Sorilux : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?

Sorilux (Calcipotriene) is used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form due to increased production of skin cells in some areas of the body). Sorilux belongs to a class of drugs called synthetic derivatives of vitamin D3. It works by delaying the excessive production of skin cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Sorilux (Calcipotriene) comes as a cream to apply to the skin and as a solution (liquid) to apply to the scalp. The cream and solution are usually applied twice a day. Use Sorilux at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any parts you do not understand. Use Sorilux exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Sorilux controls psoriasis but does not cure it. You may see some improvement in your condition after 2 weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks before you feel the full benefit of Sorilux.

Do not apply Sorilux cream to your face.

Sorilux solution can catch fire. Do not use this medicine near heat or an open flame, such as a cigarette.

To use the cream, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Apply a thin layer of cream to the area to be treated. Be careful not to get the cream on your face, especially in or near your eyes.
  3. Rub the cream on the skin until it disappears.
  4. Wash your hands.

To use the solution, follow these steps:

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Comb hair to remove loose psoriasis scales.
  3. Part your hair near the affected areas.
  4. Apply a small amount of the solution to the lesions. Be careful not to get the solution on your forehead or other areas of your face, especially in or near your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  5. Rub the solution on the lesion gently.
  6. Wash your hands.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using Sorilux,

  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Sorilux or any other medications.
  • Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Sorilux, call your doctor.
  • Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing (such as a hat), sunglasses, and sunscreen. Sorilux can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply more cream or solution to make up for a forgotten dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Sorilux may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • itching
  • redness
  • worsening of psoriasis
  • burning
  • stinging or tingling of skin
  • dry skin

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • rash
  • irritation of the treated or nearby area of skin

Sorilux may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medicine or if your symptoms get worse.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze the Sorilux cream or solution.

Unnecessary medications must be disposed of in special ways to ensure they cannot be consumed by pets, children, and others. However, you should not flush this medicine down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medications is through a drug take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage / recycling department to find out about take-back programs in your community. Check out the FDA drug safe disposal website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children, since many containers (such as those containing weekly pills and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not resistant to children and small children can easily open them. To protect young children from poisoning, always close the safety caps and immediately place the medicine in a safe place, one that is upright and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot wake up, immediately call 911 for emergency services.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to Sorilux.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.

Brand Names

  • Dovonex®
  • Sorilux®

Other Names

  • Calcipotriol

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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