated.

If you have a skin infection or a skin reaction other than psoriasis (such as bacterial skin infection, chickenpox, herpes simplex), it should be treated before you start this medication. Betamethasone and other corticosteroid drugs can slow down your body's response to antibiotic drugs and make it more difficult to clear an infection.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Your doctor may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this product.

While minor, some of these side effects may occur. They are as follows; Itching, burning, redness, or irritation of the skin may occur. However if any of these persist or worsen, it’s best to speak with your doctor right away.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin thinning/discoloration/"stretch marks", swelling/inflammation of the hair pores (folliculitis), worsening of psoriasis.

This product may rarely cause an increase in the level of calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects: mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation.

Rarely, it is possible this medication will be absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. This can lead to side effects of too much corticosteroid. These side effects are more likely in children, and in people who use this medication for a long time or over large areas of the skin. Tell your doctor right away if any of the following side effects occur: unusual/extreme tiredness, weight loss, headache, swelling ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination, vision problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak to your doctor before stopping taking this medication.

 What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

 What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon as you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next scheduled dose to avoid overlapping in the dose.

 What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication, speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.