Drug Notes

Betamethasone/calcipotriene (On the skin)

Betamethasone Dipropionate (bay-ta-METH-a-sone dye-PROE-pee-oh-nate), Calcipotriene (kal-si-poe-TRYE-een)

Treats plaque psoriasis. This medicine is a combination of a steroid and vitamin D.

Brand Name(s):

Enstilar, Taclonex, Taclonex Scalp

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Foam, Liquid, Ointment

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Do not use the foam for longer than 4 weeks and do not use the ointment or liquid for longer than 8 weeks.
• This medicine should be used on the skin or scalp only . Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
• Topical foam:
  • Shake the foam can before each use.
  • Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
  • Use this medicine within 6 months after opening.
  • This medicine can catch on fire. Do not use it near heat, an open flame, or while smoking.
• Topical ointment: Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
• Topical liquid:
  • Shake the bottle before each use.
  • Part your hair so you can see the patches on your scalp. Apply the medicine to the affected areas of your scalp. Rub it in gently.
  • Do not wash your hair or take a bath or shower right after you apply the medicine. Do not apply this medicine in the 12 hours before or after you use any hair chemical treatments. Talk with your doctor first.
• Do not cover the treated area with a bandage unless directed by your doctor.
• To help clear up your skin or scalp problem completely, it is very important that you keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment .
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the bottle of topical liquid in the carton when not in use. Use it within 6 months after it has been opened.
• Store the foam can at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not keep this medicine inside a car where it could be exposed to extreme heat. Do not poke holes in the canister or throw it into a fire, even if the canister is empty.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some foods and medicines can affect how betamethasone/calcipotriene works. Tell your doctor if you are using other steroid medicines (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone) or if you receive light therapy for your psoriasis.
• Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing syndrome, diabetes, any skin or scalp infection, or thin skin at the site to be treated.
• Calcium can build up in your body if you use too much of this medicine. Too much calcium may increase your risk for adrenal gland problems.
• Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Other tests may also be needed to check for side effects.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Burning, pain, redness, or thinning of the skin
• Change of color or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied
• Increase in thirst or how often you urinate
• Loss of appetite, stomach pain, constipation, weakness, nausea, vomiting
• Severe itching or worsening of psoriasis
• Weight gain around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Swollen hair pores

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017