Calcipotriol/Betamethasone

What is Calcipotriol/Betamethasone?

Calcipotriol/Betamethasone (CB) is a generic treatment used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. It contains two active ingredients: calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, and betamethasone, a steroid. This combination effectively treats symptoms of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition typically characterised by redness, plaques, scales, and cracked skin. Some might also find it to be itchy and painful. Since there’s no cure for psoriasis, treatments help to reduce the severity of symptoms.^[1] CB is usually prescribed for patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.

If you’re unsure about the severity of your condition, our clinicians will assess your skin and determine the severity of it. They’ll then recommend a suitable treatment for you, this might be CB or another medicine.

How does Calcipotriol/Betamethasone work?

Calcipotriol and betamethasone are two drugs that work in different ways to treat psoriasis.

Calcipotriol is a vitamin D3 derivative. It binds to vitamin D receptors in the body, which inhibits the production of keratinocytes, a type of skin cell. Keratinocytes are responsible for producing keratin, a key component in skin formation. In individuals with psoriasis, keratin is overproduced, causing the skin to form thick plaques. Calcipotriol helps regulate keratin production, preventing the formation of these plaques.^[2]

The second active ingredient, betamethasone, is a potent steroid. It works by calming down your immune system down to reduce inflammation and redness.^[3]

Together, both drugs have been proven effective in treating mild psoriasis.^[4]

What doses of Calcipotriol/Betamethasone are there?

Calcipotriol/Betamethasone is only available in one dose: 50 mcg of calcipotriol monohydrate and 0.5 mg of betamethasone dipropionate.

It’s available in three forms: a gel, a cream and an ointment. There aren’t many differences between them, except in consistency and the non-active (excipient) ingredients they contain. They should all be equally effective.

How to use Calcipotriol/Betamethasone

To use Calcipotriol/Betamethasone ointment:

• Apply a small amount on your finger.
• Gently rub the ointment on the affected area, until it disappears into the skin.
• Unless you’re treating your hands, wash them once you’re done.

Don’t apply a bandage to or wrap the affected area with a tight cloth. And if you accidentally apply your treatment to normal skin, simply wipe it off.

You’ll normally apply it once a day for four weeks, but this can vary based on your symptoms.

And lastly, if you want to stop using the treatment, let your clinician know. Stopping suddenly can cause side effects, so your clinician will advise that you lower your dose gradually.

How long does Calcipotriol/Betamethasone take to work?

Within two weeks, you’ll notice an improvement in your skin, but you’ll need to continue using it for a complete cure.

I accidentally used too much, now what?

If you accidentally use too much, contact your doctor. Using more than the recommended amount can affect the calcium levels in your blood. Your doctor might suggest a blood test to make sure everything is okay. Your calcium levels should return to normal when the treatment is discontinued.