Taclonex

Betamethasone and Calcipotriene, also known and sold under the trade name of Taclonex, is a combination used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis on the skin and scalp.

It works by decreasing the redness, thickening, and scaling of the skin. Betamethasone is a strong corticosteroid that helps by decreasing the redness, itching, and swelling of the skin.

Calcipotriene is a form of Vitamin D. It works by slowing down the growth of the skin cells so that they don’t build up into thickened, scaly skin patches. This product is available in the forms of ointment, foam, and suspension.

Before using Taclonex, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together will have to make.

During the consultations with your doctor, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergies – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any kind of specific food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there is no age-connected risk when this product is used in geriatric patients. However, because of the known increased sensitivity within geriatric patients, it should be used with extra caution.

Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used during pregnancy Because of this it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medicine to be used in nursing mothers. Also, it is unknown if this medicine is extracted in the milk. Because of this, it should be used only when the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or no prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications should not be used in a combination with others.

But, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain type of a combination including two or more medications to treat your condition if he or she considers this combination to prove as beneficial to your condition.

Other interactions – Certain medications should not be used in a combination with specific type of food, and/or tobacco and/or alcohol. Because of this, it is very important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific type of diet, and/or discontinue your use of tobacco and/or alcohol during the treatment with this product.

Other medical problems – Inform your doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions in the past or present at the moment.

Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – atrophy, Cushing’s syndrome, Diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, intracranial hypertension, erythroderma, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, kidney disease, liver disease, infections, large sores, or liver failure.

To use Taclonex properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This medication is for skin use only, avoid contact between the medication and the eyes. Wash your hands before and after you apply the medication.

Apply a thin layer on the skin and rub it gently. Do not apply this medication to the face, groin area, or underarms. Do not apply this medication in the area where there are scratches and open wounds present. Do not cover the area where there is medication applied before, unless that is directed by the doctor.

The dose is prescribed by your doctor, based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. The dose is individual for every patient. Remember to use the medication regularly in order to get the most beneficial effects from it.

If you forget to apply it, do it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. This medication is harmful if swallowed. If swallowing is suspected, contact the doctor as soon as possible.

Before using Taclonex, there are some precautions you must take. Visit your doctor at your scheduled appointments so that he or she is able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed.

These adjustments may refer to the dose – the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue the treatment with this medication if there are serious side effects present or your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or no prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This is important because this medication should not be used during pregnancy, because of the lack of studies that would confirm its safety to be used during pregnancy.

The doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication if you are currently pregnant. The doctor will probably advise you to start using a proven form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy during the treatment.

Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This is important because this medication should not be used within nursing mothers because of the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used within nursing mothers.

The doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. It is important to wear protective clothing and use sun cream when exposed to the sun during the treatment with this medication.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Taclonex. These side effects do not appear within all patients, also the side effects could be mild or more serious.

Depending on the side effects, the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment with this product, if the side effects are serious. However, it is important that you get informed about the possible side effects so that you would be able to notice their presence and notify the doctor as soon as possible for further directions.

• Common side effect – redness, itching, burning, or irritation. These side effects are no serious, but if they persist or worsen, inform the doctor right away.
• Serious side effects – skin discoloration/stretch marks, swelling/inflammation of the hair pores, worsening of psoriasis. These are serious side effects, which should be acknowledged by the doctor as soon as they appear.

A serious allergic reaction is not common, but if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor right away – skin rash, itching/swelling of the hands, feet, face, tongue, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.

This product may cause an increase in the level of calcium in your blood. If you notice severe constipation or mood changes inform the doctor right away.