Dovonex Cream: Package Insert / Prescribing Information - Drugs.com

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# Dovonex Cream

Package insert / prescribing information
Generic name: calcipotriene
Dosage form: cream
Drug class: Topical antipsoriatics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 22, 2022.

Rx only

FOR TOPICAL DERMATOLOGIC USE ONLY.
Not for Ophthalmic, Oral or Intravaginal Use.

## Dovonex Cream Description

Dovonex® (calcipotriene) Cream, 0.005% contains calcipotriene monohydrate, a synthetic vitamin D3 derivative, for topical dermatological use.

Chemically, calcipotriene monohydrate is (5Z,7E,22E,24S)-24-cyclopropyl-9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19),22-tetraene-1α,3β,24-triol monohydrate, with the empirical formula C27H40O3•H2O, a molecular weight of 430.6, and the following structural formula:

Calcipotriene monohydrate is a white or off-white crystalline substance. Dovonex® Cream contains calcipotriene monohydrate equivalent to 50 μg/g anhydrous calcipotriene in a cream base of cetearyl alcohol, ceteth-20, diazolidinyl urea, dichlorobenzyl alcohol, dibasic sodium phosphate, edetate disodium, dl-alpha tocopherol, glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum, and water.

## Related/similar drugs

Otezla, Taltz, methotrexate, Humira, Cosentyx, cyclosporine, Enbrel

## Dovonex Cream - Clinical Pharmacology

In humans, the natural supply of vitamin D depends mainly on exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun for conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in the skin. Calcipotriene is a synthetic analog of vitamin D3.

Clinical studies with radiolabelled calcipotriene ointment indicate that approximately 6% (± 3%, SD) of the applied dose of calcipotriene is absorbed systemically when the ointment is applied topically to psoriasis plaques, or 5% (± 2.6%, SD) when applied to normal skin, and much of the absorbed active is converted to inactive metabolites within 24 hours of application. Systemic absorption of the cream has not been studied.

Vitamin D and its metabolites are transported in the blood, bound to specific plasma proteins. The active form of the vitamin, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (calcitriol), is known to be recycled via the liver and excreted in the bile. Calcipotriene metabolism following systemic uptake is rapid, and occurs via a similar pathway to the natural hormone.

## Clinical Studies

Adequate and well-controlled trials of patients treated with Dovonex® Cream have demonstrated improvement usually beginning after 2 weeks of therapy. This improvement continued with approximately 50% of patients showing at least marked improvement in the signs and symptoms of psoriasis after 8 weeks of therapy, but only approximately 4% showed complete clearing.

## Indications and Usage for Dovonex Cream

Dovonex® (calcipotriene) Cream, 0.005%, is indicated for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. The safety and effectiveness of topical calcipotriene in dermatoses other than psoriasis have not been established.

## Contraindications

Dovonex® Cream 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. Dovonex® Cream should not be used on the face.

## Warnings

Contact dermatitis, including allergic contact dermatitis, has been observed with the use of Dovonex® Cream.

## Precautions

### General

Use of Dovonex® Cream may cause transient irritation of both lesions and surrounding uninvolved skin. If irritation develops, Dovonex® 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 Dovonex® 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 Dovonex® 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 µg/kg/day (corresponding to 9, 30 and 90 µg/m2/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 Dovonex® 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 Dovonex® 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 μg/kg/day (324 μg/m2/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 40-60% of the administered dose. Increased rabbit maternal and fetal toxicity was noted at 12 μg/kg/day (132 μg/m2/day). Rabbits administered 36 μg/kg/day (396 μg/m2/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/m2/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/m2/day) and rabbit (17.6 μg/m2/day) studies are approximately equal to the expected human systemic exposure level (18.5 μg/m2/day) from dermal application. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Therefore, Dovonex® 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 D3 (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 Dovonex® Cream is administered to a nursing woman.

### Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness of Dovonex® 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.

## Adverse Reactions

### Clinical Trials Experience

In controlled clinical trials, the most frequent adverse experiences reported for Dovonex® (calcipotriene) Cream, 0.005% were cases of skin irritation, which occurred in approximately 10-15% of patients. Rash, pruritus, dermatitis and worsening of psoriasis were reported in 1 to 10% of patients.

