Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is prescribed for the treatment of psoriasis, aiming to alleviate the redness, thickening, and scaling associated with this skin condition. Comprising two active ingredients, this product combines the potent corticosteroid drug betamethasone, which effectively diminishes swelling, redness, and itching, with calcipotriene, a variant of vitamin D. Calcipotriene operates by slowing down the growth of skin cells, preventing the accumulation that leads to the formation of thickened, scaly skin patches.
Uses and Dosage
This medication is intended for external use only, applied as a thin layer to the affected area(s) in accordance with your doctor’s instructions, typically once daily. Gently and thoroughly rub the medication in, and remember to wash your hands afterward unless the medication is being used to treat the hands.
Avoid contact with the eyes or mouth, and if accidental exposure occurs, promptly rinse with water. Refrain from applying the product to the face, underarms, or groin area.
Limit the usage of the ointment or foam to no more than 4 weeks (or 8 weeks for the cream) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
For the ointment, due to an elevated risk of side effects, adults should not exceed 100 grams per week unless under close doctor supervision. Children and teenagers should not surpass 60 grams per week.
When using the foam, shake the can before application, and do not exceed 60 grams every 4 days.
For the cream, the maximum recommended amount is 100 grams per week.
Avoid bandaging, wrapping, or covering the treated area unless specifically advised by your doctor. Do not apply this medication to extensive areas of damaged skin or skin folds. Adhere strictly to the prescribed amount and frequency to prevent increased absorption into the bloodstream, minimizing the risk of potential side effects.
If there’s no improvement or if your condition worsens, inform your doctor. While visible improvements may take a week, the full benefits of the medication may require several weeks of consistent use.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- burning, dryness, irritation, peeling, or redness of skin
- increased sensitivity to sunlight
- itching
- acne or oily skin
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- burning and itching of skin with pinhead-sized red blisters
- changes in hair growth
- delayed healing of skin wounds
- dizziness
- eye irritation
- facial swelling
- flushing
- folliculitis (tiny skin rashes with pimply appearance around the hair roots)
- headache
- outer ear infection
- sinus infections
- skin infection
- skin rash
- small white spots
- worsening of psoriasis
Caution
- Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you may have to betamethasone or calcipotriene, or if you have any other known allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product could potentially trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, share your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of a specific mineral imbalance (high calcium blood level) or if the areas to be treated have thin skin.
- If you currently have a skin infection or a skin reaction other than psoriasis (such as bacterial skin infection, chickenpox, or herpes simplex), it should be addressed before starting this medication. Betamethasone and other corticosteroid drugs may slow down your body’s response to antibiotic drugs, making it more challenging to clear an infection.
- Be aware that this medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Take precautions to limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen along with protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness. Your doctor may advise you to limit or avoid phototherapy while using this product—seek details from your doctor.
- While it’s rare, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications over large skin areas may make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Before undergoing surgery or emergency treatment or if you experience a serious illness or injury, inform your doctor or dentist about your use of this medication, or if you have used it in the past few months.
- Although unlikely, prolonged use of this medication in children may temporarily slow down their growth. Regular check-ups with the doctor are recommended to monitor your child’s height.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed, and discuss the associated risks and benefits with your doctor.
- The passage of this drug into breast milk is unknown. Consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Dovobet Gel is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Dovobet Gel gel:
- 0.005 % / 0.05 %
FAQ
How long does Dovobet Gel take to work?
You may see a change in your skin after 2 weeks of treatment. Your skin will slowly get better over time. You should see the full benefit after about 12 weeks of treatment.
Why can I not use Dovobet Gel on my face?
Using Dovobet Gel has a higher chance of causing skin irritation, as the skin on your face is more sensitive.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/calcipotriol/common-questions-about-calcipotriol/#:~:text=How%20long%20does%20it%20take,about%2012%20weeks%20of%20treatment
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/dovobet#adverseeffects
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/betamethasone-dipropionate-topical-application-route/side-effects/drg-20073667
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-95232-3333/calcipotriene-betamethasone-topical/betamethasone-calcipotriene-calcipotriol-topical/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/betamethasone-and-calcipotriene-topical.html
