Taclonex Suspension 60gm
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. It is essential to use this medication only as directed.
Application Instructions
Apply this medication only to your skin, avoiding ingestion or contact with your mouth, nose, and eyes, as it may cause burning.
Do not apply to sensitive areas, including the face, underarms, groin area, or skin that is thinning.
Avoid applying this medication to the vaginal area.
Before and after use, wash your hands thoroughly, unless your hand is the treated area, in which case you should not wash it after application.
Gently rub a thin layer of the medication onto the affected skin area.
Unless instructed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with bandages, dressings, or makeup.
Before use, shake the medication well.
Special Instructions for Scalp Application
To apply to the scalp, part your hair and gently rub the medication onto the affected skin area.
Allow the medication to dry before styling your hair as usual.
If you have chemically treated hair, wait 12 hours before applying this medication.
Avoid washing your hair immediately after application.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature, avoiding freezing.
Keep the lid tightly closed and store all medications in a safe location, out of the reach of children and pets.
Missed Dose Instructions
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
If it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular application schedule.
Do not apply two doses at once or use extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Apply a thin layer to affected areas only, once daily.
- Wash hands thoroughly after applying the medication.
- Do not apply to the face, groin, or armpits, or if skin is broken or infected.
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes.
- Do not use with occlusive dressings (e.g., bandages, plastic wrap) unless directed by your doctor, as this can increase absorption.
- Limit total weekly dose to 60 grams to minimize risk of side effects.
- Avoid excessive exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds, sunlamps) while using this medication, as calcipotriene can increase sensitivity to UV light.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:
Allergic reaction symptoms, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high calcium levels, including:
+ Weakness
+ Confusion
+ Feeling tired
+ Headache
+ Upset stomach and vomiting
+ Constipation
+ Bone pain
Signs of a weak adrenal gland, such as:
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
+ Severe dizziness or fainting
+ Muscle weakness
+ Feeling very tired
+ Mood changes
+ Decreased appetite
+ Weight loss
Signs of Cushing's syndrome, including:
+ Weight gain in the upper back or belly
+ Moon face
+ Severe headache
+ Slow healing
Signs of high blood sugar, such as:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Skin changes, including:
+ Pimples
+ Stretch marks
+ Slow healing
+ Hair growth
Irritation where the medication was applied
Skin breakdown where the medication is used
Change in skin color
Change in eyesight
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:
* Itching
This is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Increased thirst or urination (signs of high calcium)
- Muscle weakness or bone pain (signs of high calcium)
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite (signs of high calcium)
- Fatigue or confusion (signs of high calcium or adrenal suppression)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of adrenal suppression)
- Blurred vision or eye pain (potential eye side effects)
- Severe skin irritation, burning, itching, or redness at application site
- Signs of skin infection (pus, fever, worsening redness)
- New stretch marks, skin thinning, or easy bruising (signs of steroid side effects)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you have elevated calcium levels in your blood.
If you currently have a skin infection.
If the skin where you will be applying this medication is thinning.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (including prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication alongside your other treatments and health issues. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Before using any other medications or skin products, including soaps, consult with your doctor. If you are undergoing light therapy, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor to avoid any potential interactions.
When applying this medication, avoid putting it on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Exercise caution when applying it to large areas of skin or near open wounds, and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. It is vital to follow your doctor's instructions regarding dosage and frequency of application, as using more than prescribed or for an extended period may increase the risk of severe side effects.
You may be more susceptible to sunburn while using this medication. To minimize this risk, avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds, and use protective measures such as sunscreen, clothing, and eyewear that provide adequate sun protection.
This medication may increase the risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child using this medication, it is essential to use it with caution, as children may be more prone to certain side effects.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and teenagers. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and your doctor will discuss this with you. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to weigh the benefits and risks of using this medication. When breastfeeding, avoid applying this medication directly to the nipple or surrounding area.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium): increased thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, fatigue, nausea, vomiting.
- HPA axis suppression (adrenal gland problems): fatigue, weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea, vomiting.
What to Do:
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center immediately (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical attention. Treatment involves discontinuation of the medication and supportive care to manage symptoms, including hydration and monitoring of calcium and electrolyte levels.
Drug Interactions
Moderate Interactions
- Other topical corticosteroids (increased risk of HPA axis suppression)
- Other topical vitamin D analogs (increased risk of hypercalcemia)
Confidence Interactions
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To document extent and severity of psoriasis before treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially with prolonged or extensive use
Target: Absence of signs/symptoms
Action Threshold: If suspected, perform ACTH stimulation test, plasma cortisol, or urinary free cortisol. Discontinue or reduce dose if confirmed.
Frequency: Periodically, especially with extensive use or in patients with risk factors for hypercalcemia
Target: Normal range (8.5-10.2 mg/dL)
Action Threshold: If elevated, discontinue or reduce dose. Monitor urinary calcium excretion if hypercalcemia persists.
Frequency: At each follow-up visit
Target: Minimal to no adverse reactions
Action Threshold: If severe or persistent, discontinue use.
Frequency: Annually or as clinically indicated
Target: Absence of cataracts or glaucoma
Action Threshold: If changes noted, refer to ophthalmologist.
Symptom Monitoring
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Skin thinning
- Easy bruising
- Stretch marks
- Acne-like eruptions
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown teratogenic effects with both calcipotriene and betamethasone.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
It is not known whether calcipotriene or betamethasone are excreted in human milk following topical application. Systemic absorption is low, but caution should be exercised. Avoid applying to the breast area to prevent direct infant exposure.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients under 12 years of age. Pediatric patients may be more susceptible to systemic toxicity from topical corticosteroids and calcipotriene due to a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. HPA axis suppression and hypercalcemia have been reported in pediatric patients using topical corticosteroids and calcipotriene. Use in adolescents (12-17 years) should be with caution and limited duration.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects. However, due to potential for increased systemic absorption in patients with compromised skin barrier or extensive use, monitor for systemic effects (HPA axis suppression, hypercalcemia).
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Taclonex Suspension is specifically formulated for scalp and body psoriasis; it is not for use on the face, groin, or axillae due to increased risk of skin atrophy and other side effects in these sensitive areas.
- Patients should be instructed to shake the bottle well before each use.
- The maximum recommended weekly dose is 60 grams; exceeding this dose increases the risk of systemic side effects like HPA axis suppression and hypercalcemia.
- Advise patients to wash their hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid accidental transfer to eyes or other sensitive areas.
- Avoid concomitant use of other topical corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
- Prolonged use, especially on large surface areas or under occlusion, can increase systemic absorption and the risk of adverse effects.
Alternative Therapies
- Other topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol, fluocinonide)
- Other topical vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol)
- Topical retinoids (e.g., tazarotene)
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
- Phototherapy (UVB, PUVA)
- Systemic agents (e.g., methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast, biologics like adalimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, guselkumab, risankizumab, brodalumab)
- Excimer laser