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calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Corticosteroid Hormone Receptor Agonists [MoA] | MoA | All 215 members |
| Corticosteroid [EPC] | EPC | All 215 members |
| Vitamin D Analog [EPC] | EPC | All 10 members |
| Vitamin D [CS] | CS | 5 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210765-001 | CALCIPOTRIENE AND BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE | SUSPENSION | BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE; CALCIPOTRIENE | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | May 11, 2020 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · June 4, 2020
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250701). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingIndications and Usage ( 1 ) 7/2019 Warnings and Precautions, Ophthalmic Advserse Reactions ( 5.5 ) 7/2019 Warnings and Precautions, Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions ( 5.5 ) 7/2019
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in patients 12 years and older and plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in patients 18 years and older. Additional pediatric use information is approved for LEO Pharma A/S’s Taclonex® (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate) Topical Suspension. However, due to LEO Pharma A/S’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is a combination of calcipotriene, a vitamin D analog, and betamethasone dipropionate, a corticosteroid, indicated for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in patients 12 years and older and plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in patients age 18 years and older. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Instruct patients to shake bottle prior to using calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. Apply calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension to affected areas on the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension should be discontinued when control is achieved. Instruct patients to wash their hands after applying the product. Inform patients that they should not take a bath or shower or wash their hair right after application of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. Patients 12 to 17 years should not use more than 60 grams per week and patients 18 years and older should not use more than 100 grams per week. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension should not be: Used with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider. Used on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. Applied to the scalp in the 12 hours before or after any chemical treatments to the hair. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Shake bottle before use. ( 2 ) Apply calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension to affected areas on the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks. Discontinue therapy when control is achieved. ( 2 ) Patients age 12 to 17 years should not use more than 60 grams per week. ( 2 ) Adult patients should not use more than 100 grams per week. ( 2 ) Do not use with occlusive dressings unless directed by a healthcare provider. ( 2 ) Avoid use on the face, groin, or axillae, or if skin atrophy is present at the treatment site. ( 2 ) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Topical Suspension: 0.005%/0.064% - each gram contains 50 mcg of calcipotriene and 0.643 mg of betamethasone dipropionate in a viscous, nearly odorless, almost clear, colorless to slightly off-white suspension. Topical Suspension: 0.005%/0.064% - each gram of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension contains 50 mcg of calcipotriene and 0.643 mg of betamethasone dipropionate. ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. None. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria: Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been reported. If either occurs, discontinue until parameters of calcium metabolism normalize. ( 5.1 ) Effects on Endocrine System: Can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for glucocorticosteroid insufficiency during and after withdrawal of treatment. Risk factors include the use of high-potency topical corticosteroid, use over a large surface area or to areas under occlusion, prolonged use, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and use in pediatric patients. Modify use should HPA axis suppression develop. ( 5.2 , 8.4 ) Ophthalmic Adverse Reactions: May increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma. If visual symptoms occur, consider referral to an ophthalmologist. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Hypercalcemia and Hypercalciuria Hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria have been observed with use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. If hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria develop, discontinue treatment until parameters of calcium metabolism have normalized. The incidence of hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria following calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension treatment of more than 8 weeks has not been evaluated [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . 