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Important: This site presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A report does not mean the drug caused the event. Full disclaimer.

CALCIPOTRIENE: 1,337 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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1,337
Total FAERS Reports
6 (0.4%)
Deaths Reported
98
Hospitalizations
1,337
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
9
Life-Threatening
5
Disabilities
Dec 26, 2017
FDA Approved
Mayne Pharma
Manufacturer
Prescription
Status
Yes
Generic Available

Drug Class: Vitamin D Analog [EPC] · Route: TOPICAL · Manufacturer: Mayne Pharma · FDA Application: 020273 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

Patent Expires: May 7, 2028 · First Report: 2009 · Latest Report: 20250101

What Are the Most Common CALCIPOTRIENE Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
663 reports (49.6%)
#2 Most Reported
Psoriasis
342 reports (25.6%)
#3 Most Reported
Product use in unapproved indication
147 reports (11.0%)

All CALCIPOTRIENE Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 663 49.6% 1 55
Psoriasis 342 25.6% 0 12
Product use in unapproved indication 147 11.0% 0 1
Therapeutic product effect incomplete 123 9.2% 0 1
Pruritus 108 8.1% 0 5
Treatment failure 102 7.6% 0 1
Skin exfoliation 97 7.3% 0 3
Arthralgia 81 6.1% 0 1
Erythema 79 5.9% 0 2
Rash 75 5.6% 0 3
Off label use 73 5.5% 1 13
Hypertension 66 4.9% 0 48
Diabetes mellitus inadequate control 62 4.6% 0 48
Contusion 60 4.5% 0 48
Skin plaque 55 4.1% 0 0
Psoriatic arthropathy 52 3.9% 0 2
Peripheral swelling 51 3.8% 0 28
Papule 48 3.6% 0 1
Pain 44 3.3% 0 2
Blood pressure inadequately controlled 41 3.1% 0 33

Who Reports CALCIPOTRIENE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 49.5% female, 50.5% male. Average age: 58.4 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is CALCIPOTRIENE Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2009 2 0 0
2011 2 0 0
2012 9 0 1
2013 7 0 3
2014 17 0 7
2015 12 1 1
2016 7 0 0
2017 20 1 2
2018 34 0 3
2019 20 0 4
2020 15 0 2
2021 13 0 3
2022 19 0 2
2023 30 0 1
2024 4 0 0
2025 1 0 0

View full timeline →

What Is CALCIPOTRIENE Used For?

IndicationReports
Psoriasis 818
Product used for unknown indication 256
Psoriatic arthropathy 43
Morphoea 15
Actinic keratosis 13
Pruritus 12
Skin cancer 10
Eczema 8
Precancerous skin lesion 8
Rash 8

CALCIPOTRIENE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCITONIN CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCITONIN SALMON CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCITRIOL CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCITRIOL\CALCIUM\ZINC CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM ASCORBATE CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM, DIBASIC, ANHYDROUS\MAGNESIUM GLYCEROPHOSPHATE\PHOSPHORIC ACID\SODIUM, DIBASIC CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM GLUBIONATE CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM OXYBATE\MAGNESIUM OXYBATE\POTASSIUM OXYBATE\SODIUM OXYBATE CALCIPOTRIENE vs CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE

Other Drugs in Same Class: Vitamin D Analog [EPC]

Official FDA Label for CALCIPOTRIENE

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Calcipotriene foam contains the compound calcipotriene, a synthetic vitamin D3 analog, in an aqueous-based emulsion foam vehicle for topical dermatologic use. Chemically, calcipotriene is (5Z,7E,22E,24S)-24-cyclopropyl-9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19), 22-tetraene- 1α,3β,24-triol. The structural formula is represented below: Molecular Formula: C27H40O3 Molecular Weight:

412.6 Calcipotriene is a white or off-white crystalline substance. Calcipotriene foam contains calcipotriene 50 mcg/g in an aqueous-based emulsion foam vehicle consisting of cetyl alcohol, dibasic sodium phosphate, dl-α-tocopherol, edetate disodium, isopropyl myristate, light mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water, stearyl alcohol, and white petrolatum. Calcipotriene foam is dispensed from an aluminum can pressurized with a hydrocarbon (propane/n-butane/isobutane) propellant.

