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Home > Drug Category > Skin Medications (Topical/Oral) > Dovobet and Equivalent

Dovobet Information

Dovobet (calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate) is a topical medication used to treat plaque psoriasis. It is a combination product containing two active ingredients. Calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) is a vitamin D3 analogue that helps regulate skin cell production and differentiation, which is abnormal in psoriasis. It works by slowing down the excessive growth of skin cells. Betamethasone dipropionate is a potent corticosteroid that works by suppressing inflammation, redness, and itching. The combination of these two ingredients provides a more effective psoriasis treatment compared to using either ingredient alone, as the corticosteroid helps to manage the inflammatory component of the disease. At the same time, the calcipotriol addresses the abnormal skin cell proliferation.

Dovobet Side Effects

The most common side effects of Dovobet are generally localized to the site of application. They may include itching, a burning sensation, erythema (redness), folliculitis, and acne. These are typically mild and temporary. You may also experience spider veins (telangiectasia), skin atrophy, and general skin irritation. Due to its potent corticosteroid and vitamin D3 analogue components, there is a risk of more serious side effects, particularly with long-term or widespread use. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Hypercalcemia: Excessive use of calcipotriol can lead to high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), which may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, and confusion. This is more likely with application to large surface areas or with doses exceeding the recommended maximum.
• Ophthalmologic effects: When applied near the eyes, the corticosteroid can be absorbed and may lead to severe eye conditions, such as cataracts (a clouding of the eye's lens) or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve and result in vision loss).
• Systemic absorption: Prolonged use, especially on large areas or under occlusive dressings, can lead to systemic absorption of both active ingredients. Systemic absorption of betamethasone can cause adrenal suppression, Cushing's syndrome, or hyperglycemia.
• Skin atrophy: Thinning of the skin, which may lead to easy bruising or striae (stretch marks). This is more likely with long-term use of the corticosteroid component.
• Rebound effect: Psoriasis may worsen or return aggressively upon discontinuation of the medication, particularly after long-term use.

Dovobet Precautions

Do not use Dovobet if you are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone, or any of the product's other ingredients. It is not for use on skin conditions other than psoriasis. Dovobet is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, face, and genital areas. It should not be used on patients with known calcium metabolism disorders. Do not apply more than the recommended amount and do not use it for more than the recommended duration to minimize the risk of hypercalcemia and other side effects. Inform your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, and herbal supplements. There are no known significant drug interactions with topical Dovobet. However, caution should be exercised when using other topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogues. Dovobet has not been approved for use in children.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Dovobet is classified as Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is not known whether topically applied calcipotriol or betamethasone would result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in human milk.

Do I need a prescription to order Dovobet?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Dovobet.