Abstract

Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate: Daivobet^{®}

Author(s): Lyn C Guenther

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes significant morbidity. Treatments can be complex and time consuming. Calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate ointment (Daivobet) is a stable, convenient, once daily topical treatment for psoriasis. Compared with its individual ingredients or tacalcitol, it has a faster speed of onset and greater efficacy. Consistent Psoriasis Area Severity Index reductions of approximately 40% after 1 week and 70% after 4 weeks were seen in multicenter studies involving more than 6000 patients. After 4 weeks of once daily therapy, approximately 50% of patients are clear or almost clear. This product is associated with a similar safety profile to betamethasone dipropionate ointment, 50% fewer cutaneous adverse events than calcipotriol ointment, and 75% fewer than tacalcitol ointment.