Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Gel & Ointment

What Is Calcipotriol and Betamethasone?

Calcipotriol and betamethasone is a prescription treatment for plaque psoriasis in adults.

It combines two ingredients:

• Calcipotriol, a synthetic vitamin that slows down how fast skin cells grow.
• Betamethasone, a steroid that helps reduce redness, swelling and itching.

It’s available as both a gel and an ointment. The gel is lighter and often used on the scalp or other hairy areas, while the ointment is richer and used on thicker skin, such as the elbows or knees.

Can I Use Calcipotriol and Betamethasone?

Calcipotriol and betamethasone can be used by most adults aged 18 and over with plaque psoriasis.

Your prescriber will decide whether it’s suitable for you based on your medical history, current skin condition and any other medicines you’re using.

Is Calcipotriol and Betamethasone The Same As Dovobet?

Calcipotriol and betamethasone contain the same active ingredients as Dovobet and work in the same way. It’s the generic version of the branded medicine.

Who Should Not Use Calcipotriol & Betamethasone?

Do not use if you:

• Are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone or any other ingredient listed in the product
• Have problems with calcium metabolism
• Have certain psoriasis types (erythrodermic, exfoliative or pustular)
• Have bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic skin infections
• Have rosacea, acne, ulcers or broken skin
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by your prescriber

How To Use Calcipotriol and Betamethasone

Gel

Area: Scalp and other body areas

• Shake the bottle before use.
• Apply a thin layer once a day to affected areas.
• For scalp psoriasis, part your hair and apply directly to the patches.
• Leave the gel on for several hours or overnight.
• Do not wash your hair straight after using it.
• Wash your hands after applying.
• Do not use more than 15g per day or on more than 30% of your body.

Ointment

Area: Body plaques (not face or scalp)

• Apply a thin layer once a day to psoriasis patches.
• Avoid the face, genitals and broken skin.
• Do not bathe or shower straight after applying.
• Wash hands after use.
• Do not use more than 15g per day or on more than 30% of your body.

Ingredients

Gel

Each gram contains:

• Calcipotriol 50 micrograms(as monohydrate)
• Betamethasone 0.5 mg (as dipropionate)

Other ingredients: liquid paraffin, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, hydrogenated castor oil, butylhydroxytoluene (E321), all-rac-α-tocopherol.

Ointment

Each gram contains:

• Calcipotriol 50 micrograms (as monohydrate)
• Betamethasone 0.5 mg (as dipropionate)

Other ingredients: liquid paraffin, all-rac-α-tocopherol, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, white soft paraffin, butylhydroxytoluene (E321).

Side Effects

Like all medicines, calcipotriol and betamethasone may cause side effects in some people. The most common include itching, redness, dry or flaky skin and mild skin irritation.

Long-term use may occasionally cause skin thinning or colour changes.

If you notice worsening psoriasis, an allergic reaction or any unexpected symptoms, stop using it and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings

During your consultation, make sure you tell a member of our team if you’re already using other medicines that contain corticosteroids. You should also let them know if you have diabetes. When using calcipotriol and betamethasone gel, avoid smoking or going near naked flames, as there is a risk of serious burns.