 is a prescription medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, a skin condition in which scaly, red, thickened patches form when the immune system becomes overactive.Taclonex contains two active ingredients, calcipotriene and betamethasone. Calcipotriene belongs to a group of drugs called synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives, which slow the production of skin cells. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid which suppresses the immune system.This medication comes in an ointment form and a liquid form. The liquid form is often applied to the... "Pin It")
Taclonex Overview
Taclonex (generic: calcipotriene/betamethasone) is a prescription medication used to treat plaque psoriasis, a skin condition in which scaly, red, thickened patches form when the immune system becomes overactive.
Taclonex contains two active ingredients, calcipotriene and betamethasone. Calcipotriene belongs to a group of drugs called synthetic vitamin D3 derivatives, which slow the production of skin cells. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid which suppresses the immune system.
This medication comes in an ointment form and a liquid form. The liquid form is often applied to the scalp, but may be used on the body as well. Both forms are usually used once daily.
Some of the common side effects of Taclonex include itching, rash, and redness.
Uses of Taclonex
Taclonex ointment is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with plaque psoriasis of the body, and Taclonex suspension (liquid) is intended for use on plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Taclonex
The most common side effects are:
- itching
- rash
Other less common side effects with Taclonex Ointment include:
- redness of the skin
- skin irritation
- skin burning
- inflamed hair pores (folliculitis)
- change of skin color (at the site of application)
- rash with pus-filled papules
- thinning of the skin (atrophy)
- swollen fine blood vessels (this makes your skin appear red at the site of application)
Taclonex Ointment may cause serious side effects. Serious side effects are more likely to happen if you use too much Taclonex Ointment, use it for too long, or use it with other topical medicines that contain corticosteroids, calcipotriene, or certain other ingredients. Check with your doctor before using other topical medicines. Taclonex Ointment can pass through your skin. Serious side effects may include:
- too much calcium in your blood or urine
- adrenal gland problems
- Your doctor may do special blood and urine tests to check your calcium levels and adrenal gland function while you are using Taclonex Ointment. Call your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the side effects with Taclonex Ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Taclonex Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor before using Taclonex with other medicines for psoriasis or other corticosteroid medicines.
Taclonex Precautions
Do not use Taclonex Ointment if you:
- have a calcium metabolism disorder
- have one of the following types of psoriasis:
- erythrodermic psoriasis
- exfoliative psoriasis
- pustular psoriasis
- have severe kidney or liver disease
- are allergic to anything in Taclonex Ointment. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients.
Avoid spending a long time in the sunlight. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen if you have to be in the sunlight. Talk to your doctor if you get a sunburn.
Taclonex Food Interactions
Medicines can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Taclonex there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving Taclonex.
Inform MD
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:
- have a skin infection. Your skin infection should be treated before starting Taclonex Ointment.
- have thin-skin (atrophy) at the site to be treated. You should not use Taclonex Ointment.
- are getting phototherapy treatments (light therapy) for your psoriasis.
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Taclonex Ointment can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if Taclonex Ointment is right for you while pregnant.
- are breastfeeding. It is not known if Taclonex Ointment passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Taclonex Ointment and some other medicines can interact with each other.
Especially tell your doctor if you use:
- other corticosteroid medicines
- other medicines for your psoriasis
Taclonex and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Taclonex will harm your unborn baby.
Taclonex and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Taclonex is excreted in human breast milk or if it will harm your nursing baby.
Taclonex Usage
- Use Taclonex Ointment and liquid exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- The Taclonex Suspension (liquid) bottle should be shaken well before use.
- Do not use more than the maximum recommended weekly amount of 100 grams of Taclonex (ointment or liquid).
- Apply Taclonex Ointment once a day to the areas of your skin affected by psoriasis. Gently rub Taclonex Ointment into your affected skin areas.
- Do not use Taclonex on the face, under arms or on groin area. If you accidentally get Taclonex on the face or in the eyes wash the area with water right away.
- If you forget to use Taclonex, use it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
- Wash your hands well after applying Taclonex.
- Do not bandage or tightly cover the treated skin area.
Taclonex Dosage
Use Taclonex exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
Usual Dosage and Administration: Apply an adequate layer of Taclonex Ointment to the affected area(s) once daily for up to 4 weeks. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g. Treatment of more than 30% body surface area is not recommended. Taclonex Ointment should be rubbed in gently and completely. Patients should wash their hands after applying Taclonex Ointment.
Taclonex Ointment is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Taclonex Overdose
It is possible to use too much Taclonex, either applied to the skin or taken by mouth. Only a small amount of Taclonex is absorbed into the body with application to the skin. Serious effects of accidental overdose are more likely to happen if the medicine is taken by mouth, which might happen with children or pets.
A serious side effect of a Taclonex overdose is hypercalcemia (high blood calcium). Symptoms of hypercalcemia include:
- constipation
- nausea
- vomiting
- kidney stones
- stomach pain
- side pain
- confusion
- thirst
- frequent urination
If Taclonex overdose is suspected, stop using it and call your doctor or local Poison Control Center right away.
Forms of Taclonex
Active ingredients: calcipotriene hydrate, betamethasone dipropionate.
Inactive ingredients: mineral oil, PPG-15 stearyl ether, dl-alpha tocopherol, white petrolatum.
Other Requirements
- Store Taclonex Ointment between 68 - 77° F (20 - 25° C); excursions permitted between 59 - 86° F (15 - 30° C).
- Make sure the cap on the tube is tightly closed.
- Taclonex Ointment has an expiration date (exp.) marked on the tube. Do not use the ointment after this date.
- Keep Taclonex Ointment and all medicines out of the reach of children and pets.
