Silkis ointment (calcitriol)

How does it work?

Silkis ointment contains the active ingredient calcitriol, which is a type of medicine called a vitamin D analogue.

Calcitriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis, which is a condition that results in the scaling and thickening of the skin due to excessive skin cell production.

Calcitriol reduces the excessive skin cell production by binding to the vitamin D receptors on skin cells called keratinocytes, in the same way as natural vitamin D would bind. This helps to bring the rate at which skin cells are produced back to normal and therefore helps to improve the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

Silkis ointment should be applied to the affected areas of skin twice a day, at morning and at bedtime, after washing and drying the skin. The benefits of using the ointment should be noticeable within four weeks of starting the treatment.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderately severe plaque psoriasis affecting up to 35 per cent of the total skin surface.

Warning!

This ointment is for external use only.

Avoid contact with the eyes.

Use of the ointment on the face should be limited, as the skin on the face is more prone to irritation.

Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid inadvertently transferring it to other areas.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. A maximum of 30 grams of ointment can be used daily and not more than one third of the total skin surface should be covered.

Dressings or bandages should not be used to cover areas of skin being treated. This can lead to increased absorption of the ointment into the body, which may result in raised calcium levels in the blood.

If your skin gets very irritated while using this ointment, stop using it and seek medical advice from your doctor.

You should avoid using skin exfoliating products and astringents while using this ointment, as they may increase any skin irritation.

Use with caution in

People who are taking calcium supplements, high doses of vitamin D, or other medicines that can increase the amount of calcium in the blood (see end of factsheet for more details).

Not to be used in

People with calcium metabolism disorders.

High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).

Kidney disease.

Liver disease.

Breastfeeding.

Children.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine may be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. Its safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor. If you are using this ointment during pregnancy it will be necessary for you to have the amount of calcium in your blood monitored.

This medicine may be absorbed through the skin in small amounts. It is not known if it passes into breast milk. As a result, the manufacturers state that the ointment should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Temporary skin irritation, such as itching or reddening of the skin.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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