Dovobet is a topical prescription ointment used to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition. This medication contains two active ingredients: betamethasone dipropionate and calcipotriol hydrate. These active ingredients work together to reduce inflammation and stimulate healthy skin cell growth in psoriasis patients. Before beginning treatment with Dovobet, patients should discuss the potential side effects of this medication with a doctor.
Application Site Reaction
Certain patients can experience a mild to moderate reaction at the site of Dovobet application. Treated skin can appear abnormally red and may begin to burn, sting, tingle or itch. During clinical trials for this medication, more than 3 percent of patients using Devobet developed itchy skin--a side effect referred to as pruritus, explain Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website for consumers. The affected skin can become abnormally dry and may begin to flake. Use of Dovobet may also temporarily worsen psoriasis symptoms in certain patients, causing scaly, itchy patches of skin to develop across the body. These side effects of Dovobet are typically temporary and subside with continued use of this ointment. Patients who experience persistent or worsening skin-related symptoms while using Dovobet should stop treatment and contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Skin Discoloration or Atrophy
Infrequently, patients using Dovobet can develop unusual skin discoloration as a side effect of treatment. Treated skin can be lighter (hypopigmentation), or darker (hyperpigmentation) than the surrounding, untreated skin. Skin discoloration side effects can fade over time, but may be permanent in certain patients. Patients can also experience skin atrophy, a side effect in which the skin becomes abnormally thin. Atrophied skin can also appear permanently discolored or depressed, which may be embarrassing to some patients.
Increased Sun Sensitivity
Use of Dovobet can increase a patient's sensitivity to sunlight. As a result, treated skin may be at an increased risk of sustaining sunburn when exposed to sunlight. Sunburn can cause sensations of pain or burning at the affected skin region and may lead to skin flaking or peeling. Severe skin peeling or blistering that occurs while using Dovobet should be reported to a doctor immediately. Patients using this topical medication should take care to protect their skin with sunscreen or clothing before venturing outdoors.
Respiratory Irritation
In clinical trials for this medication, over 2 percent of treated patients developed inflammation of the nasal passageways--a condition called nasopharyngitis, explains Drugs.com. Patients using Dovobet also reported flu-like symptoms and upper respiratory tract infection. Respiratory irritation can lead to side effects that include nasal congestion, cough or breathing difficulties in certain patients. Any type of respiratory-related side effects that develop while using Dovobet should be discussed with a doctor as soon as possible.
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