Taclonex Ointment contains a combination of betamethasone and calcipotriene. Betamethasone is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Calcipotriene is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.

Taclonex Ointment is a prescription medicine for use only on the skin and treats Psoriasis Vulgaris in adults 18 years of age and older.

Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Taclonex Ointment is for use on the skin only. Rub it in gently and completely. Apply a thin layer to the affected area as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Wash your hands after using unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. Avoid getting any medication in the eyes or mouth. If this occurs, rinse right away with water. Do not apply this product to the face, underarms, or groin area. Do not use this medication for more than four weeks if you use the ointment or foam unless directed by your doctor.

If you are using the ointment, because of the increased risk of side effects, adults should not use more than 100 grams per week unless directed and closely monitored by the doctor. Also, children and teenagers should use at most 60 grams of ointment per week.

Do not bandage, wrap, or cover the treated area unless your doctor instructs you. Do not apply this medication to large areas of damaged skin or use it in skin folds. Only apply this medication as prescribed or use it more often or for longer than directed. Doing so may increase the amount of medication absorbed into your bloodstream, increasing your risk of side effects.

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. It may take a week to see any improvement and several weeks to see the full benefit of this medication.

Before taking Taclonex Ointment, tell your doctor if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to betamethasone and calcipotriene.
• Too much calcium in your blood or urine;
• An adrenal gland disorder;
• Cataracts or glaucoma;
• Liver disease;
• Severe forms of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, and severe redness);
• Thin skin at the treatment site;
• A skin infection; or
• If you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy)

Steroid medicines can increase the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood or urine. Tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

Using highly potent steroid medicine during pregnancy may increase the newborn baby's risk of low birth weight. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Common side effects of Taclonex Ointment include:

• skin itching,
• burning,
• redness or irritation,
• scaly rash,
• swollen hair follicles, or
• changes in the color of treated skin areas.

What are the Taclonex Ointment dose instructions?

Usually, apply Taclonex Ointment to the affected areas daily for up to 4 weeks. The maximum weekly dose should be at most 100 g. Treatment of more than 30% of body surface area is not recommended.

What adverse effects can children experience with Taclonex Ointment?

Children can absorb larger amounts of Taclonex Ointment through the skin and may be more likely to have side effects. It is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18.

Which rare side effects are possible with Taclonex Ointment?

Taclonex Ointment may rarely cause an increase in the level of calcium in your blood. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any unlikely but serious side effects: mental/mood changes or unexplained constipation.