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SYNTHETIC VITAMIN D3 DERIVATIVE
Sorilux (calcipotriene) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body in adults and children ages 4 and older.
Sorilux contains calcipotriene, a type of synthetic vitamin D3 medicine. It helps change how skin cells grow and develop. The exact way it works is not fully known.
In plaque psoriasis, this may help slow the buildup of skin cells and reduce scaling.
Doctors prescribe Sorilux when people ages 4 and older have scalp psoriasis or plaque psoriasis on the body.
Sorilux comes as a foam and is a topical treatment applied to the skin. Do not use it in your mouth, eyes, or vagina. Avoid getting it on your face or in or near your eyes.
Apply a thin layer of Sorilux to affected skin areas two times each day. Rub it in gently and completely.
Apply Sorilux to the scalp when your hair is dry.
Talk to your doctor if your skin does not improve after eight weeks. Use Sorilux exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Sorilux for plaque psoriasis, the most common side effects occurred in 2 percent to 3 percent of people. These included application-site erythema (redness or discoloration where the foam is applied) and application-site pain (pain, stinging, or burning where the foam is applied).
Sorilux can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to calcipotriene or any other ingredients in Sorilux.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not use Sorilux if you have hypercalcemia.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Sorilux. It is unclear if Sorilux will harm your baby if you are pregnant.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Sorilux for psoriasis?
People in clinical studies used Sorilux two times each day for eight weeks.
In two studies of plaque psoriasis on the body, 14 percent and 27 percent of people using Sorilux had treatment success at week 8, compared with 7 percent and 16 percent of people using vehicle foam. Treatment success meant the skin was rated “clear” or “almost clear” and had improved by at least two grades from the start of treatment.
In another study of moderate plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body, 41 percent of people using Sorilux had treatment success on the scalp at week 8, compared with 24 percent of people using vehicle foam. In this study, scalp treatment success meant the scalp was rated “clear” or “almost clear.”
How long does Sorilux take to work for psoriasis?
Clinical studies measured how well Sorilux worked at week 8. People used it two times each day, but the prescribing information does not state exactly when improvement should begin. Talk to your doctor if your skin does not improve after eight weeks.
Can Sorilux cause discoloration on the skin when used for psoriasis?
Sorilux may cause pain, redness, or discoloration where it is applied.
In adult clinical studies, pain at the application site occurred in 3 percent of people. Redness occurred in 2 percent.
In pediatric studies, reported side effects included pain or itching where the foam was applied, general itching, and contact dermatitis, which is a skin reaction caused by contact with a substance. Blisters at the application site have also been reported since Sorilux was approved.
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