A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Calcipotriene is a man-made form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells. Calcipotriene topical (for the skin) is used to treat plaque psoriasis (psoriasis with scaly patches). Calcipotriene topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not take by mouth. Calcipotriene topical is for use only on the skin. Do not use calcipotriene topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Do not apply this medicine to your face. Do not use calcipotriene topical to treat any condition that has not been checked by your doctor. Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition. Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply calcipotriene topical. Apply the medicine only to the affected area, not to the surrounding skin. Shake the foam (Sorilux) well just before you measure a dose. It may take up to 2 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 8 weeks of treatment. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not keep in a refrigerator or freezer. Calcipotriene topical foam and solution are flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the medicine has completely dried on your skin. Keep the medicine canister away from open flame or high heat, such as in a car on a hot day. The canister may explode if it gets too hot. Do not puncture or burn an empty canister.
Calcipotriene Ointment USP, 0.005% contains calcipotriene, USP 50 mcg/g in an ointment base of disodium phosphate dihydrate, edetate disodium, mineral oil, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, dl-alpha-tocopherol, steareth-2 and purified water.
You should not use calcipotriene topical if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your body. Do not apply calcipotriene topical to your face. Interactions Avoid using other skin medications on the areas you treat with calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor tells you to. Do not get calcipotriene topical in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water. Do not use vitamin or mineral supplements while you are using calcipotriene topical, unless your doctor has told you to. Calcipotriene could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Common side effects of calcipotriene topical may include: mild skin irritation; skin rash; or itching. 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. 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.