calcipotriene
Brand names: Dovonex
Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a medicine that contains a vitamin D-like drug and a steroid. It is used on the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Generic Price
$1.09/unit
Generic Available
Yes (6 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
This ointment treats plaque psoriasis.
Common side effects
Itching, Scaly rash
Key warnings
This medicine can cause high calcium levels in your blood or urine.
How It Works
This medicine has two active ingredients. Calcipotriene is similar to vitamin D and slows skin cell growth. Betamethasone dipropionate is a steroid that reduces swelling and itching.
How to Take It
Apply a thin layer of this ointment to the affected skin once a day for up to 4 weeks. Rub it in gently and completely. Wash your hands after applying the ointment. Do not use more than 100 grams per week if you are over 18, or more than 60 grams per week if you are 12-17 years old.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine may increase the risk of low birth weight in infants. Use it on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest time possible.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply twice as much to make up for the missed dose.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 2,954 FDA adverse event reports.
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 3,344 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 2004–2025.
Total Reports
3,344
Death-Related Reports
58
Hospitalization Reports
440
Top Indication
Psoriasis
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DRUG INEFFECTIVE | 802 |
| 2 | PSORIASIS | 720 |
| 3 | DIARRHOEA | 210 |
| 4 | ARTHRALGIA | 199 |
| 5 | RASH | 192 |
| 6 | NAUSEA | 180 |
| 7 | PRURITUS | 170 |
| 8 | PAIN | 168 |
| 9 | HEADACHE | 157 |
| 10 | OFF LABEL USE | 156 |
| 11 | PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION | 153 |
| 12 | THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE | 145 |
| 13 | FATIGUE | 141 |
| 14 | PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY | 134 |
| 15 | PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE | 121 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
This medicine can cause high calcium levels in your blood or urine. If this happens, stop treatment until your calcium levels are normal. This medicine can also affect your adrenal glands. This could lead to the need for steroid medicine. This medicine may increase your risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If you have vision problems, see an eye doctor.
Common Questions
How long should I use this ointment?
Can I use a bandage over the treated area?
Can I use this on my face?
What should I do if my skin gets irritated?
Can I use other psoriasis treatments with this ointment?
What should I do if I accidentally swallow this ointment?
Can children use this medicine?
What if I don't see improvement after 4 weeks?
Can this ointment affect my other health conditions?
Is it okay to share this medicine with someone else?
What are the common side effects of calcipotriene?
What drug class is calcipotriene?
Is calcipotriene safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Vitamin D Analog (Topical)
Other drugs grouped near calcipotriene — same-class peers and common alternatives.
adapalene
Differin
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel is a medicine used on the skin to treat acne.
Compare with calcipotriene →
apremilast
Otezla
Apremilast (Otezla/Otezla XR) is a medicine that can help adults and children manage psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
Compare with calcipotriene →
azelaic acid
Finacea, Azelex
Azelaic acid gel is a topical medicine that helps treat rosacea.
Compare with calcipotriene →
benzoyl peroxide
Benzac, PanOxyl
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medicine that fights germs on your skin.
Compare with calcipotriene →
betamethasone
Diprosone, Luxiq
Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin.
Compare with calcipotriene →
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What the FDA Data Shows for calcipotriene
The FDA label for calcipotriene (sold under brand names such as Dovonex) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Vitamin D Analog (Topical) class. This ointment treats plaque psoriasis. Official labeling lists 2 commonly reported side effects, including Itching, Scaly rash.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 2,954 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $1.09.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: December 7, 2023
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages