Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate

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Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate
Calcipotriol.svg
Betamethasone dipropionate.svg
Combination of
Calcipotriol Vitamin D3 analog
Betamethasone dipropionate Corticosteroid
Clinical data
Trade names Taclonex, Enstilar, Dovobet, others
AHFS/Drugs.com Professional Drug Facts
Pregnancy
category
  • AU:B3
Routes of
administration
Topical (aerosol, foam, gel, ointment, suspension)
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem CID
KEGG

Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate, sold under the brand name Taclonex among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication of the synthetic vitamin D3 analog calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) and the synthetic corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. [3] [4] [5] It is used in the form of ointment, topical suspension, gel, aerosol, and foam. [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

It is available as a generic medication. [6] [7]

Medical uses

Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) is a topical medication for the treatment of trunk, limb, and scalp plaque psoriasis. [8] [9] This medication is available in ointment, gel, aerosol, or foam, formulations. [9] [5] The ointment formulation was FDA approved in 2004, and is indicated for the once daily topical treatment of plaque-type psoriasis vulgaris amenable to topical therapy. [10] The foam formulation was approved by the FDA in 2015, and is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients twelve years of age and older. [5]

In all pivotal trials of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment, topical suspension, or foam, treatment success or achievement of 'clear' or 'almost clear' disease was defined by Investigator's Global Assessment, an alternative to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. [11]

Ointment

In an international, double-blind, parallel group study of 1603 participants with psoriasis (affecting at least 10% of one or more body regions), more patients on once-daily calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment had controlled disease, defined as having absence or very mild disease at 4 weeks (56.3%) compared with Cal 50 μg/g (22.3%). [12] In addition, a retrospective analysis of data from six phase 3, double-blind studies found that more patients treated with calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment achieved PASI 75 than patients treated with individual components, regardless of baseline disease severity. [13]

Foam

The foam formulation has been studied in two pivotal, randomized, double-blind trials in patients with mild to severe plaque psoriasis. In the first study (randomized, phase 2) of 302 patients with body and scalp psoriasis, more patients treated with calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) foam achieved 'clear' or ' almost clear' disease (45%) according to the IGA by 4 weeks compared with Cal 50 mcg/g or BD 0.5 mg/g (15% and 31%, respectively). [14] In a second study (randomized, phase 3) of patients with psoriasis on the body (N=426), a significantly greater proportion of patients treated with once-daily Cal/BD foam achieved 'clear' or 'almost clear' disease (53.3%) vs. those receiving the vehicle control (4.8%). Mean modified PASI score was also significantly lower for patients treated with Cal/BD foam compared with vehicle (2.0 vs 5.5, respectively, at week 4), and itch relief was significantly greater in patients using the Cal/BD foam beginning at day 3. [15] A recent study compared the Cal/BD foam formulation with the ointment formulation in patients with mild to severe psoriasis. At 4 weeks, significantly more patients achieved treatment success, defined as 'clear' or 'almost clear' disease according to the IGA with Cal/BD foam (54.6%) versus the ointment (43.0%). However, pronounced itch relief occurred quickly and was maintained throughout the 4-week study duration with both formulations. [16]

Contraindications

Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to either glucocorticoids or vitamin D or disorders in calcium metabolism. This drug is also contraindicated for patients with erythrodermic, exfoliative, or pustular psoriasis. [17]

Adverse effects

A number of clinical studies have been conducted to investigate possible adverse events of this fixed combination corticosteroid and vitamin D analog. Safety and tolerability of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) ointment has been assessed in a combined total of 2448 patients, exposed to treatment for 4 or 8 weeks (median weekly dose of 24.5 g). The most common adverse events for patients receiving Cal/BD were pruritus (3.1%), headache (2.8%), and nasopharyngitis (2.3%). Lesional/perilesional adverse events, defined as an adverse event located ≤2 cm from the lesional border, were reported by 8.7% of patients treated with Cal/BD ointment. Median time to onset of lesional/perilesional adverse events was 7 days. [3]

Adverse events during treatment with the foam formulation have been evaluated in three 4-week randomized, multicenter, prospective vehicle- and/or active-controlled clinical trials of subjects with plaque psoriasis. The median weekly dose was 24.8 g. Application site irritation, application site pruritus (itching), folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), skin hypopigmentation (loss of skin color), hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium levels), urticaria, and exacerbation of psoriasis were reported in <1% of subjects. Local long-term adverse effects of continuous steroid exposure may include skin atrophy, stretch marks, telangiectasia (spider veins), dryness, local infections, and miliaria ("prickly heat"). [10]

Pharmacology

Pharmacodynamics

A number of clinical studies have been conducted to research possible adverse effects of this drug combination, which can be expected from experiences with corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression

