Dovobet Gel & Ointment

Dovobet Gel and Ointment for Psoriasis Treatment

What is Dovobet used for?

Dovobet is a prescription treatment for plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) in adults. Plaque psoriasis is a common skin condition where skin cells are produced too quickly, causing raised, red, scaly patches.

Dovobet gel can be used to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp. Dovobet ointment is used to treat plaque psoriasis on the body.

How does Dovobet work?

Dovobet contains two active ingredients that target psoriasis in different ways: calcipotriol and betamethasone.

Calcipotriol is a form of vitamin D. In psoriasis, skin cells multiply much faster than normal, building up on the surface and forming the characteristic thick, scaly plaques. Calcipotriol slows this process down, helping to bring the rate of skin cell growth back to normal.

Betamethasone is a potent corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis, helping to calm redness and irritation in the affected area.

Used together once daily, the two ingredients address both the overproduction of skin cells and the inflammation that drives psoriasis symptoms. Most people see noticeable improvement within 2 weeks of starting treatment.

Who can use Dovobet?

Dovobet is suitable for adults aged 18 and over with plaque psoriasis. It isn’t recommended for anyone under 18.

Don’t use Dovobet if you:

• Are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone or any of the other ingredients
• Have problems with calcium levels in your body
• Have erythrodermic, exfoliative or pustular psoriasis

Don’t use Dovobet on skin affected by:

• Viral skin infections such as cold sores or chickenpox
• Fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot or ringworm
• Bacterial or parasitic skin infections
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Perioral dermatitis (a red rash around the mouth)
• Thin skin, easily damaged veins or stretch marks
• Ichthyosis
• Acne
• Rosacea
• Ulcers or broken skin

Speak to your doctor before using Dovobet if you:

• Are using other medicines that contain corticosteroids
• Have used this medicine for a long time and plan to stop, as stopping steroids suddenly can cause psoriasis to flare up
• Have diabetes, as the steroid may affect your blood sugar levels
• Have guttate psoriasis
• Experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

How To Use Dovobet Gel & Ointment

To use Dovobet gel or ointment, apply it once daily to the affected area only. It may be more convenient to apply it in the evening.

For the gel (body):

1. Shake the bottle before use and remove the cap
2. Squeeze a small amount of gel onto a clean finger or directly onto the affected area
3. Rub in gently with your fingertips until the skin is covered with a thin layer
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying

For the gel (scalp):

1. Comb your hair to remove any loose scales before applying
2. Tilt your head to prevent the gel from running onto your face, and part your hair if helpful
3. Apply to the affected areas with your fingertips and rub in gently
4. Don’t wash your hair immediately after applying – leave the gel on during the day or overnight for best results
5. If washing hair after application, apply a mild shampoo to dry hair first, leave for a couple of minutes, then wash as usual

For the ointment:

1. Remove the cap and break the seal on first use using the point on the back of the cap
2. Squeeze the ointment onto a clean finger
3. Apply a thin layer and rub gently into the affected skin until  most of the ointment has been absorbed
4. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying, unless you’re treating your hands

For both formulations:

• Don’t apply to unaffected skin
• Don’t bandage or tightly cover the treated area
• Avoid showering or bathing immediately after applying
• Avoid contact with fabrics that are easily stained by grease, such as silk

The usual initial treatment period is 4 weeks for scalp areas (gel only) and 8 weeks for body areas. Don’t use more than 15 grams in one day.

Side Effects of Dovobet

Like all medicines, Dovobet can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:

• Itching
• Skin exfoliation (ointment)

Uncommon Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Eye irritation (gel)
• Burning sensation of the skin
• Skin pain or irritation
• Folliculitis (inflammation or swelling of the hair root)
• Dermatitis (rash with skin inflammation)
• Erythema (redness due to widening of small blood vessels)
• Acne (gel)
• Dry skin (gel)
• Rash
• Pustular rash (gel)
• Skin infection
• Changes in skin colour (ointment)
• Thinning of the skin (ointment)
• Purpura or ecchymosis (red or purple discolouration of the skin) (ointment)
• Worsening of psoriasis

Rare Side Effects

These may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:

• Allergic reactions
• Stretch marks
• Skin exfoliation (gel)
• Sensitivity of the skin to light resulting in a rash (ointment)
• Acne (ointment)
• Dry skin (ointment)
• Bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle (ointment)
• Rebound effect: a worsening of symptoms after treatment ends

Side Effects With Unknown Frequency

• Blurred vision
• White or grey hair temporarily changing to a yellowish colour at the application site when used on the scalp (gel)

Serious Side Effects

Stop using Dovobet and seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including deep swelling of the face, hands or feet, or swelling of the mouth or throat with difficulty breathing
• Signs of high calcium levels in the blood, including passing large amounts of urine, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion or loss of consciousness
• Signs of adrenal gland problems, including persistent tiredness, depression or anxiety
• Signs of cataracts or increased eye pressure, including cloudy or foggy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, eye pain or red eye
• Pustular psoriasis (a red area with yellowish pustules, usually on the hands or feet) – stop using Dovobet and tell your doctor as soon as possible

If you notice any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

Dovobet Ingredients

Both formulations share the same active ingredients.

Active ingredients: Calcipotriol 50 micrograms/g (as monohydrate) and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g

Other ingredients in the gel: Liquid paraffin, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, hydrogenated castor oil, butylhydroxytoluene (E321), all-rac-α-tocopherol

Other ingredients in the ointment: Liquid paraffin, all-rac-α-tocopherol, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, white soft paraffin, butylhydroxytoluene (E321)

Both formulations contain butylhydroxytoluene (E321), which may cause local skin reactions such as contact dermatitis, or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.

Warnings and Precautions

• Don’t use Dovobet on more than 30% of your body or use more than 15 grams per day.
• Don’t apply to the face or genitals, as these areas are very sensitive to steroids.
• Don’t use under bandages or dressings or in skin folds such as the groin, armpits or under the breasts, as this increases steroid absorption.
• Don’t apply to large areas of damaged skin or mucous membranes.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure, sunbeds or other forms of light treatment while using Dovobet.
• Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using Dovobet. Fabric that has been in contact with this product, including clothing, bedding and dressings, burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing may reduce but not fully remove product build-up.
• If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be affected by the steroid in Dovobet. Monitor levels closely and speak to your doctor if you notice changes.
• If you’ve been using Dovobet for a long time, don’t stop suddenly without speaking to your doctor first, as psoriasis may flare up.
• If your skin becomes infected during treatment, contact your doctor, as you may need to stop using Dovobet.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you’re taking, including those containing corticosteroids, as combining them may increase the risk of side effects.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
• Don’t refrigerate the gel. Store the bottle in the outer carton to protect it from light. Discard any remaining gel 6 months after first opening.
• Store the ointment below 25°C. Discard the tube 1 year after first opening.