TACALCITOL belongs to the class of medications called ‘antipsoriatics’ used in the treatment of psoriasis Vulgaris in adults. Psoriasis Vulgaris is an autoimmune (immune system attacks healthy cells) skin disorder in which the skin becomes scaly, swelled up, and itchy. It mostly affects the knee, elbows, scalp, and trunk. It is a lifelong condition, and treatment is given to remove affected skin cells and avoid flare-ups of the disease.
TACALCITOL contains Tacalcitol. It is a vitamin D derivative (vitamin D is essential for healthy skin). It slows down the production of skin cells, thereby decreasing inflammation, improving symptoms, and delaying the progression of the disease.
You should use this medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor. The common side-effects of TACALCITOL are redness, itching, and burning sensation at the application site. These side-effects are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side-effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take TACALCITOL if you are allergic to any of its contents, have high levels of calcium level in the blood (hyperkalemia), or have calcium metabolism disorders. TACALCITOL is not recommended for use in children. It should be used with caution in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and elderly people. TACALCITOL may not interact with alcohol and may not affect your driving.
Psoriasis Vulgaris
TACALCITOL is used in the treatment of psoriasis in adults, especially on the scalp. It can be used on all parts of the body including the face, hairline, armpits, elbows, and knees. It can slow down the progression of the disease. It can improve symptoms and make the skin appear normal. It can reduce inflammation.
Before using TACALCITOL, inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, generalised pustular psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis in which pus-filled blisters are seen on the entire body), erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis characterised by deep red peeling rashes all over the body), and been taking high doses of vitamin D. TACALCITOL increases the risk of burns, so do not go near naked flames while using this medicine. Wash the fabric, such as clothing, bedding, and dressings, that has been in contact with the medicine as the fabric burns more easily, and washing can reduce this risk. Inform your doctor if you are taking ultraviolet (UV) therapy for psoriasis. In such cases, UV therapy should be taken in the morning, and TACALCITOL should be used at bedtime. TACALCITOL contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation.
Drug-Drug Interactions: TACALCITOL should not be used along with medicines containing vitamin D (multivitamins and vitamin D) as this medicine may increase calcium levels in the body.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: TACALCITOL should not be used in patients with hyperkalemia (high calcium levels in the blood). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, generalised pustular psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis in which pus-filled blisters are seen on the entire body), and erythrodermic exfoliative psoriasis (a rare type of psoriasis characterised by deep red peeling rashes all over the body).
TACALCITOL may not interact with alcohol.
It is not known whether TACALCITOL can cause harm to the unborn baby. So, please consult your doctor for further advice.
It is not known whether TACALCITOL can cause harm to the nursing baby. However, the doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while using this medicine. Please consult your doctor for further advice.
TACALCITOL may not affect your ability to drive.
TACALCITOL is probably safe when used in patients with liver diseases.
TACALCITOL should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor as required.
TACALCITOL is not recommended for use in children as safety and efficacy have not been established.
Psoriasis Vulgaris: Psoriasis Vulgaris is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by red, itchy, and scaly rashes. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. In this condition, skin cells grow and buildup rapidly resulting in scaly rashes mostly on knees, elbows, scalp, and trunk. Stress and cold can act as triggers to this disease. It is a chronic disease and doesn’t have a permanent cure. Treatment is given to control the disease and prevent flare-ups. Light therapy, medicines and topical creams or ointments are generally used to treat this condition.