Dovonex (a.k.a. calcipotriene or calcipotriol) is a topical psoriasis treatment used to control the excessive skin cell production (plaque psoriasis).  It a vitamin D derivative that is available by prescription only.   It is also known as calcipotriol, or calcipotriene.

The exact mechanism by which Dovonex controls skin cell production is not known, though it is thought to have a regulatory effect on T-cell activity.  T-cells are a part of the immune system that bring about excessive skin cell growth in response to psoriasis.

Typical dosage for Dovonex is twice daily to affected areas of the skin.

It was discovered that the corticosteroids helped to speed up the effects of Dovonex, so these two are sometimes prescribed simultaneously.  Mixing steroids with synthetic vitamin D brought about a new drug that was approved by the FDA in 2008 called “Taclonex.”

Dovonex has also been mixed with other topical treatments such as anthralin, Tazorac and coal tar to make it more effective.

Anyone on Dovonex should be careful about staying in the sun since it has been shown to increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays, in particular by speeding up the rate at which skin cancer develops.  Other side effects include excessive calcium absorption, irritation and a worsening of psoriasis symptoms.  Pregnant women are strongly advised against using this drug.  On rare occasions Dovonex has also been known to cause mood swings, a stretching / thinning of the skin, pair follicle pustules, dizziness and abdominal pain.