What you should know about Dovonex Scalp Solution
calcipotriol
This leaflet gives you some helpful information about Dovonex Scalp Solution. Read the leaflet carefully before you use the solution.
If you have any questions, or you are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
What is in Dovonex Scalp Solution?
Dovonex Scalp Solution contains an ingredient called calcipotriol. There are 50 micrograms of calcipotriol in each millilitre of the solution. This is the active ingredient which treats your psoriasis.
The other ingredients in the solution are hydroxypropyl cellulose, isopropanol, levomenthol, sodium citrate, propylene glycol and purified water. These are inactive ingredients which do not treat the psoriasis and are only included to make the solution.
The solution comes in bottles of 60 and 120 millilitres.
The product licence is held by:
The solution is made by:
What is Dovonex Scalp Solution for?
The solution is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp. Psoriasis is when your skin cells are being produced too quickly. This causes scaling and redness. The solution helps bring the rate at which your skin cells are produced back to normal.
You may notice an improvement after you have been using the solution for about two weeks.
The scaling or flaking usually goes away first. This will make your psoriasis patches feel flatter
It will take longer for the redness of the scalp to improve.
Before you use the solution
You can only get Dovonex Scalp Solution on prescription. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you become pregnant while you are using the solution.
When not to use Dovonex Scalp Solution
Do not use Dovonex Scalp Solution if:
- you are allergic to any of the ingredients; or
- you or your doctor know you have problems with your calcium levels.
Using the solution
You should use the solution in the way your doctor tells you, even if this is different to what this leaflet tells you to do. Read the label carefully. Your pharmacist or doctor will explain anything you are not sure about.
How should I use Dovonex Scalp Solution?
You should use the solution twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Put it on the parts of your scalp that are affected by psoriasis. We recommend that children do not use the solution.
When you use the solution, tilt your head to make sure the solution does not run on to your face. It may help to part your hair before you use the solution.
Position the nozzle close to your scalp, squeeze the bottle gently and apply a few drops on to the affected area. Rub the solution in gently. One or two drops is enough to cover an area about the size of a postage stamp.
Make sure the solution does not run on to your face or in your eyes. If you accidentally get solution on your unaffected skin, wash it off straight away. If you get the solution in your eye rinse it out immediately with water. If you have any sterile saline you could use this to bathe your eye afterwards. If your eye stays sore, you should see your doctor.
Always put the top on the bottle after you have used the solution.
Wash your hands after you have used the solution.
What should I remember when I use Dovonex Scalp Solution?
When you wash your hair, let it dry thoroughly before you use the solution.
You should let the solution dry before you lie down or wear a hat - it will not take long.
Let the solution dry naturally. Do not dry it with a hair dryer, or near a fire or flames.
Do not use more than 60 millilitres of solution a week.
If you are using Dovonex Cream or Ointment on your body, you should make sure that you don’t use more than the amount recommended by your doctor.
In one week, you should not use more than:
- 60 millilitres of Dovonex Scalp Solution and 30 grams (one half of a 60 grams tube) of Dovonex Cream or Ointment; or
- 30 millilitres of Dovonex Scalp Solution and one 60 grams tube of Dovonex Cream or Ointment.
As a guide the amount of Dovonex Cream or Ointment squeezed from the tube along your index finger (first finger) from the tip to the first joint is approximately 0.5 gram (see diagram).
Do not use the solution near a fire or naked flames as it may set on fire. Don’t get too close to an open fire or naked flames after you have used the solution.
Keep the solution away from your glasses and plastics.
Your doctor may advise you to limit your exposure to natural or artificial sunlight.
What should I do if I forget to use Dovonex Scalp Solution?
If you forget to use the solution at the right time, use it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
After you use the solution
The solution may irritate your scalp for a short time after you have used it. Try not to scratch the area. See your doctor if the irritation lasts for a long time.
If your scalp psoriasis gets worse, or if you have any unexpected problems such as reaction to light, stop using the solution and see your doctor as soon as possible.
If you accidentally get the solution on your face, it can cause redness or irritation on your face or around your mouth. If this happens, take extra care when you use the solution and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If the problem does not go away, see your doctor.
Storing the solution
Keep the solution in a safe place where children cannot reach it. Store the solution at room temperature below 25°C. Keep the solution away from fire or flames as it may set on fire.
Do not use the solution after the expiry date on the bottle.
As with any medicine, if your doctor tells you to stop using the solution, take any left over back to the pharmacist. Only keep it if your doctor tells you to.
Your doctor recommended the solution for you. Do not let other people use the solution, even if their scalp problem seems to be the same as yours.
More about psoriasis
Psoriasis is when your skin cells multiply too quickly. This causes the raised red patches and scaling you are familiar with. You can get psoriasis anywhere on your body, although the scalp is a common place. Psoriasis is not infectious so you do not need to worry about other people catching it from you. We still do not know what causes psoriasis but it can be inherited. Other things that can make psoriasis worse include stress.
For more help and advice about psoriasis send a stamped addressed envelope to:
The Psoriasis Association
7 Milton Street
Northampton
Registered charity number 257414.
If you have any questions about your treatment, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
This leaflet was revised in May 2007.
Dovonex is a registered trademark
LEO
008936 - 09
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