In a small study of calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) ointment once-daily for 4 weeks, no patients (N=11 tested) demonstrated adrenal suppression defined as 30-minute post-stimulation cortisol level ≤18 mcg/dL. In two other studies of Cal/BD ointment, 1 patient of 19 (5.3%) had adrenal suppression, as did 5 patients of 32 (15.6%) after 4 weeks of treatment. In the latter study, it may be noted that patients used Cal/BD ointment on the body in addition to Cal/BD topical suspension on the scalp. [3]

Potential effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA axis) function of the foam formulation were evaluated in a clinical trial of adults (N=35) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis covering a mean of 18% of the body surface area of the trunk and limbs and 50% of the scalp. [18] The foam was applied once daily to all lesions on the trunk, limbs and scalp for 4 weeks. Mean (range) weekly exposure was 62 (13.5–113) g. After 4 weeks, no patient exhibited adrenal suppression, defined as a cortisol level ≤497 nmol/L 30 minutes after adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge. Lack of adrenal suppression over the course of four weeks does not preclude the possibility of HPA axis suppression during prolonged exposure.

Effects on calcium metabolism

In patients treated with both calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) ointment on the body and Cal/BD topical suspension on the scalp (n=35), 1 patient (2.9%) had elevated urinary calcium levels after 4 weeks of treatment. [3]

Three studies of Cal/BD topical suspension have evaluated treatment effects on calcium metabolism. In 2 of the 3 trials (n=32 and n=43), elevated urinary calcium levels outside the normal range were observed in 2 patients each. In the third trial (n=109), no clinically relevant changes in urinary calcium were reported. [3]

Potential effects on calcium metabolism have been evaluated in three randomized, multicenter, prospective, vehicle- and/or active-controlled trials of the foam formulation enrolling 564 adults with plaque psoriasis. The foam was applied once daily for four weeks. In these trials, three subjects had serum calcium levels elevated above the upper limit of normal. Urinary calcium elevations above normal were reported in 17 subjects. [5]

In a published multicenter, open-label, single-arm trial of the foam formulation, 35 adults with plaque psoriasis applied the foam once daily to all lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp for four weeks. [18] No elevations of serum calcium, urinary calcium, or the ratio of urinary calcium to creatinine above the upper limit of normal were observed.

History

The combination was developed by LEO Pharma. To combine them, new non-aqueous non-alcohol formulations had to be found to avoid mutual degradation of the two active substances while also achieving the desired skin absorption. [19] The ointment formulation (Taclonex) was approved in 2006, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults 18 years and older. The topical suspension formulation (Taclonex) was approved in 2008, by the FDA for the treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in adults 18 years and older. In 2014, the FDA also approved the topical suspension formulation for the treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. [4] The foam formulation (Enstilar) was approved in October 2015, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [5] [20] The ointment and topical suspension formulation (Daivobet) were also approved in 2010 by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of plaque psoriasis where it is possible to use a topical medication (ointment), and for the treatment of scalp psoriasis or mild to moderate plaque psoriasis on the body (topical suspension). [21]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psoriasis</span> Skin disease

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin. These areas are red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. Injury to the skin can trigger psoriatic skin changes at that spot, which is known as the Koebner phenomenon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minoxidil</span> Medication used to treat hair loss

Minoxidil is a medication used for the treatment of high blood pressure and pattern hair loss. It is an antihypertensive vasodilator. It is available as a generic medication by prescription in oral tablet form and over the counter as a topical liquid or foam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pimecrolimus</span> Chemical compound

Pimecrolimus is an immunomodulating agent of the calcineurin inhibitor class used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is available as a topical cream, once marketed by Novartis under the trade name Elidel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betamethasone</span> Steroid medication

Betamethasone is a steroid medication. It is used for a number of diseases including rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, skin diseases such as dermatitis and psoriasis, allergic conditions such as asthma and angioedema, preterm labor to speed the development of the baby's lungs, Crohn's disease, cancers such as leukemia, and along with fludrocortisone for adrenocortical insufficiency, among others. It can be taken by mouth, injected into a muscle, or applied to the skin, typically in cream, lotion, or liquid forms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desonide</span> Chemical compound

Desonide (INN) is a low-potency topical corticosteroid anti-inflammatory that has been available since the 1970s. It is primarily used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and psoriasis in both adults and children. It has a fairly good safety profile and is available as a cream, ointment, lotion, and as a foam under the tradename Verdeso Foam. Other trade names for creams, lotions, and ointments include Tridesilon, DesOwen, Desonate. It is a group VI corticosteroid under US classification, the second least potent group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calcitriol</span> Active form of vitamin D