5.2 Effects on Endocrine System Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Suppression Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension can cause reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression with the potential for clinical glucocorticosteroid insufficiency. This may occur during treatment or upon withdrawal of treatment. Factors that predispose a patient to HPA axis suppression include the use of high-potency steroids, large treatment surface areas, prolonged use, use of occlusive dressings, altered skin barrier, liver failure, and young age. Evaluation for HPA axis suppression may be done by using the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. If HPA axis suppression is documented, gradually withdraw calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension, reduce the frequency of application, or substitute with a less potent corticosteroid. The following trials evaluated the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on HPA axis suppression: In a trial evaluating the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate ointment on the HPA axis, 32 adult subjects applied both calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the scalp and calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical ointment on the body. Adrenal suppression was identified in 5 of 32 subjects (16%) after 4 weeks of treatment and in 2 of 11 subjects (18%) who continued treatment for 8 weeks. In another trial, 36 adult subjects applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the body and scalp and 7 subjects applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the body. Adrenal suppression occurred in 3 out of 43 subjects (7%) after 4 weeks of treatment and in none of the 36 subjects who continued treatment for 8 weeks [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . In two trials, the effects of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the HPA axis were evaluated in 31 and 30 pediatric subjects aged 12 to 17 years old who applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the scalp and the scalp/body, respectively. Adrenal suppression occurred in 1 of 30 evaluable subjects (3%) after 4 weeks of treatment (scalp) and 5 of 31 evaluable subjects (16%) after up to 8 weeks of treatment (scalp and body) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Cushing’s Syndrome and Hyperglycemia Cushing’s syndrome and hyperglycemia may occur due to the systemic effects of the t …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (≥ 1%) are folliculitis and burning sensation of skin. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-922-1038 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . Additional pediatric use information is approved for LEO Pharma A/S’s Taclonex ® (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate) Topical Suspension. However, due to LEO Pharma A/S’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trials Conducted in Subjects 18 years and older with Psoriasis of the Scalp The rates of adverse reactions described below were from randomized, multicenter, vehicle- and/or active controlled clinical trials in adult subjects with psoriasis of the scalp [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Subjects applied study product once daily for 8 weeks, and the median weekly dose was 12.6 grams. Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥1% of subjects treated with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension and at a rate higher than in subjects treated with vehicle are presented in Table 1. Table 1. Number and Percentage of Subjects with Adverse Reactions in Scalp Psoriasis Trials (Events Reported by ≥1% of Subjects and for Which a Relationship is Possible) Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension N=1,953 Betamethasone Dipropionate in vehicle N=1,214 Calcipotriene in vehicle N=979 Vehicle N=173 Event # of subjects (%) Folliculitis 16 (1%) 12 (1%) 5 (1%) 0 (0%) Burning sensation of skin 13 (1%) 10 (1%) 29 (3%) 0 (0%) Other less common adverse reactions (0.1%) were, in decreasing order of incidence: acne, exacerbation of psoriasis, eye irritation, and pustular rash. In a 52-week trial, adverse reactions that were reported by >1% of subjects treated with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension were pruritus (3.6%), psoriasis (2.4%), erythema (2.1%), skin irritation (1.4%), and folliculitis (1.2%). Clinical Trials Conducted in Subjects 18 years and older with Psoriasis of the Body In randomized, multicenter, vehicle- and/or active controlled clinical trials in adult subjects with plaque psoriasis on non-scalp areas, 824 subjects applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension once daily for 8 weeks [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . The median weekly dose was 22.6 grams. There were no adverse reactions that occurred in ≥1% of subjects treated with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension and at a rate higher than in subjects treated with vehicle. Other less common adverse reactions (0.1%) were, in decreasing order of incidence: rash and folliculitis. Clinical Trials Conducted in Subjects 12 to 17 years with Psoriasis of the Scalp In two uncontrolled clinical trials, 109 subjects aged 12 to 17 years with plaque psoriasis of the scalp applied calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension once daily for up to 8 weeks. The median weekly dose was 40 grams. Adverse reactions included acne, acneiform dermatitis and application site pruritus (0.9% each) [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] . Additional pediatric use information is approved for LEO Pharma A/S’s Taclonex® (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate) Topical Suspension. However, due to LEO Pharma A/S’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience Because adverse 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 exp …
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension are not sufficient to evaluate a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriages, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Although there are no available data on use of the calcipotriene component in pregnant women, systemic exposure to calcipotriene after topical administration of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is likely to be low [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Observational studies suggest an increased risk of having low birth weight infants with the maternal use of potent or super potent topical corticosteroids (see Data ). Advise pregnant women that calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension may increase the potential risk of having a low birth weight infant and to use calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension on the smallest area of skin and for the shortest duration possible. