Calcitriol is prescribed as a treatment for plaque psoriasis (the most common form of the disease). Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, and itchy patches on various parts of the body. The elbows, knees, scalp, feet, lower back, and genitals are the most common areas affected by psoriasis. These patches of inflamed skin are called plaques.

Psoriasis is caused by an overreactive immune system that generates new skin cells at rapid rates. When these skin cells are produced quickly, they begin to build up on the surface of the skin. This leads to the patchy, scaly skin symptomatic of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not contagious, although it can be passed down through genetics. Symptoms usually begin to appear between the ages of 15 and 25. In some cases, the symptoms of psoriasis are brought on by a trigger that causes an outbreak.

Common triggers of a psoriasis outbreak include:

• Injury to the skin (cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or sunburn)
  
• Infection (such as strep throat, bronchitis, or skin infections)
  
• Stress
  
• Cold, dry weather
  
• Alcohol consumption
  
• Medications (such as lithium and beta-blockers)
  
• Food allergies
  

While psoriasis cannot be cured, medication like calcitriol can help manage the symptoms listed above while preventing further complications caused by the condition.

Calcitriol is classified as a vitamin D analog. These drugs are essentially synthetic forms of vitamin D. As a treatment for psoriasis, calcitriol binds with vitamin D receptors in the body to slow the production of extra skin cells that build up and exacerbate the symptoms of plaque psoriasis.

It’s important to note that calcitriol is not a cure for plaque psoriasis. Instead, it is prescribed to manage symptoms caused by the disease.

Calcitriol has been shown to cause some side effects. If these mild reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported during the use of topical calcitriol ointment include:

• Itching
  
• Skin irritation
  

Adverse effects caused by calcitriol are rare. Call your doctor right away if you experience any form of skin rash, cracked skin, confusion, or headaches.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. Calcitriol can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects.

Calcitriol is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not calcitriol is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for calcitriol to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.