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The Daily Insight

Is Dovonex a calcipotriol

Author

Victoria Simmons

Published Feb 19, 2026

Dovonex contains ‘calcipotriol’ – the active ingredient is call calcipotriol and is a vitamin-D related medication. This is what causes the reduction in skin growth that improves symptoms.

What is the generic name for Dovonex?

GENERIC NAME: CALCIPOTRIENE – TOPICAL (KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een)

What is another name for calcipotriene cream?

Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells. Calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches).

What is the difference between calcipotriene and calcipotriol?

Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It is also known as calcipotriol in other countries. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells so that they don’t build up into thickened, scaly skin patches.

What is calcipotriol ointment?

Ointment, gel, foam and scalp solution. Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis – this is the most common type of psoriasis. It is a condition where red scaly patches called plaques develop on your skin. The most common areas affected are over your elbows and knees, the scalp, and the lower part of your back.

Has Dovonex ointment been discontinued?

The manufacturer of calcipotriol cream (Dovonex®) has advised that this product has been discontinued for economic reasons. The Psoriasis Association note that there are no safety or quality concerns. Current supplies of the cream can continue to be dispensed and used.

What is topical calcipotriol?

Calcipotriene is used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form due to increased production of skin cells on some areas of the body). Calcipotriene is in a class of medications called synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives. It works by slowing the excessive production of skin cells.

Does Dovonex help psoriasis?

Dovonex (Calcipotriene) Calcipotriene is a form of synthetic vitamin D3 that is formulated to slow skin cell growth, flatten lesions and remove scale. It also can be used to treat psoriasis on the scalp and nails.

Can I buy calcipotriol over the counter?

Is calcipotriene available over-the-counter? No, calcipotriene is not available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. There are some more affordable over-the-counter options available for treating psoriasis that may or may not be appropriate for you.

Can calcipotriol betamethasone ointment?

The calcipotriol in calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment and gel treats the overactive skin cells. The betamethasone dipropionate relieves redness, swelling, itching, and irritation of the skin. The combination treatment flattens psoriasis plaques, removing scaling, and reducing discomfort.

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Who makes Dovonex?

LEO Pharma develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical drugs to dermatologic and thrombotic patients in more than 100 countries globally. The company has its own sales forces in 61 countries and employs more than 4,600 employees worldwide.

Can you use Dovonex on face?

Do not use Dovonex on your face as it may irritate the skin on your face or accidentally get in your eyes. Be careful when using Dovonex in skin folds such as armpits or under the breasts. You may be more likely to get skin side effects in these areas.

What is Dovonex Ointment for?

Dovonex®* Ointment is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) amenable to topical therapy. Adults: Dovonex®* Ointment should be applied to the affected area once or twice daily. For maximum benefit use the ointment twice daily.

What is Dovonex cream?

This medication is used to treat psoriasis. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of skin cells.

Can I take vitamin D with calcipotriol?

Calcipotriene is a drug that is similar to vitamin D. Taking vitamin D along with calcipotriene (Dovonex) might increase the effects and side effects of calcipotriene (Dovonex). Avoid taking vitamin D supplements if you are taking calcipotriene (Dovonex).

What are the side effects of calcipotriol?

Burning, itching, rash, irritation, redness, dry skin, or peeling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can you buy Dovonex over the counter?

Patients with psoriasis will be able to buy Dovonex (calcipotriol) ointment over the counter from pharmacies, following the MHRA’s approval of a pharmacy version of the product.

Where should you not use hydrocortisone cream?

It can make some skin problems worse like impetigo, rosacea and acne. Only use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old if a doctor recommends it. Creams you can buy are not supposed to be used on the eyes, around the bottom or genitals, or on broken or infected skin.

Can you use calcipotriol ointment on scalp?

Calcipotriol 50 micrograms/ml Scalp Solution is indicated for the topical treatment of mild to moderate scalp psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris). Calcipotriol 50 micrograms/ml Scalp Solution should be applied to the affected areas twice daily (morning and evening). The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 60 ml.

What does clobetasol do to the skin?

Steroids like clobetasol reduce inflammation in the skin to help manage the symptoms of a condition. They do not cure the condition. When the treatment is stopped, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can flare up again.

How long does calcipotriol take to work?

The effect of calcipotriol in psoriasis is ascribed mainly to this. An effect, first of all on the desquamation, then on the infiltration and finally on the erythema, is seen after two to four weeks of treatment. The maximum effect is usually achieved after six weeks.

Is calcitriol the same as Calcipotriene?

Calcipotriene (calcipotriol) is a synthetic drug derived from calcitriol otherwise known as vitamin D. It works by regulating the production and growth of skin cells. In the United States, this drug was first marketed under the trade name Dovonex and is used mainly for the treatment of psoriasis.

How long can you use dovobet for?

The recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. There is experience with repeated courses of Dovobet up to 52 weeks. If it is necessary to continue or restart treatment after 4 weeks, treatment should be continued after medical review and under regular medical supervision.

Is Dovonex a steroid?

Vitamin D receptors belong to a larger superfamily of steroid receptors that help modulate immune function. It is presumed that, by binding to them, Dovonex can temper the inflammatory response triggered by autoimmune antibodies, thereby slowing the buildup of skin cells in the outer layer of skin (epidermis).

Is Dovonex any good?

User Reviews for Dovonex to treat Psoriasis. Dovonex has an average rating of 6.2 out of 10 from a total of 21 ratings for the treatment of Psoriasis. 57% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 38% reported a negative effect.

Can you use Dovonex on your scalp?

How should I use Dovonex Scalp Solution? You usually apply the Solution twice a day (morning and evening) to the areas of your scalp that are affected by psoriasis.

When should I stop using Dovonex?

Stop using calcipotriene topical and call your doctor at once if you have: severe burning, stinging, skin rash, or other irritation after applying the medicine; worsening of your skin condition; or.

How long can you use Dovonex for?

Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment.

What is similar to calcipotriene?

Similar to calcipotriene, calcitriol ointment is more expensive than many generic potent topical corticosteroids. The drug is applied twice daily.

Is calcipotriol betamethasone a steroid?

Calcipotriol/Betamethasone contains a potent group III-steroid and concurrent treatment with other steroids on the same treatment area must be avoided. Skin of the face and genitals are very sensitive to corticosteroids. The medicinal product should not be used in these areas.

Is dovobet the same as betamethasone?

What is Dovobet? Dovobet contains 2 active ingredients: betamethasone (as betamethasone dipropionate) 500 microgram per 1 gram and calcipotriol 50 microgram per 1 gram. Betamethasone dipropionate is an anti-inflammatory steroid. It is classed as a ‘moderately potent’ steroid.