Chemical

Structure

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Calcipotriene foam is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older. Calcipotriene foam, is a vitamin D analog indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in adults and pediatric patients 4 years of age and older. ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Comb the hair to remove scaly debris and after suitably parting, apply Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), twice daily, only to the lesions, and rub in gently and completely, taking care to prevent the solution spreading onto the forehead. The safety and efficacy of Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), have been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.

Keep Calcipotriene Topical

Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), well away from the eyes. Avoid application of the solution to uninvolved scalp margins. Always wash hands thoroughly after use.

Contraindications

CONTRAINDICATIONS Calcitrene ® (calcipotriene) ointment, 0.005%, is contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. It should not be used by patients with demonstrated hypercalcemia or evidence of vitamin D toxicity. Calcipotriene should not be used on the face.

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS Adverse reactions reported in ≥ 1% of subjects treated with Calcipotriene foam and at a higher incidence than subjects treated with vehicle were application site erythema and application site pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Mayne Pharma at 1-844-825-8500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . ( 6 )

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Calcipotriene foam was studied in four vehicle-controlled trials. A total of 1094 adult subjects with plaque psoriasis, including 654 exposed to calcipotriene foam, were treated twice daily for 8 weeks. Adverse reactions reported in ≥1% of subjects treated with calcipotriene foam and at a higher incidence than subjects treated with vehicle were application site erythema (2%) and application site pain (3%). The incidence of these adverse reactions was similar between the body and scalp. In an open-label study, 19 pediatric subjects age 12 to less than 17 years applied calcipotriene foam twice daily for 14 days and once on Day 15. Adverse reactions included application site pain, application site pruritus and pruritus <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2 and 12.3) and Pediatric Use (8.4) ]</span> . In an open-label study, 36 pediatric subjects age 4 to less than 12 years applied calcipotriene foam twice daily for up to 8 weeks. Adverse reactions included application site pain and contact dermatitis <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2 and 12.3) and Pediatric Use (8.4) ]</span> .

6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of calcipotriene foam. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and Subcutaneous: application site vesicles

Warnings

PRECAUTIONS General Use of Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), may cause transient irritation of both lesions and surrounding uninvolved skin. If irritation develops, Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), should be discontinued. For external use only. Keep out of the reach of children. Always wash hands thoroughly after use. Reversible elevation of serum calcium has occurred with use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium outside the normal range should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored. Information for Patients Patients using Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution) should receive the following information and instructions: This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face or eyes. As with any topical medication, patients should wash their hands after application. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. Patients should report to their physician any signs of adverse reactions. Patients that apply Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution) to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.) Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility When calcipotriene was applied topically to mice for up to 24 months at dosages of 3, 10 and 30 μg/kg/day (corresponding to 9, 30 and 90 μg/m 2 /day), no significant changes in tumor incidence were observed when compared to control. In a study in which albino hairless mice were exposed to both UVR and topically applied calcipotriene, a reduction in the time required for UVR to induce the formation of skin tumors was observed (statistically significant in males only), suggesting that calcipotriene may enhance the effect of UVR to induce skin tumors. Patients that apply Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution) to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.). Physicians may wish to limit or avoid use of phototherapy in patients that use Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution). Calcipotriene did not elicit any mutagenic effects in an Ames mutagenicity assay, a mouse lymphoma TK locus assay, a human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, or in a micronucleus assay conducted in mice. Studies in rats at doses up to 54 μg/kg/day (324 μg/m 2 /day) of calcipotriene indicated no impairment of fertility or general reproductive performance.

Pregnancy Teratogenic

Effects: Pregnancy Category C Studies of teratogenicity were done by the oral route where bioavailability is expected to be approximately 40-60% of the administered dose. Increased rabbit maternal and fetal toxicity was noted at 12 μg/kg/day (132 μg/m 2 /day). Rabbits administered 36 μg/kg/day (396 μg/m 2 /day) resulted in fetuses with a significant increase in the incidences of pubic bones, forelimb phalanges, and incomplete bone ossification. In a rat study, oral doses of 54 μg/kg/day (318 μg/m 2 /day) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of skeletal abnormalities consisting primarily of enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. The enlarged fontanelles are most likely due to calcipotriene’s effect upon calcium metabolism. The maternal and fetal calculated no-effect exposures in the rat (43.2 μg/m 2 /day) and rabbit (17.6 μg/m 2 /day) studies are greater than the expected human systemic exposure level (0.13 μg/m 2 /day) from dermal application. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

There is evidence that maternal 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (calcitriol) may enter the fetal circulation, but it is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. The systemic disposition of calcipotriene is expected to be similar to that of the naturally occurring vitamin. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution) is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Calcipotriene Topical Solution, 0.005% (Scalp Solution), in pediatric patients have not been specifically established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at greater risk than adults of systemic adverse effects when they are treated with topical medication.