### Postmarketing Experience

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.

The following adverse reactions associated with the use of Dovonex® Cream have been identified post-approval: contact dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis, erythema, skin exfoliation, skin burning sensation, application site pain, application site pigmentation disorder, urticaria, photosensitivity, rash1, dry skin, hypercalcaemia and hypersensitivity.

1
  rash erythematous, rash maculo-papular, rash morbilliform, rash popular, and rash pustular

## Overdosage

Topically applied calcipotriene can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. Elevated serum calcium has been observed with excessive use of topical calcipotriene. If elevation in serum calcium should occur, discontinue treatment until normal calcium levels are restored. [See PRECAUTIONS]

## Dovonex Cream Dosage and Administration

Apply a thin layer of Dovonex® Cream to the affected skin twice daily and rub in gently and completely. The safety and efficacy of Dovonex® Cream have been demonstrated in patients treated for eight weeks.

## How is Dovonex Cream Supplied

Dovonex® (calcipotriene) Cream, 0.005% is available in:

60 gram aluminum tubes ​NDC 50222-260-06

120 gram aluminum tubes ​NDC 50222-260-12

## STORAGE

Store at controlled room temperature 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F). Do not freeze.

Manufactured by:

LEO Laboratories Ltd.
Dublin 12, Ireland

Distributed by:

LEO Pharma Inc.
Seven Giralda Farms
Madison, NJ 07940, USA

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact
LEO Pharma Inc at 1-877-494-4536 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Revises 06/2021

## PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 60 g Tube Carton

LEO®

NDC 50222-260-06

Rx only

Dovonex®
(calcipotriene)
Cream, 0.005%

Net Wt. 60 g

## PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 120 g Tube Carton

NDC 50222-260-12

Rx only

Dovonex® (calcipotriene) Cream, 0.005%

Net Wt. 120 g

DOVONEX calcipotriene cream

Product Information
Product Type | HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABEL | Item Code (Source) | NDC:50222-260
Route of Administration | TOPICAL | DEA Schedule |

Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient Name | Basis of Strength | Strength
CALCIPOTRIENE (CALCIPOTRIENE) | CALCIPOTRIENE | 50 ug in 1 g

Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient Name | Strength
CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL |
CETETH-20 |
DICHLOROBENZYL ALCOHOL |
SODIUM PHOSPHATE, DIBASIC, UNSPECIFIED FORM |
EDETATE DISODIUM |
GLYCERIN |
MINERAL OIL |
PETROLATUM |
WATER |
.ALPHA.-TOCOPHEROL, DL- |
DIAZOLIDINYL UREA |

Packaging
# | Item Code | Package Description
1 | NDC:50222-260-12 | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON
1 |  | 120 g in 1 TUBE
2 | NDC:50222-260-06 | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON
2 |  | 60 g in 1 TUBE
3 | NDC:50222-260-99 | 10 TUBE in 1 CARTON
3 |  | 3 g in 1 TUBE

Marketing Information
Marketing Category | Application Number or Monograph Citation | Marketing Start Date | Marketing End Date
NDA | NDA020554 | 10/01/1996 | 08/31/2023

Labeler - LEO Pharma Inc. (832692615)

Registrant - LEO Pharma A/S (306218108)

Establishment
Name | Address | ID/FEI | Operations
LEO Laboratories Ltd. |  | 306218108 | MANUFACTURE(50222-260)

LEO Pharma Inc.

## Frequently asked questions

- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?

## More about Dovonex (calcipotriene topical)

- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (26)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Generic availability
- Drug class: topical antipsoriatics
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Drug Information
- Dovonex Topical (Advanced Reading)
- Dovonex (Calcipotriene Scalp Solution)

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information
- Calcipotriene Scalp Solution (FDA)

#### Other brands

Calcitrene, Kalosar, Sorilux

### Related treatment guides

- Plaque Psoriasis
- Psoriasis

Medical Disclaimer