Taclonex
What is Taclonex and how does it work?
Taclonex ointment (also know by its generic names calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate) is FDA-approved for treating plaque psoriasis. Taclonex contains calcipotriene (the active ingredient in Dovonex) and the potent steroid betamethasone dipropionate. Many dermatologists prescribe Dovonex and a potent steroid for patients to use in combination; Taclonex combines both active ingredients into one product.
The calcipotriene in Taclonex slows down the rate of skin cell growth, flattens psoriasis lesions and removes scale. The steroid in Taclonex helps reduce inflammation and itch.
How well does Taclonex work?
Patients involved in clinical studies for Taclonex were treated once daily for four weeks. Most patients in the study had disease of moderate severity at the beginning of the study. Almost half of patients had either no disease or very mild disease at the end of the clinical study.
How is Taclonex used?
Taclonex is applied once a day for no more than four weeks. Taclonex should be applied directly to the psoriasis lesion(s), and rubbed in gently and completely.
Do not use for more than four weeks unless directed to do so by a doctor. Taclonex should not be applied to the face, armpits, groin or other skin folds, because of the sensitivity of skin on these parts of the body.
Taclonex-treated skin should not be covered (occluded) with dressings or bandages of any kind unless recommended by a doctor. Taclonex should only be used on up to 30 percent of the body's surface at any time. Always wash your hands after applying Taclonex, unless the hands are being treated.
Side effects of using Taclonex
The most common side effects of using Taclonex are itching, rash, skin thinning (atrophy) and skin burning. Less common side effects include redness of the skin, folliculitis (irritation of the hair follicle), skin irritation, worsening of psoriasis, thinning of the skin, change of skin color at the site of application and swollen fine blood vessels (skin will appear red at the site of application). Do not overuse Taclonex, as the medication can be absorbed into the body, increasing the risk of side effects. Guidelines recommend using no more than 100 grams of Taclonex in one week.
Taclonex is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. It should not be used during breast-feeding, as the medication may be passed through the breast milk.
Using Taclonex with other treatments
Patients who use Taclonex on exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. Doctors may limit or avoid the use of phototherapy in patients who are on Taclonex.
Updated June 2006
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