Taclonex

Generic Name: betamethasone and calcipotriene (topical) (BAY ta METH a sone and KAL si poe TRYE een)

What is Taclonex?

Taclonex contains a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene. Betamethasone is a topical corticosteroid. It reduces swelling, relieves itching, and constricts blood vessels. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.

Taclonex is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris.

Taclonex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Taclonex

Use Taclonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Before using Taclonex, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you miss a dose, use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

There may be other drugs that can affect Taclonex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using this medication and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or is especially bothersome.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Taclonex?

Before using Taclonex, tell your doctor if you have:

low or high levels of calcium in your blood;

liver or kidney disease;

severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness); or

a skin infection.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Taclonex, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tell your doctor if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.

FDA pregnancy category C: It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using Taclonex, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if betamethasone and calcipotriene pass into breast milk or if this medicine could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medicine should not be used on a child.

How should I use Taclonex?

Use Taclonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Taclonex topical is for use on the skin only. However, do not apply the medicine to your face, underarms, or groin (genital area).

Shake the liquid form of this medication before using it.

Apply a thin layer of the medication and rub it in completely.

Do not cover treated skin areas with a bandage or tight clothing, unless your doctor has told you to. Do not use Taclonex for longer than 4 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

While you are using this medication, your blood and urine may need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the tube capped and tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use Taclonex as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine, or if anyone has accidentally swallowed it.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, lost appetite, tiredness, trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

What should I avoid while using Taclonex?

Avoid applying Taclonex to more than one-third of your skin surface at any one time.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Taclonex topical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use this medicine on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin; or on open wounds. Also avoid using this medication in wounds or on areas of infection. Wait until these conditions have healed before using Taclonex topical.

Taclonex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Taclonex: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Taclonex and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

severe skin irritation on treated areas;

worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis;

pus, swelling, redness, increased itching, or other signs of skin infection;

confusion, thirst, extreme tiredness, lost appetite, weight loss;

adrenal insufficiency – nausea, vomiting, lost appetite, tiredness, trouble breathing, joint/muscle pain, feeling light-headed, fainting;

Cushing syndrome – weight gain (especially in your face), thinning muscles in your arms or legs, easy bruising, thinning skin, acne, increased facial hair, darkened skin; or

high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)–increased urination and thirst, nausea, vomiting.

Less serious Taclonex side effects may include:

burning or mild itching;

red or scaly rash;

swollen hair follicles; or

changes in the color of treated skin areas.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Taclonex?

Before using Taclonex, tell your doctor if you are using any other steroid medicines, or other medicines to treat psoriasis.

There may be other drugs that can interact with Taclonex. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.