Calcitriol is the active form of vitamin D, normally made in the kidney. It is also known as 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. It is a hormone which binds to and activates the vitamin D receptor in the nucleus of the cell, which then increases the expression of many genes. Calcitriol increases blood calcium (Ca2+) mainly by increasing the uptake of calcium from the intestines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betamethasone dipropionate</span> Glucocorticoid steroid (chemical compound)

Betamethasone dipropionate is a glucocorticoid steroid with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive abilities. It is applied as a topical cream, ointment, lotion or gel (Diprolene) to treat itching and other skin conditions such as eczema. Minor side effects include dry skin and mild, temporary stinging when applied. Betamethasone dipropionate is a "super high potency" corticosteroid used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It is a synthetic analog of the adrenal corticosteroids. Although its exact mechanism of action is not known, it is effective when applied topically to cortico-responsive inflammatory dermatoses. It is available as a generic medication.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betamethasone valerate</span> Chemical compound

Betamethasone valerate is a synthetic glucocorticoid ester. It is the 17-valerate ester of betamethasone. Betamethasone valerate is often used to treat mild eczema with good efficacy and lower incidence of steroid induced adverse effects due to its lower potency compared to other glucocorticoids. Betamethasone-17-valerate is available in cream, ointment, lotion, and foam preparations for topical use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calcipotriol</span> Chemical compound

Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is safe for long-term application in psoriatic skin conditions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dithranol</span> Chemical compound

Dithranol (INN) or anthralin is a hydroxyanthrone, anthracene derivative, medicine applied to the skin of people with psoriasis. It is available as creams, ointment or pastes in 0.1 to 2% strengths. The terms dithranol and anthralin are sometimes used synonymously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alclometasone</span> Chemical compound

Alclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid for topical dermatologic use, possessing anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive properties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diflorasone diacetate</span> Chemical compound and topical steroid

Diflorasone diacetate is a topical steroid that comes in the form of a cream. It is manufactured by E. Fougera & Co. and is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-itching agent, like other topical corticosteroids. It is prescribed for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, among other conditions. With respect to potency, it is regarded as a Class I corticosteroid [of classes I – VII] in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amcinonide</span> Chemical compound

Amcinonide is a topical glucocorticoid used to treat itching, redness and swelling associated with several dermatologic conditions such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Amcinonide can also be classified as a multi-functional small molecule corticosteroid, which has been approved by the FDA and is currently marketed as an ointment, lotion, or cream. It acts as both a transcription factor for responses to glucocorticoids and modulator for other transcription factors while also regulating phospholipase A2 activity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Halometasone</span> Chemical compound

Halometasone is a potent synthetic tri-halogenated corticosteroid for topical application possessing pronounced anti-inflammatory, antiexudative, antiepidermoplastic, antiallergic, and antipruritic properties. It has been approved in many European countries including Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Belgium, and Portugal and other regions such as China, Hong Kong, Turkey, Israel, South Africa and India.

In medicine, a finger tip unit (FTU) is defined as the amount of ointment, cream or other semi-solid dosage form expressed from a tube with a 5 mm diameter nozzle, applied from the distal skin-crease to the tip of the index finger of an adult. The "distal skin-crease" is the skin crease over the joint nearest the end of the finger. One FTU is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of the flat of an adult's hand with the fingers together, i.e. a "handprint". Two FTUs are approximately equivalent to 1 g of topical steroid.

Topical steroids are the topical forms of corticosteroids. Topical steroids are the most commonly prescribed topical medications for the treatment of rash, eczema, and dermatitis. Topical steroids have anti-inflammatory properties and are classified based on their skin vasoconstrictive abilities. There are numerous topical steroid products. All the preparations in each class have the same anti-inflammatory properties but essentially differ in base and price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psoriatic onychodystrophy</span> Medical condition

Psoriatic onychodystrophy or psoriatic nails is a nail disease. It is common in those with psoriasis, with reported incidences varying from 10% to 78%. Elderly patients and those with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to have psoriatic nails.

Clotrimazole/betamethasone dipropionate, sold under the brand name Lotrisone among others, is a topical medication used for the treatment of fungal infections of the feet, groin, and body in people 17 years of age and older. It is a combination of clotrimazole and betamethasone dipropionate. It is applied to the skin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Topical glucocorticoids</span>

Topical glucocorticoids are the topical forms of glucocorticoids. Topical glucocorticoids are used in the treatment of many skin conditions. They provide anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, and immune-system suppressing actions through various mechanisms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tapinarof</span> Chemical compound

Tapinarof, also known as benvitimod and sold under the brand name Vtama, is a medication used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. The medication is applied to the skin. Besides its use in medicine, tapinarof is a naturally occurring compound found in bacterial symbionts of nematodes which has antibiotic properties.

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Further reading