Taclonex is a vitamin D / topical steroid hybrid that was created with the intention of improving the efficacy and response time of to Dovonex. It was approved by the FDA in 2008 for use with psoriasis and is available by prescription only.
Patients using Taclonex typically see an improvement in their plaque psoriasis within one week. It is not recommended that this drug be used for more than 4 consecutive weeks.
Taclonex relieves the two main issues that characterize plaque psoriasis — inflammation and scaly skin. Separately, these are the two effects that topical steroids and synthetic vitamin D solutions have on psoriasis.
Taclonex has many of the same side-effects as topical steroids (skin irritation and thinning) and vitamin D (too much calcium in the body sensitivity to sunlight). There are a variety of other less common, more severe side effects that can occur with people who have allergic reactions or who are have pre-existing conditions. Be sure to tell your doctor about any supplements or other drugs you may be taking if the possibility of taking Taclonex arises.
I’ve just been prescribed this and was stunned to find that because it’s not on my medical insurance formulary (BC/BS) it would cost me $540! Needless to say, I’m going to ask my dermatologist for an alternative.
I’ve been using Taclonex Scalp for about two months now. It works great when I do use it but once I take a couple of days off and the patches start coming back, it takes a while for it to be under control again. Also, it is extremely difficult to get the oil out after shampooing. I generally shampoo about five times before I feel the goo off of my hair. One thing that I am satisfied with is that my dermatologist provided me with a $0 copay card so the prescription doesn’t cost me a dime!