Daivobet 50/500 Gel

Daivobet general information

What is Daivobet used for?

Daivobet gel 50/500 is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp and mild to moderate plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris of other parts of the body, in adults only. Psoriasis is a common non-allergic, chronic skin condition that causes the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash usually on the skin of the elbows, knees and lower back. Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder (when the immune system attacks self), which affects people of any age, usually who have a genetic predisposition. Daivobet gel 50/500 is a topical treatment that helps reduce the redness and scaly appearance of the affected skin and relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, which are mainly pain and itching.

How does Daivobet work?

Daivobet gel 50/500 contains a combination of two anti-psoriatic medications for treating psoriasis, calcipotriol, a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D (also known as 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25(OH)2D3) and betamethasone, a synthetic topical corticosteroid. Vitamin D is primarily involved in regulating calcium metabolism but has other actions including inhibition of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell differentiation and immunomodulation. There are Vitamin D receptors in many cells of the body including keratinocytes (skin cells) and T-cells of the immune system, which are thought to play a role in the development of psoriasis. Calcipotriol binds to the Vitamin D receptor with similar affinity and although it has minimal activity in regulating calcium metabolism it is thought to behave in a similar way to Vitamin D in terms of inducing cell proliferation and suppressing differentiation. Psoriasis is characterised by raised scaly plaques due to excess proliferation and abnormal differentiation of the keratinocytes of the epidermis (upper skin layer); also by infiltration of immune cells, which produce chemicals called cytokines that are thought to be responsible for this abnormal behaviour as well as causing inflammation. Betamethasone has potent anti-inflammatory properties as well as immunosuppressive properties and is more potent than hydrocortisone. Betamethasone in Daivobet gel 50/500 works by blocking production and action of phospholipase A2, the first enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormone-like substances involved in the process of inflammation; also cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and COX 2), the enzymes specifically involved in prostaglandin production. The combined action of calcipotriol and betamethasone gel in Daivobet 50/500 reverses the abnormal changes in keratinocyte behaviour and reduces inflammation that occurs in psoriasis due to the infiltrated immune cells, restoring normal cell growth and behaviour to the epidermal skin cells. This reduces the scaling and thickening of the psoriatic plaques and relieves symptoms of psoriasis.

What does Daivobet contain?

Daivobet 50/500 reverses contains a combination of two active ingredients, calcipotriol (50mcg/gm), a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D and betamethasone dipropionate (500mcg/gm), a synthetic topical corticosteroid that are used to treat psoriasis. It also contains liquid paraffin, PPG-15-stearyl-ether, all-rac-alpha-tocopherol, castor oil, hydrogenated, butylhydroxytoluene (E321).

Treating psoriasis with Daivobet

Daivobet gel 50/500 contains calcipotriol, a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D (also known as 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25(OH)2D3) and betamethasone, a synthetic topical corticosteroid that are used in combination to treat psoriasis of the scalp and mild to moderate plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris of other parts of the body. Psoriasis is a common non-allergic, chronic skin condition that causes the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash usually on the skin of the elbows, knees and lower back. Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder (when the immune system attacks self), which affects people of any age, usually who have a genetic predisposition. Vitamin D is primarily involved in regulating calcium metabolism but has other actions including inhibition of cell proliferation, stimulation of cell differentiation and immunomodulation. Calcipotriol in Daivobet gel 50/500 works by binding to the Vitamin D receptor on many cells of the body including keratinocytes (skin cells) and T-cells of the immune system, which are thought to play a role in the development of psoriasis and is thought to behave in a similar way to Vitamin D in terms of inducing cell proliferation and suppressing differentiation. Psoriasis is characterised by raised scaly plaques due to excess proliferation and abnormal differentiation of the keratinocytes of the epidermis (upper skin layer); also by infiltration of immune cells, which produce chemicals called cytokines that are thought to be responsible for this abnormal behaviour as well as causing inflammation. Betamethasone in Daivobet gel 50/500 has potent anti-inflammatory properties as well as immunosuppressive properties and works by blocking production and action of the enzymes specifically involved in production of the inflammatory chemicals prostaglandins. The combined action of calcipotriol and betamethasone gel in Daivobet 50/500 reverses the abnormal changes in keratinocyte behaviour and reduces inflammation that occurs in psoriasis due to the infiltrated immune cells, restoring normal cell growth and behaviour to the epidermal skin cells. This reduces the scaling and thickening of the psoriatic plaques and relieves symptoms of psoriasis.

What are the side effects of Daivobet?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Daivobet gel due to calcipotriol include: exacerbation of symptoms of psoriasis and local skin irritation, including itching, burning and rash, sensitivity of the skin to light (photosensitivity), skin discolouration and dermatitis. The most commonly reported side effects when using Daivobet gel due to betamethasone include: stretch marks (striae), changes in skin colour, thinning and dilatation of the superficial blood vessels making them visible through the skin, increased hair growth. Long-term use of topical steroid creams may cause the adrenal glands, which produce endogenous (naturally occurring) corticosteroids, to stop working efficiently.

When should Daivobet not be used?

You should not use Daivobet gel 50/500 if you:

• are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone or any ingredients in Daivobet
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• have a known disorder of calcium metabolism
• have other forms of psoriasis including guttate, erythrodermic, exfoliative and pustular psoriasis
• have a viral infection of the skin, tuberculosis, acne rosacea (a chronic skin condition), perioral dermatitis (facial rash around the mouth), fungal skin infections and ulcerative conditions
• have damaged skin
• are taking medicines that enhance the systemic availability of calcium, including calcium or vitamin D supplements

How should Daivobet be used?

You should apply your Daivobet gel by applying to the affected area once daily, shaking the bottle well before use. If using Daivobet gel on the scalp, apply to all affected areas and gently rub in and leave during the day or overnight without washing your hair, then use a mild shampoo to remove. If using Daivobet gel on other parts of the body, apply only to affected areas, rub in gently and leave uncovered. Leave on the skin during the day or night before washing off. You should not use Daivobet gel for more than 30% of body surface area. Avoid the eye area and protect against excessive UV radiation from the sun by covering the affected area with loose clothing. You should continue to use your Daivobet gel for up four weeks for psoriasis of the scalp and up to eight weeks for psoriasis of the rest of the body. Your doctor may recommend repeat treatments depending on how well you responded to the first treatment.

How long should you use Daivobet?

You should continue to use your Daivobet gel for up four weeks for psoriasis of the scalp and up to eight weeks for psoriasis of the rest of the body. Your doctor may recommend repeat treatments depending on how well you responded to the first treatment.

Missed dose of Daivobet

If you miss a dose of Daivobet gel apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose.

How should Daivobet be stored?

You should store your Daivobet gel below 25°C in a cool dry place and do not refrigerate.