Dovonex

Dovonex treats plaque psoriasis. Avoid excessive sunlight. Wear a hat and clothes that cover the treated areas of your skin if you have to be in sunlight.

Dovonex Overview

Reviewed: September 14, 2013
Updated: 

Dovonex is a prescription medication used to treat plaque psoriasis. Dovonex belongs to a group of drugs called synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives. The exact way calcipotriene works to treat plaque psoriasis is unknown.

This medication comes in the form of a cream. It is usually applied to the affected skin twice daily.

Common side effects of Dovonex are irritation, redness, and itching of the skin treated.

 

How was your experience with Dovonex?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Dovonex?

What are you taking Dovonex for?

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  • Other
  • Psoriasis

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Dovonex work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Dovonex to a friend?

Uses of Dovonex

Dovonex is a prescription medicine used on the skin to treat plaque psoriasis in adults. This medication is a synthetic form of vitamin D.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Manufacturer

Dovonex Drug Class

Dovonex is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Dovonex

The most common side effects of Dovonex are:

  • irritation
  • redness
  • itching of the treated skin areas

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of calcipotriene. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Dovonex Interactions

No Dovonex drug interactions have been identified, however, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known or reported and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Tell your doctor if you are taking vitamin D or calcium supplements, lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), or thiazide diuretics. All of these medications can increase calcium levels in the blood and when combined with Dovonex, may lead to too high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).

Dovonex Precautions

Dovonex can cause high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of hypercalcemia include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Confusion
  • Lethargy and fatigue

This is a potentially serious side effect. If you develop symptoms of hypercalcemia, call your doctor right away.

Do not use Dovonex if you are:

  • allergic to Dovonex
  • have high levels of calcium in the blood
  • have high levels of Vitamin D in the blood

Dovonex Food Interactions

Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Dovonex there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Dovonex.

Inform MD

Before you use Dovonex, tell your doctor if you:

• are getting light therapy for your psoriasis
• have any other medical conditions
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding 
 
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 

Dovonex and Lactation

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Dovonex passes into breast milk. Do not apply Dovonex to the chest area if you are breastfeeding a baby. This will help to prevent the baby from accidentally getting Dovonex into their mouth.

Dovonex Usage

Apply Dovonex exactly as prescribed.

  • Dovonex is usually applied to the affected skin areas two times each day.
  • ​Do not apply Dovonex on the face. 
  • Dovonex is for use on the skin only. Do not get the cream in your eyes, mouth or vagina.
  • Dovonex is flammable. Avoid fire, flame, or smoking during and right after you apply cream to your skin.
  • Avoid excessive sunlight. Wear a hat and clothes that cover the treated areas of your skin if you have to be in sunlight.

 

Dovonex Dosage

Use Dovonex as directed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Do not adjust your dose without the advice of your doctor.

Dovonex is usually applied to the affected skin areas two times each day.

Talk to your doctor if your skin does not improve after treatment with Dovonex after 8 weeks.

Dovonex Overdose

If you use too much Dovonex, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.