Daivonex Ointment general information

What is Daivonex Ointment used for?

Daivonex Ointment 50mcg is used to treat psoriasis in adults and children. Psoriasis is a common non-allergic, chronic skin condition that causes the appearance red raised patches of 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. Daivonex Ointment 50mcg is a topical treatment for the most common form of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis or psoriasis vulgaris and it helps to reduce the redness and scaly appearance of the affected skin and relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, which are mainly pain and itching. You may also be prescribed other medication to take while you are using Daivonex Ointment 50mcg.

How does Daivonex Ointment work?

Daivonex Ointment 50mcg contains calcipotriol, a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D (also known as 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25(OH)2D3) that is used as an anti-psoriatic agent. Vitamin D is primarily involved 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. The action of calcipotriol in Daivonex Ointment 50mcg reverses the abnormal changes in keratinocyte behaviour and the inflammatory response 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 Daivonex Ointment contain?

Daivonex Ointment 50mcg contains the active ingredient calcipotriol (in anhydrous form), a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D, used to treat psoriasis. It also contains dl-α-tocopherol, disodium edetate, sodium phosphate - dibasic dihydrate, purified water, liquid paraffin, steareth-2, propylene glycol and soft white paraffin

Treating psoriasis with Daivonex Ointment

Daivonex Ointment 50mcg contains calcipotriol that is a derivative of calcitriol or Vitamin D with antipsoriatic properties and is used as a non-steroidal topical treatment for psoriasis vulgaris or plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of psoriasis, in adults and children. Psoriasis is a common non-allergic, chronic skin condition that causes the appearance a red raised patches of skin covered in a dry slivery scaly rash usually on the skin of the elbows, knees and lower back; it 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. A psoriatic plaque is characterised by raised patches of skin 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. Calcipotriol in Daivonex Ointment 50mcg binds to the Vitamin D receptor with similar affinity to naturally occurring Vitamin D and is thought to behave in a similar way to Vitamin D in terms of inducing cell proliferation and suppressing differentiation. This action of calcipotriol in Daivonex Ointment 50mcg reverses the abnormal changes in keratinocyte behaviour and the inflammatory response 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 Daivonex Ointment?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Daivonex Ointment 50mcg include: exacerbation of symptoms of psoriasis and local skin irritation, including itching, butning and rash. Less common side effects include sensitivity of the skin to light (photosensitivity), skin discolouration and dermatitis.

When should Daivonex Ointment not be used?

You should not use Daivonex Ointment 50mcg if you:

• are allergic to calcipotriol or any ingredients in Daivonex Ointment
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have disorders of calcium metabolism
• have kidney or liver disease, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking medicines that interact with Daivonex Ointment, including calcium or vitamin D supplements, or with drugs which enhance the systemic availability of calcium

How should Daivonex Ointment be used?

You should use your Daivonex Ointment 50mcg by applying to the affected area twice daily, morning and evening. You should not apply your Daivonex Ointment 50mcg to any other area, particularly the face and avoid contact with your eyes. You should continue to use your Daivonex Ointment 50mcg until the area of affected skin has cleared up or as recommended by your doctor.

How long should you take Daivonex Ointment?

You should continue to use your Daivonex Ointment 50mcg until the area of affected skin has cleared up or as recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose of Daivonex Ointment

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

How should Daivonex Ointment be stored?

You should store your Daivonex Ointment below 25°C in a cool dry place and avoid contact with heat and sunlight.