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of calcipotriene to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis resulted in an increased incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs (see Data ). Oral administration of calcipotriene to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis had no apparent effects on embryo-fetal development. Subcutaneous administration of betamethasone dipropionate to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in fetal toxicity, including fetal deaths, reduced fetal weight, and fetal malformations (cleft palate and crooked or short tail) (see Data ). The available data do not allow the calculation of relevant comparisons between the systemic exposures of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate observed in animal studies to the systemic exposures that would be expected in humans after topical use of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage of the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data Available observational studies in pregnant women did not identify a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, preterm delivery, or fetal mortality with the use of topical corticosteroids of any potency. However, when the dispensed amount of potent or super potent topical corticosteroids exceeded 300 grams during the entire pregnancy, maternal use was associated with an increased risk of low birth weight in infants. Animal Data Embryo-fetal development studies with calcipotriene were performed by the oral route in rats and rabbits. Pregnant rats received dosages of 0, 6, 18, or 54 mcg/kg/day (0, 36, 108, and 324 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 6-15 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). There were no apparent effects on maternal survival, behavior, or body weight gain, no effects on litter parameters, and no effects on the incidence of major malformations in fetuses. Fetuses from dams dosed at 54 mcg/kg/day exhibited a significantly increased incidence of minor skeletal abnormalities, including enlarged fontanelles and extra ribs. Pregnant rabbits were dosed daily with calcipotriene at exposures of 0, 4, 12, or 36 mcg/kg/day (0, 48, 144, and 432 mcg/m 2 /day, respectively) on days 6-18 of gestation (the period of organogenesis). Mean maternal body weight gain was reduced in animals dosed at 12 or 36 mcg/kg/day. The incidence of fetal deaths was increased in the group dosed at 36 mcg/kg/day; reduced fetal weight was also observed in this group. The incidence of major malformations among fetuses was not affected. An increase in the incidence of minor s …
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension combines the pharmacological effects of calcipotriene hydrate as a synthetic vitamin D 3 analog and betamethasone dipropionate as a synthetic corticosteroid. However, while their pharmacologic and clinical effects are known, the exact mechanisms of their actions in the treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body are unknown.
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension contains calcipotriene hydrate and betamethasone dipropionate. It is for topical use only. Calcipotriene hydrate is a synthetic vitamin D 3 analog. Calcipotriene Hydrate Calcipotriene hydrate is a vitamin D analog and has the chemical name 9,10-secochola-5,7,10(19),22-tetraene-1,3,24-triol,24-cyclopropyl-,monohydrate, (1α,3β,5Z,7E,22E,24S) with the empirical formula C 27 H 40 O 3 ∙H 2 O, a molecular weight of 430.6, and the following structural formula (calcipotriene hydrate is a white to almost white, crystalline compound): Chemical Structure Betamethasone Dipropionate Betamethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid and has the chemical name pregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione-9-fluoro-11hydroxy-16-methyl-17,21- bis (1-oxypropoxy)-(11β,16β), with the empirical formula C 28 H 37 FO 7 , a molecular weight of 504.6, and the following structural formula (betamethasone dipropionate is a white to almost white, crystalline powder): Chemical Structure Calcipotriene and Betamethasone Dipropionate Topical Suspension Each gram of calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension contains 50 mcg of calcipotriene (equivalent to 52.18 mcg of calcipotriene hydrate) and 0.643 mg of betamethasone dipropionate (equivalent to 0.5 mg of betamethasone) in a base of all- rac -alpha-tocopherol, butylhydroxytoluene, hydrogenated castor oil, mineral oil, and polyoxypropylene stearyl ether. Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is an odorless, clear to slightly off-white suspension.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate topical suspension is a viscous, nearly odorless, almost clear, colorless to slightly off-white suspension. It is available as: 60 gram bottle (NDC 0713-0848-60) 120 gram (2 bottles of 60 grams) (NDC 0713-0848-92) Store between 20°C - 25°C (68°F - 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F). [See USP controlled room temperature.] Do not refrigerate. Keep the bottle in the carton when not in use. Unused product should be discarded six months after the bottle has been opened. Shake before use. Keep out of reach of children.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0713-0848-60 | 0713-0848 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0713-0848-60) / 60 g in 1 BOTTLE | August 2, 2024 |
| 0713-0848-92 | 0713-0848 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (0713-0848-92) / 60 g in 1 BOTTLE | August 2, 2024 |
| 51672-1402-4 | 51672-1402 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (51672-1402-4) / 60 g in 1 BOTTLE | September 2, 2020 |
| 51672-1402-8 | 51672-1402 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | 2 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON (51672-1402-8) / 60 g in 1 BOTTLE | September 2, 2020 |
| 0713-0848 | 0713-0848 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | August 2, 2024 |
| 51672-1402 | 51672-1402 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. | — | September 2, 2020 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.