Dovonex
Book a quick face-to-face video consultation with a certified prescribing pharmacist, nurse, or doctor. If approved, your Dovonex will be prescribed* and delivered straight to your door with free next-day delivery†. No hidden fees. No delays. Just expert care.
* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Dovonex Key Facts
About Dovonex
Dovonex contains calcipotriol, (a man made form of calcitriol which is a form of vitamin D) as the active ingredient. Dovonex is used for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Psoriasis is caused by the overproduction of skin cells which form dry scaly patches, that can become irritated and itchy. Dovonex helps the skin to return back to normal skin growth, reducing skin irritation and providing relief.
Dovonex ointment is available with a prescription. NowPatient offers Dovonex or the generic version calcipotriol as treatments for psoriasis only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Dovonex
- For the treatment of psoriasis
- Dovonex can take up to 2 weeks to show an effect on the skin
- Dovonex has some common side effects which include dermatitis
- It can be dangerous if you use Dovonex with certain medications such as calcium supplements. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Dovonex does not contain a corticosteroid
- Dovonex is flammable, so do not smoke or get too close to flames when using it
Who is Dovonex not suitable for?
Dovonex may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before using if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient calcipotriol, or any of the inactive ingredients such as disodium phosphate dihydrate, disodium edetate, all-rac-α-tocopherol, liquid paraffin, propylene glycol, macrogol (2) stearyl ether, and white soft paraffin
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Are having ultraviolet light treatment for a skin condition
- Are suffering from guttate, exfoliative, erythrodermic or pustular psoriasis
How and where to get Dovonex ointment?
You can buy Dovonex ointment safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of psoriasis, you can discuss if Dovonex is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Dovonex for psoriasis
Dovonex is available as a 50 micrograms per gram ointment when used for psoriasis.
Information about how to use Dovonex for psoriasis
Wash your hands before applying Dovonex. If your skin is particularly dry, apply a moisturiser before using Dovonex. Apply a thin layer of Dovonex once or twice per day to the affected area of skin.
Avoid excessive exposure to artificial sunlight when using Dovonex as the treated areas may receive too much vitamin D, making your symptoms worse. Also, read the patient information leaflet provided with your Dovonex, or speak to a healthcare professional for further medical advice.
What happens if you use too much Dovonex?
If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Dovonex and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Dovonex?
Side effects of Dovonex are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Skin irritation
- Worsening of your psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Redness
- Burning feeling
- Itchy rash, pain and skin inflammation
Serious side effects include:
- Hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium levels) – decreased appetite, increased thirst, serious pain in your muscles or stomach, metallic taste, nausea, and constipation
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about using Dovonex at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Dovonex. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Dovonex used for psoriasis be used long term?
Dovonex may take up to 2 weeks to have an effect on your skin. Speak to your doctor if you do not see any improvements after 2 weeks.
Is there a herbal Dovonex?
No. Herbal Dovonex does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Dovonex?
Women can use Dovonex for the treatment of psoriasis, and it is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. You are however, advised not to use on breast skin as it could affect breast milk.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Dovonex?
You can eat and drink normally when using Dovonex.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with psoriasis?
Modify your lifestyle in a number of ways. This may have a positive impact on your psoriasis.
- Reduce stress
- Reduce illnesses, especially strep infections
- Avoid skin injury
- Limit alcohol intake
- Stop smoking
- Avoid certain foods
- Use moisturisers and emollients to prevent flare-ups
- Take antihistamines to ease the itching
Alternatives to Dovonex
Alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis include Dermovate and Fucibet. If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis, treatments include Betacap and Diprosalic scalp application.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Dovonex
What is Dovonex?
Dovonex is a prescription topical treatment containing calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) 50 micrograms/g. It is a vitamin D3 analogue used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Dovonex is available as a cream, ointment, and scalp solution. It works by normalising the excessive skin cell growth that causes the thick, scaly plaques of psoriasis. Dovonex is manufactured by LEO Pharma and is available on the NHS. It is steroid-free and can be used as a long-term maintenance treatment.
How does Dovonex work?
Calcipotriol is a synthetic vitamin D3 analogue that binds to vitamin D receptors in skin cells (keratinocytes). This binding slows down the abnormally rapid proliferation of skin cells that occurs in psoriasis and promotes normal maturation and differentiation. In psoriasis, skin cells turn over every 3–5 days instead of the normal 28-day cycle, leading to thick, scaly plaques. By restoring a more normal rate of skin cell turnover, calcipotriol reduces the thickness, redness, and scaling of psoriatic plaques.
Is Dovonex a steroid?
No, Dovonex is not a steroid. It contains calcipotriol, a vitamin D analogue. This is an important distinction because unlike corticosteroids, Dovonex does not cause skin thinning (atrophy) with long-term use. This makes it suitable for continuous maintenance treatment of psoriasis. It is often used in combination with topical steroids — steroids for short-term flare control and Dovonex for longer-term maintenance.
How do I apply Dovonex?
Apply a thin layer of Dovonex cream or ointment to the affected psoriasis plaques once or twice daily. Gently rub it into the skin. Wash your hands thoroughly after application to avoid transferring calcipotriol to the face, as it can cause irritation on sensitive skin. The scalp solution should be applied to the affected scalp areas twice daily. The maximum weekly dose of calcipotriol should not exceed 100 g (body) or 60 ml (scalp solution) to minimise the risk of calcium disturbance.
How long does Dovonex take to work?
Most patients begin to see improvement in their psoriasis plaques within 2–4 weeks of starting Dovonex. Optimal results are typically achieved after 6–8 weeks of consistent use. If there is no improvement after 8 weeks, consult your prescriber about alternative or combination treatments. Dovonex is suitable for long-term use, unlike corticosteroids, making it valuable for ongoing psoriasis management.
What are the side effects of Dovonex?
Common side effects include local skin irritation, itching, burning, and redness at the application site. These are usually mild and often settle with continued use. Facial skin is particularly sensitive to calcipotriol — avoid getting the product on the face. Dermatitis (worsening of skin inflammation) around the psoriasis plaques can occasionally occur. Very rarely, if applied excessively (more than 100 g per week), calcipotriol can cause elevated calcium levels (hypercalcaemia), so adhere to the recommended maximum dose.
Can I use Dovonex with topical steroids?
Yes, Dovonex is commonly used in combination with topical corticosteroids for psoriasis. A popular regimen is to use a topical steroid for 2–4 weeks to bring a flare under control, then switch to Dovonex for maintenance. Alternatively, some prescribers recommend using a steroid on weekdays and Dovonex at weekends, or using them at different times of day. A combined product (Dovobet/Enstilar) containing both calcipotriol and betamethasone is also available.
Can I use Dovonex during pregnancy?
There is limited data on calcipotriol use during pregnancy. It is not recommended unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, discuss your psoriasis treatment with your doctor. Emollients are the safest first-line treatment for psoriasis in pregnancy, and mild to moderate topical steroids can be used cautiously.
How can I get Dovonex?
Dovonex is available on NHS prescription from your GP or dermatologist. It can also be obtained through online prescribing services like NowPatient, which offers online consultations with qualified UK prescribers and home delivery.
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