Dovobet (Calcipotriene/Betamethasone) is a prescription medication used to treat scalp psoriasis in adults and mild to moderate plaque psoriasis on other body areas in adults. Psoriasis occurs when your body produces skin cells too quickly. Symptoms of psoriasis include redness, scaling, and thick skin. Dovobet is a combination medicine which consists of Calcipotriene and Betamethasone as active ingredients. Calcipotriene belongs to a group of medications called vitamin D analogs. It works by controlling the rate of skin cell growth. Betamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It works by reducing itching and inflammation associated with skin lesions.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Dovobet from Canada manufactured by Leo in the strength of 0.05%/0.5%/80gm gel and 0.05%/0.5%/120gm ointment. The generic Calcipotriene/Betamethasone is also available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 0.05%/0.5%/60gm and 0.05%/0.5%/120gm ointment.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Dovobet. The most common side effects of Dovobet may include the following:
• Changes in skin color;
• Dryness;
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight;
• Itching;
• Skin atrophy or easy bruising
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Signs of adrenal gland problems like tiredness, depression, and anxiety;
• Signs of increased calcium levels in blood or urine, such as constipation, muscle weakness, appetite loss, confusion;
• Signs of pustular psoriasis, such as a red area with yellowish pustules, usually on the hands or feet
These are not all of the side effects of Dovobet. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Dovobet if you are allergic to Calcipotriene, Betamethasone, or any ingredient in Dovobet. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have acne;
• Have broken skin;
• Have erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis;
• Have ichthyosis (dry skin with fish-like scales);
• Have perioral dermatitis (red rash around your mouth);
• Have rosacea (severe flushing or redness of the skin on the face);
• Have skin infections caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, or parasites
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Dovobet and clarithromycin, cobicistat, aluminum hydroxide, lopinavir, mifepristone, sucralfate, etc. Avoid using metolazone, calcitriol, itraconazole, topical salicylic acid, or other topical corticosteroids, with Dovobet. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Dovobet will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Betamethasone passes into breast milk. It is not known if Calcipotriene passes into breast milk. If your doctor approves using Dovobet when breastfeeding, do not apply the drug to the breast area. Use Dovobet precisely as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is a topical medication. Do not take it by mouth. Avoid use on your face or genitals. Apply the ointment only on skin affected by psoriasis and avoid non-affected skin. Squeeze the ointment onto a clean finger and rub gently into your affected skin until most of the ointment has disappeared into the skin. If the ointment accidentally gets on normal skin near your psoriasis, wipe it off if it spreads too far. Do not shower or bath immediately after applying Dovobet. Use this drug once a day, preferably in the evening. Do not cover treated areas with bandages or dressings. Dovobet contains a corticosteroid. Avoid using on large skin areas, skin folds, or mucous membranes. Do not smoke or go near naked flames after applying Dovobet. There is a risk of severe burns. Fabric that has been in contact with this product burns more quickly and is a serious fire hazard. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 250C.