Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
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Variety of delivery options including next day & free delivery.
Pharmacy, clinic and prescribers based in Greater Manchester.
Start your treatment with a quick and free online consultation.
Fill in a quick online consultation for our licensed pharmacists to review.
Our pharmacists will review your treatment to ensure it’s suitable.
Your treatment will be delivered to your door quickly & discreetly.
| Medication Name | Dovonex Ointment |
| Medication Form | Topical ointment |
| Used For | Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) |
| Who Can Use | Adults and children aged 6 years and over |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Calcipotriol 50 micrograms per gram |
| Usual Dose | Once or twice daily as directed by your doctor |
| Common Side Effects | Skin irritation, itching, redness |
| Prescription Required | Yes |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Dovonex Ointment PIL |
Dovonex Ointment is a psoriasis treatment for plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), the most common type of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes psoriasis symptoms, including raised red patches and silvery, scaly skin.
Psoriasis is caused by skin cells growing and multiplying too quickly. Rather than shedding unnoticed, the excess cells build up on the surface, forming the thick, scaly patches associated with the condition.
Dovonex contains calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue that works by slowing down the excessive production of skin cells. With regular use, the scaly patches typically begin to clear first, followed by a reduction in redness. Most people start to see a change in their skin after around two weeks of treatment.
Dovonex is a topical treatment containing the active ingredient calcipotriol, a type of vitamin D, which helps control how skin cells grow.
By regulating skin cell turnover, calcipotriol reduces the build-up of cells that cause the raised, scaly patches of plaque psoriasis. This helps to smooth the skin and reduce redness over time.
Dovonex Ointment is suitable for adults and children aged 6 years and over.
Don’t use Dovonex Ointment if you:
Speak to a medical professional before using Dovonex if you:
Dovonex should be used exactly as directed by your doctor.
Dovonex is usually applied once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. If using twice a day, apply in the morning and evening.
Your dose will depend on the severity of your psoriasis. Maximum weekly doses are:
If you use too much Dovonex, tell your doctor straight away. Too much calcipotriol can raise calcium levels in your blood.
Dovonex can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Most side effects are usually mild and affect the skin where the ointment is applied.
These may affect up to 1 in 10 people:
These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:
These may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people:
Stop using Dovonex and get urgent medical help if you experience any of the following, as these may be signs of an allergic reaction:
Tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following, as these may be signs of too much calcium in your blood or urine:
If you get any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Active ingredient: The ointment contains 50 micrograms of calcipotriol per gram of ointment.
Other ingredients: Disodium edetate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, all-rac-α tocopherol, liquid paraffin, macrogol (2) stearyl ether, propylene glycol, purified water and white soft paraffin.
Dovonex Ointment contains propylene glycol, which may cause skin irritation.
Dovonex works gradually and results can vary from person to person. Keep using the ointment as directed even if improvement feels slow, as psoriasis can respond at different rates. If you haven’t noticed any change after a few weeks of consistent use, speak to your doctor or pharmacist, as your dose or treatment plan may need to be reviewed.
Dovonex isn’t a steroid. It contains calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue, which works differently to steroids. Rather than suppressing the immune system, it regulates how quickly skin cells grow and replicate. This means it doesn’t carry the same risks associated with long-term steroid use, such as skin thinning.
Dovonex Ointment is a prescription-only medicine, so it can’t be bought over the counter. You can order it online through Click2Pharmacy by completing a free consultation. Our UK-registered online pharmacy team will review your answers and, if suitable, issue a prescription and dispatch your treatment.
Your doctor will decide how long you should use Dovonex based on how your skin responds to treatment. Don’t adjust how long you use it or how much you apply without speaking to your doctor first, as using more than the recommended weekly dose can raise calcium levels in your blood.
Dovonex shouldn’t be used on the face. For other sensitive areas, such as the groin or skin folds, it’s best to speak to your doctor before applying, as these areas are more prone to irritation. If you do use it in skin folds such as armpits or under the breasts, your doctor may suggest covering the area with a light dressing to reduce friction.
As Dovonex is a topical treatment applied to the skin rather than taken by mouth, alcohol is unlikely to interact directly with the ointment. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Calcipotriol can temporarily increase sensitivity to sunlight in some people, so it’s best to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunbeds while using Dovonex Ointment unless your doctor has said otherwise. If you’re also receiving UV light treatment for your psoriasis, let your doctor know before starting Dovonex, as this combination needs careful management.
Don’t mix Dovonex with any other medicines in the same application, as this may affect how it works. If you’re using other topical treatments for psoriasis, apply them at different times and to different areas where possible. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any other treatments you’re using so they can advise on the safest approach.
You can use moisturisers and cosmetics alongside Dovonex Ointment. Apply any moisturiser first and give it time to sink in fully before applying Dovonex. Applying Dovonex over a moisturiser that hasn’t fully absorbed can reduce the ointment’s ability to penetrate the skin. There are no restrictions on cosmetics, but avoid heavily fragranced or alcohol-based products on psoriasis-affected skin, as they may further irritate the skin.
Dovonex Ointment is for external use only and should never be swallowed. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact your doctor or go to your nearest A&E straight away. Taking too much calcipotriol can raise calcium levels in your blood.
Page content authored by Amjad Khan, last reviewed by Mr Muhammad on 17th July 2026.