Geriatric

Use Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of calcipotriene solution, approximately 16% were 65 or older, while approximately 4% were 75 and over. The results of an analysis of severity of skin-related adverse events showed no differences for subjects over 65 years compared to those under 65 years, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS General Use of calcipotriene cream may cause transient irritation of both lesions and surrounding uninvolved skin. If irritation develops, calcipotriene cream should be discontinued. For external use only. Keep out of the reach of children. Always wash hands thoroughly after use. Reversible elevation of serum calcium has occurred with use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium outside the normal range should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored. Information for Patients Patients using calcipotriene cream should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used only as directed by the physician. It is for external use only. Avoid contact with the face or eyes. As with any topical medication, patients should wash their hands after application. 2. This medication should not be used for any disorder other than that for which it was prescribed. 3. Patients should report to their physician any signs of adverse reactions. 4. Patients that apply calcipotriene cream to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.). Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility When calcipotriene was applied topically to mice for up to 24 months at dosages of 3, 10 and 30 mcg/kg/day (corresponding to 9, 30 and 90 mcg/m 2 /day), no significant changes in tumor incidence were observed when compared to control. In a study in which albino hairless mice were exposed to both UVR and topically applied calcipotriene, a reduction in the time required for UVR to induce the formation of skin tumors was observed (statistically significant in males only), suggesting that calcipotriene may enhance the effect of UVR to induce skin tumors. Patients that apply calcipotriene cream to exposed portions of the body should avoid excessive exposure to either natural or artificial sunlight (including tanning booths, sun lamps, etc.). Physicians may wish to limit or avoid use of phototherapy in patients that use calcipotriene cream. Calcipotriene did not elicit any mutagenic effects in an Ames mutagenicity assay, a mouse lymphoma TK locus assay, a human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay, or in a micronucleus assay conducted in mice. Studies in rats at doses up to 54 mcg/kg/day (324 mcg/m 2 /day) of calcipotriene indicated no impairment of fertility or general reproductive performance.

Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects

Studies of teratogenicity were done by the oral route where bioavailability is expected to be approximately 40 to 60% of the administered dose. Increased rabbit maternal and fetal toxicity was noted at 12 mcg/kg/day (132 mcg/m 2 /day). Rabbits administered 36 mcg/kg/day (396 mcg/m 2 /day) resulted in fetuses with a significant increase in the incidences of pubic bones, forelimb phalanges, and incomplete bone ossification. In a rat study, oral doses of 54 mcg/kg/day (318 mcg/m 2 /day) resulted in a significantly higher incidence of skeletal abnormalities consisting primarily of enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. The enlarged fontanelles are most likely due to calcipotriene's effect upon calcium metabolism. The maternal and fetal calculated no-effect exposures in the rat (43.2 mcg/m 2 /day) and rabbit (17.6 mcg/m 2 /day) studies are approximately equal to the expected human systemic exposure level (18.5 mcg/m 2 /day) from dermal application. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, calcipotriene cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nursing Mothers

There is evidence that maternal 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 3 (calcitriol) may enter the fetal circulation, but it is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. The systemic disposition of calcipotriene is expected to be similar to that of the naturally occurring vitamin. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when calcipotriene cream is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of calcipotriene cream in pediatric patients have not been established. Because of a higher ratio of skin surface area to body mass, pediatric patients are at greater risk than adults of systemic adverse effects when they are treated with topical medication.

Geriatric

Use Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of calcipotriene cream, approximately 15% were 65 or older, while approximately 3% were 75 and over. There were no significant differences in adverse events for subjects over 65 years compared to those under 65 years of age. However, the greater sensitivity of older individuals cannot be ruled out.