Generic name: betamethasone and calcipotriene topical [ BAY-ta-METH-a-sone-and-KAL-si-poe-TRYE-een ]
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

What is Taclonex?

Taclonex contains a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene. Betamethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.

Taclonex Ointment is a prescription medicine that is for use on the skin only. The ointment is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults 18 years of age and older. It should be used only on the skin and only by adults.

Taclonex Topical Suspension (liquid) is a used to treat plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in people 12 years and older.

Adults may use the suspension form of this medicine on the skin or the scalp. The liquid may be used only on the scalp in children who are at least 12 years old. Patients 12 to 17 years should not use more than 60 grams of the suspension per week and patients 18 years and older should not use more than 100 grams per week.

Warnings

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 Taclonex 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.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Taclonex if you are allergic to betamethasone and calcipotriene.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• too much calcium in your blood or urine;

• an adrenal gland disorder;

• cataracts or glaucoma;

• liver disease;

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

• have a thinning skin at the treatment site;

• a skin infection; or

• if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy).

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Using highly potent steroid medicine during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birthweight in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk. If you apply Taclonex to your chest, avoid areas that may come into contact with the baby's mouth.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, apply this medicine to the smallest skin area and for the shortest amount of time possible to treat your psoriasis.

Children can absorb larger amounts of this medicine through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects.

Taclonex Ointment is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Taclonex Topical Suspension is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

How should I use Taclonex?

Use Taclonex exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Taclonex doses may not be the same for adults and children. Carefully follow all dosing directions on the medicine label when using this medicine on a child (ages 12 to 17 years).

Wash your hands before and after using Taclonex, unless you are using this medicine to treat the skin on your hands.

Apply a thin layer of medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

Shake the suspension (liquid) well just before each use.

You may need blood or urine tests while using this medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

You should stop using this medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.

You should not stop using Taclonex suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

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

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Taclonex for Psoriasis:

Topical ointment:
Psoriasis vulgaris: Apply to the affected areas once a day for up to 4 weeks. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 100 g. Treatment of more than 30% body surface area is not recommended.

Topical suspension:
Plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body: Apply to the affected areas once a day for up to 8 weeks; treatment may be discontinued earlier if cleared. The maximum weekly dose should not exceed 60 grams in patients 12 to 17 years old and 100 grams in patients 18 years and older.

Related/similar drugs

Otezla, Cimzia, Taltz, Humira, Ilumya, Cosentyx, methotrexate, cyclosporine, adalimumab, Stelara

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

High doses or long-term use of Taclonex can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

What should I avoid while using Taclonex?

Avoid using other skin medications that contain betamethasone or calcipotriene. Do not use Taclonex to treat any skin condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes or on your face, underarms, groin area, or areas of thin skin.

Taclonex 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.

Taclonex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Taclonex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Side effects can occur if your skin absorbs topical steroid medicine. Tell your doctor if you have:

• swelling, weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);

• thinning skin, stretch marks, acne, increased facial hair;

• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or

• memory problems, feeling irritable.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition;

• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• high calcium levels - confusion, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst or urination, weight loss; or

• high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common Taclonex side effects may include:

• skin color changes;

• worsening of psoriasis;

• skin irritation, rash, itching, redness, or hives;

• redness or crusting around your hair follicles; or

• headache.

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?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, fludrocortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, triamcinolone, and others); or

• any other medicine to treat psoriasis.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with betamethasone and calcipotriene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Taclonex only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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