What is Taclonex Ointment and what is it used for?

Taclonex� Ointment is a prescription medicine called a topical (skin-use only). Taclonex Ointment is used on the skin to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.� Taclonex Ointment contains

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������� � calcipotriene hydrate, which is somewhat similar to vitamin D, but not the same as vitamin D, and

������� � betamethasone dipropionate, which is a strong (potent) corticosteroid.

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It is very important that you use Taclonex Ointment only as directed, in order to avoid serious side effects. Taclonex Ointment is not recommended for use in children. Taclonex Ointment has not been studied in patients under the age of 18.

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Who should not use Taclonex Ointment?�

Do not use Taclonex Ointment if you:

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� have a calcium metabolism disorder

� have one of the following types of psoriasis:

o erythrodermic psoriasis

o exfoliative psoriasis

o pustular psoriasis

� are allergic to anything in Taclonex Ointment. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients.

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What should I tell my doctor before using Taclonex Ointment?

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Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:

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������� � have a skin infection. Your skin infection should be treated before starting Taclonex Ointment

������� � have thin-skin (atrophy) at the site to be treated. You should not use Taclonex Ointment�

����� � � are getting phototherapy treatments for your psoriasis

������� � are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Taclonex Ointment can harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if Taclonex Ointment is right for you while pregnant

������� � are breastfeeding. It is not known if Taclonex Ointment passes into your milk and if it can harm your baby

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Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription, and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. TaclonexOintment and some other medicines can interact with each other. Especially tell your doctor if you use:

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������� � other corticosteroid medicines

������� � other medicines for your psoriasis

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What are the possible side effects of Taclonex Ointment?

The most common side effects are:

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������� � itching

������� � rash

������� � skin burning

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Other less common side effects with Taclonex Ointment include:

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� �� redness of the skin

������� � inflamed hair pores (folliculitis)

������� � psoriasis

������� � skin irritation

������� � change of skin color (at the site of application)

������� � thinning of the skin (atrophy)

������� � swollen fine blood vessels (this makes your skin appear red at the site of application)

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TaclonexOintment may cause serious side effects if you use too much or use it for too long. Taclonex Ointment can pass through your skin. Serious side effects may include:

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����������� � too much calcium in your blood

����������� � adrenal gland problems

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Your doctor may do special blood and urine tests to check your calcium levels and adrenal gland function while you are using Taclonex Ointment. Call your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.These are not all of the side effects with Taclonex Ointment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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General information about Taclonex Ointment

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Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use Taclonex Ointment for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give ointment to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

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