calcipotriene/betamethasone
Brand names: Enstilar, Taclonex
Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Ointment is a medicine that combines a vitamin D-like drug and a steroid. It is used on the skin to treat plaque psoriasis.
Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Brand Price
$21.19/unit
Generic Available
No
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, Headache
Key warnings
This medicine can cause high calcium levels in your blood and urine.
How It Works
This medicine has two active ingredients. Calcipotriene is similar to vitamin D and slows down skin cell growth. Betamethasone 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. Gently rub the ointment in completely. Wash your hands after you put the medicine on. Stop using it when your psoriasis is under control.
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 if a large amount is used during pregnancy. Use it on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest time needed.
Missed Dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
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.
Serious Warnings
This medicine can cause high calcium levels in your blood and urine. If this happens, stop using the medicine until your calcium levels are normal. This medicine can also affect your adrenal glands, which can cause them to not make enough steroid hormones. Long-term use may increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
Common Questions
How much ointment can I use each week?
Can I cover the treated area with a bandage?
Where should I avoid using this ointment?
Is this medicine safe to swallow?
Can I use this in my eyes?
Can I use this medicine inside my vagina?
What should I do if I experience vision problems?
What if the medicine doesn't seem to be working?
Can I use this on more than 30% of my body?
What should I do if I accidentally use too much?
What are the common side effects of calcipotriene/betamethasone?
What drug class is calcipotriene/betamethasone?
Is calcipotriene/betamethasone safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Vitamin D / Corticosteroid Combination
Other drugs grouped near calcipotriene/betamethasone — 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/betamethasone →
apremilast
Otezla
Apremilast (Otezla/Otezla XR) is a medicine that can help adults and children manage psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.
Compare with calcipotriene/betamethasone →
azelaic acid
Finacea, Azelex
Azelaic acid gel is a topical medicine that helps treat rosacea.
Compare with calcipotriene/betamethasone →
benzoyl peroxide
Benzac, PanOxyl
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medicine that fights germs on your skin.
Compare with calcipotriene/betamethasone →
betamethasone
Diprosone, Luxiq
Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin.
Compare with calcipotriene/betamethasone →
Compare calcipotriene/betamethasone vs adapalene side-by-side →
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What the FDA Data Shows for calcipotriene/betamethasone
The FDA label for calcipotriene/betamethasone (sold under brand names such as Enstilar, Taclonex) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Vitamin D / Corticosteroid Combination class. This ointment treats plaque psoriasis. Official labeling lists 5 commonly reported side effects, including Itching, Scaly rash, Headache.
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.
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