Vectical

Vectical

Generic Name: calcitriol (topical) (kal SIT ree ol TOP ik al)

Brand Names: Vectical Ointment

What is Vectical?

Vectical (calcitriol) ointment is a form of vitamin D. It works by decreasing the rate of skin cell reproduction.

Vectical is used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (raised, silvery flaking of the skin) in adults 18 years and older.

Vectical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Vectical

You should not use Vectical if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).

Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you have low or high levels of calcium in your blood, a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance, or if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.

Also tell your doctor about all other medicines you are using to treat psoriasis. Also tell your doctor if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D.

Vectical is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas. Vectical should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area.

Stop using Vectical and call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as blistering or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated skin. Using Vectical can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Vectical?

You should not use Vectical if you have a severe form of psoriasis (with pus, skin peeling, severe redness).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

low or high levels of calcium in your blood;

a calcium disorder or metabolic imbalance; or

if you are receiving UV light treatments (phototherapy) for your psoriasis.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if calcitriol passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

See also: Vectical pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

Do not use this medication on anyone younger than 18 years old, even if they have the same symptoms or psoriasis that you have.

How should I use Vectical?

Use Vectical exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Vectical ointment is usually applied once in the morning and once in the evening. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Apply a thin layer of the ointment and rub it in completely.

Vectical ointment is for use only on areas of psoriasis. Avoid getting it on healthy skin areas.

Vectical ointment should not be applied to the face or the vaginal area. Do not cover treated skin areas unless your doctor has told you to.

Store Vectical ointment at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, weakness, or confusion.

What should I avoid while using Vectical?

Avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Vectical can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water.

Vectical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Vectical: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Vectical and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated areas; or

worsened symptoms or no improvement in psoriasis.

Using Vectical can affect your body's ability to metabolize calcium. This can result in high levels of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia). Symptoms of this condition include nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, muscle weakness, confusion, and feeling tired or restless. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Less serious Vectical side effects may include mild itching or skin discomfort.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Vectical side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Vectical?

Before using Vectical, tell your doctor if you are also using:

other medicines to treat psoriasis;

vitamin or mineral supplements that contain calcium or vitamin D; or

a diuretic (water pill) such as chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Vectical. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Vectical resources

Vectical Side Effects (in More Detail)

Vectical Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Vectical Drug Interactions

Vectical Support Group

1 Review for Vectical - Add your own review/rating

Vectical Prescribing Information (FDA)

Vectical Ointment MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Vectical with other medications

Psoriasis

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about Vectical.