Taclonex (Calcipotriene/betamethasone) is a prescription medication used to treat psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common skin disease with no cure. The disease is present with symptoms like rash with itchy, and scaly patches. Taclonex reduces redness, thickening, and scaling of the skin that occurs with this condition. The active ingredients in Taclonex are Calcipotriene and Betamethasone. Calcipotriene belongs to a class of drugs called vitamin D derivatives. It works by slowing the excessive production of skin cells so they don’t build up into thick, scaly skin patches. Betamethasone belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Taclonex from Canada manufactured by Leo in the strength of 0.005%/0.05%/80 gm gel and 0.005%/0.05%/120 gm ointment. Taclonex is also available from Turkey, manufactured by Intendis in the strength of 0.005%/0.05%/30 gm ointment. The generic Calcipotriene/betamethasone is available from Canada by a different manufacturer in the strength of 0.005%/0.05%/60 gm gel, 0.005%/0.05%/60 gm ointment, and 0.005%/0.05%/120 gm ointment.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Taclonex. The most common side effects of Taclonex may include the following:
• Redness or crusting around hair follicles;
• Skin color changes;
• Skin irritation;
• Thinning skin
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Severe irritation, redness, or swelling of treated skin;
• Signs of high blood sugar, including increased thirst, dry mouth, increased urination, or fruity breath odor;
• Signs of high calcium levels, including confusion, tiredness, vomiting, constipation, and appetite loss;
• Worsening skin condition
These are not all of the side effects of Taclonex. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Taclonex if you are allergic to Calcipotriene, Betamethasone, or any ingredient in Taclonex. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Are receiving UV light treatments;
• Have a skin infection;
• Have an adrenal gland disorder;
• Have cataracts or glaucoma;
• Have hypercalcemia;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Taclonex and other steroid medicines like dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, or triamcinolone. Avoid any other medicine used to treat psoriasis with Taclonex. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Using highly potent steroid medicine in pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight in newborn babies. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. If you apply Taclonex to your chest, avoid areas that may come in contact with the baby’s mouth. Use Taclonex precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Taclonex is a topical ointment to be used on the skin only. Do not take it by mouth. Wash your hands before and after applying the medication, except if you are treating the skin on your hands. Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin and rub it gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large skin area unless your doctor has told you to. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects. You should not stop using Taclonex suddenly without informing your doctor. Avoid getting this drug in your eyes or on your face. Do not apply it to your underarms, groin area, or areas with thin skin. Taclonex may make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Use sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and wear protective clothing when you are outdoors. Store Taclonex at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use.