From the Guidelines
Yes, calcipotriene helps with psoriasis. It is a vitamin D analog topical medication that effectively treats mild to moderate plaque psoriasis by slowing down the excessive skin cell growth that causes psoriasis plaques. Calcipotriene is typically applied to affected areas once or twice daily, depending on the specific formulation. The medication comes in various forms including ointment, cream, solution, and foam (brand names include Dovonex, Sorilux). Most patients see improvement within 2-8 weeks of consistent use. When applying, use a thin layer on affected areas and avoid getting it on normal skin. Wash hands thoroughly after application unless treating the hands. Calcipotriene works by binding to vitamin D receptors in skin cells, which helps normalize cell growth and reduce inflammation. Side effects may include skin irritation, burning, or itching at the application site. For more extensive psoriasis, calcipotriene is sometimes combined with other treatments like topical corticosteroids (as in the combination product Taclonex) for enhanced effectiveness.
Key Points
- Calcipotriene is effective in treating mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, with 40.9% of patients achieving an Investigator’s Static Global Assessment score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) compared to 24.2% with vehicle 1.
- The medication is available in various forms, including ointment, cream, solution, and foam, and is typically applied once or twice daily.
- Calcipotriene can be combined with other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, for enhanced effectiveness, with 69% to 74% of patients achieving clear or almost clear status compared to 27% with vehicle 1.
- The use of calcipotriene is recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis, with a strength of recommendation of A 1.
Recommendations
- Use calcipotriene as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, as it is effective and well-tolerated 1.
- Consider combining calcipotriene with other treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, for enhanced effectiveness in more extensive psoriasis 1.
- Apply calcipotriene once or twice daily, depending on the specific formulation, and use a thin layer on affected areas to minimize side effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
Calcipotriene ointment, 0.005%, is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. Yes, Calcipotriene helps with psoriasis, specifically plaque psoriasis in adults 2.
From the Research
Efficacy of Calcipotriene in Psoriasis Treatment
- Calcipotriene has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis, with studies demonstrating significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2012 found that calcipotriene 0.005% foam was safe and effective for the treatment of mild to moderate plaque-type psoriasis, with 14% of subjects achieving treatment success after 8 weeks 3.
- Another study published in 2024 compared the effectiveness of topical calcipotriol and topical methotrexate in chronic plaque psoriasis, finding that both treatments were effective in reducing lesions, with calcipotriol showing a slightly better response rate 4.
Safety and Tolerability of Calcipotriene
- Calcipotriene has been shown to be well-tolerated, with most adverse events being mild and transient local reactions 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2013 found that a topical suspension containing calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate was safe and effective for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis on the body, with adverse events and other safety assessments similar to those of the vehicle-only treatment group 6.
Combination Therapy with Calcipotriene
- Calcipotriene can be used in combination with other treatments, such as phototherapy and systemic agents, to enhance its effectiveness 7.
- A study published in 2013 found that a topical suspension containing calcipotriene plus betamethasone dipropionate was a safe and effective once-daily treatment for psoriasis vulgaris on the body 6.