Vectical (Calcitriol) - Topical

What Is Vectical?

Vectical is a topical ointment used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults and children 2 years and older. Vectical belongs to a group of drugs called vitamin D analogs. It works by slowing the production of extra skin cells that can build up and form scaly patches on the skin.

Vectical ointment is applied directly to the affected skin.

What Is Vectical Used For?

Vectical is a topical ointment used to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis in adults and children 2 years and older.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects more than 8 million people in the United States. Symptoms may cycle through periods of skin flare-ups and remission and can include:

• Raised, red patches on the skin covered by silvery-white scales. The patches may itch or burn and typically occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet.
• Dry, cracked skin that may itch or bleed
• Thick, ridged, pitted nails

Vectical is one treatment option for plaque psoriasis (the most common form of psoriasis) and may be used alone or with other medicines, such as topical corticosteroids.

How to Apply Vectical

Vectical ointment is typically applied twice daily in the morning and evening to affected areas of the skin.

Follow these tips to ensure you are using Vectical safely and effectively:

• Apply Vectical exactly how your healthcare provider has told you to.
• Adults and children 7 years and older should not use more than 200 grams of Vectical per week. Children 2 to 6 years old should not use more than 100 grams of Vectical per week.
• Apply enough ointment to cover the affected area and gently rub it into your skin until it disappears.
• Do not apply Vectical to your eyes, lips, face, mouth, or vagina.
• Do not cover Vectical-treated skin with any bandages or waterproof wraps. This can increase the amount of Vectical absorbed into your body and cause an overdose.
• Wash your hands after applying Vectical unless you treat the skin on your hands.
  

Storage

Store Vectical at room temperature, which is 68 F to 77 Fahrenheit (F) or 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (C). Excursions between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius (59 F to 86 F) may be permitted. Do not freeze or refrigerate Vectical.

Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Do not store it in the bathroom.

Avoid pouring unused and expired drugs down the drain or in the toilet. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of this medicine. Visit the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the best ways to dispose of your medications.

Off-Label Uses

Healthcare providers may prescribe medicines for conditions not approved by the FDA. This is called "off-label" use. Healthcare providers may prescribe Vectical off-label to treat other forms of psoriasis, including pustular psoriasis and guttate psoriasis.

What Are the Side Effects of Vectical?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Vectical may include but may not be limited to:

• Itching
  
• Skin discomfort
  
• Increased calcium levels in your urine (Vectical can cause increased calcium levels in your body)
  

Severe Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop any signs of a severe reaction. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.

Severe side effects of Vectical may include but may not be limited to:

• Too much calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia)

Long-Term Side Effects

Vectical is not expected to cause any long-term side effects.

Dosage: How Much Vectical Should I Take?

Modifications

The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Vectical:

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Vectical if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.

Pregnancy: Researchers have not noted harmful effects in pregnant people taking Vectical or oral or intravenous (IV) calcitriol (the active ingredient in Vectical). Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Vectical during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: We don't know enough about the safety of Vectical in human breast milk and nursing babies. Talk with your healthcare provider if you plan to breastfeed and discuss the benefits and risks of taking Vectical while nursing and the different ways to feed your baby.

Adults over 65: Clinical studies haven't included enough people in this age group to see whether they respond differently from younger adults.

Children: Vectical is approved to treat children two years and older with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. However, the safety and effectiveness of Vectical in children younger than 2 years are unknown.

Missed Dose

If you accidentally forgot to apply Vectical, apply it as soon as you remember. If it's already close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the following dose at your next scheduled dosing time. Don't apply extra ointment to make up for the missed dose.

Try to help yourself remember to keep your appointments and take your medication routinely. If you miss too many doses, Vectical might be less effective at controlling your psoriasis symptoms.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Vectical?

The symptoms of a suspected Vectical overdose include:

• Too much calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia)

If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Vectical?

Avoid using Vectical if you're allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a full list of the ingredients if you're unsure.

What Other Medications Interact With Vectical?

Use caution when taking Vectical with the following medications:

• Medicines that can increase your calcium levels, such as thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide or Diuril (chlorothiazide)
• Supplements or vitamins containing calcium or vitamin D

Other medications may interact with Vectical. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any other medicines you take or plan to take, including over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription products, vitamins, herbal supplements, or plant-based medicines.

What Medications Are Similar?

Vectical belongs to a group of medications called vitamin D analogs. Other vitamin D analogs used to treat plaque psoriasis include:

• Calcipotriene (available as Dovonex cream, Sorilux foam, Calcitrene ointment, and a topical solution)

Clinical studies have found Vectical and calcipotriene products to be equally effective. However, Vectical may cause less irritation than calcipotriene when used on sensitive skin areas or areas of the skin that rub together.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Vectical?

If you're taking Vectical, chances are the symptoms of plaque psoriasis have been affecting your quality of life. While living with plaque psoriasis may have its challenges, there are ways to help improve your quality of life. Refer below for some general tips to support your health:

• Take psoriasis-related medications as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Consider keeping a diary to become more aware of your triggers.
• Research has shown that eating a mostly anti-inflammatory diet may improve psoriasis symptoms and make psoriasis medications more effective. Work with your healthcare provider to explore your eating pattern. In addition, consider working with a registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN) to help you identify and manage any food triggers.
• Avoid scratching psoriasis-affected skin, which can often make symptoms worse. To help reduce the itch, try applying a cold compress. Also, be sure to moisturize your skin every day. Use a lotion during the day and a cream or ointment at bedtime.