Dovobet Gel & Ointment

Who can use Dovobet?

Provided you’re over 18 years old and have plaque psoriasis that needs treating, you should be able to get a Dovobet prescription. Your suggested course of treatment will likely last for 4-8 weeks and involve applying Dovobet once per day to the skin directly affected by your psoriasis.

How to use Dovobet

Before you start applying the treatment to your skin, be sure to fully read the Patient Information Leaflet to check that you understand all the relevant guidance.

How to treat body skin with Dovobet Ointment

• After shaking the bottle well, remove the cap and confirm that the seal is broken. (If you’re using the treatment for the first time, you’ll obviously need to break the seal.)
• Squeeze a small amount of ointment onto your finger (which must be clean).
• Apply the ointment to the affected area, and use your fingers (which must all be clean) to gently rub it in until the ointment has been fully absorbed or there’s only a thin layer left. Don’t bandage or wrap the treated skin: it must be left to breathe.
• Wash your hands well after using Dovobet, but allow some time for it to soak in before you take a shower or get in a bath.

How to treat scalp skin with Dovobet Gel

Before starting treatment, please be aware that you must use Dovobet Gel specifically if you’re treating skin on your scalp, as Dovobet Ointment wasn’t designed for use in that area. The steps for treating your scalp psoriasis are similar to those listed above, with the following additions:

• Before applying the treatment, comb your hair to remove any loose scales, and tilt your head to prevent the gel from running onto your face.
• After applying the treatment, refrain from washing your hair for a few hours at least. It’s often best to apply the treatment before bed so it can work overnight.
• When you wash your hair for the first time after using Dovobet Gel, leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before you rinse it away.

Dovobet ingredients

Dovobet Gel and Ointment contain the same active ingredients of calcipotriol 50 micrograms and betamethasone 0.5 mg.

Dovobet Gel and Ointment also contain the same inactive ingredients of liquid paraffin, polyoxypropylene stearyl ether, hydrogenated castor oil, butylhydroxytoluene (E321), and all-rac-α-tocopherol.

There is one notable difference, though: Dovobet Ointment also contains the inactive ingredient of white soft paraffin (also known as white petroleum jelly).

Dovobet side effects

Some people may experience side effects when using Dovobet Gel or Dovobet Ointment, but they’re usually mild and will clear up once treatment is over. If you suffer a serious side effect, have mild side effects that don’t go away when you stop the treatment or don’t notice any improvements after using Dovobet, you should seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor.

Here are the most common side effects:

• Itching
• Skin inflammation or irritation
• Dry skin
• Acne

Uncommon side effects can include skin infections, allergic reactions, or even cataracts. While you’re highly unlikely to experience any of them, you do need to be aware that they can happen and be ready to seek immediate medical attention if they do.

Dovobet warnings

Before using Dovobet, you should take the time to read and understand everything in the Patient Information Leaflet. Additionally, you should take note of the following warnings:

• Dovobet contains betamethasone, which is a steroid, and should not be applied to skin that is infected by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungus.
• Dovobet should not be applied to any broken skin, ulcers, or areas affected by skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.
• If you have erythrodermic, exfoliative, pustular or guttate psoriasis, you should speak to a doctor before using Dovobet.
• After applying Dovobet, you should avoid exposing the treated skin to large amounts of sunlight or artificial UV light.
• Do not smoke or get close to naked flames when using Dovobet, as it may be flammable. And since it can soak into the clothing you wear and/or the bedding you use, you should wash those things more frequently to be safe.
• If you are taking or using any other medicine (prescribed or non-prescribed), speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using Dovobet.

Dovobet & pregnancy

If you’re breastfeeding, know or suspect that you’re pregnant, or are planning to conceive soon, ask your doctor for guidance before using Dovobet. Note: if you get approval to use it while you’re breastfeeding, you mustn’t apply it to your breasts, as it can affect your breast milk.