Side Effects

Pain, burning, itching, redness, or peeling at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may rarely increase calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor right away if any of these symptoms of high calcium occur: unusual tiredness, mental/mood changes, unexplained constipation, pink/bloody urine, painful urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Uses

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

How to use Vectical Ointment

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using calcitriol and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication on the skin only. Wash the affected area and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of medication as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). Apply only to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis. Gently rub in. Wash your hands after using, unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Do not apply calcitriol to the face, in the eyes, nose, or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

Do not apply to a larger area of skin, apply more often, or use longer than prescribed. Your skin will not improve any faster and this may increase the risk of side effects. Discuss with your doctor the maximum amount of medication you may use per day (or per week). Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. Do not apply to more than one-third of your body.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. You should usually begin to see an improvement in your skin condition after 4 weeks of treatment.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other vitamin D products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high calcium/vitamin D levels (hypercalcemia/hypervitaminosis D), kidney disease, liver disease.

This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Your doctor may direct you to limit or avoid phototherapy while you use this product. Ask your doctor for details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Overdose

This medication may be harmful if applied to large areas or swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, depression.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as calcium levels) may be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another skin condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in that case.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze or refrigerate. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: other products containing vitamin D, drugs that can increase calcium levels (such as thiazide “water pills”, calcium supplements).

Calcitriol ointment may be irritating to the skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of other skin products that may have a drying effect (such as astringents, peeling agents).