A new calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate formulation (Daivobet) is an effective once-daily treatment for psoriasis vulgaris.
BACKGROUND
Topical corticosteroids and calcipotriol have been used separately for many years to treat psoriasis. A new combination ointment has been formulated, which contains both calcipotriol and the corticosteroid betamethasone dipropionate.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the combination ointment with betamethasone dipropionate ointment, calcipotriol ointment and ointment vehicle in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.


METHODS
1,603 patients were randomised to one of the 4 double-blind treatments used once daily for 4 weeks.


RESULTS
The mean percentage change in the PASI at the end of treatment was -71.3 (combination), -57.2 (betamethasone), -46.1 (calcipotriol) and -22.7 (vehicle). The mean difference of combination minus betamethasone was -14.2 (95% CI: -17.6 to -10.8, p < 0.001), of combination minus calcipotriol -25.3 (95% CI: -28.7 to -21.9, p < 0.001) and of combination minus vehicle -48.3 (95% CI: -53.2 to -43.4, p < 0.001). 6.0% of patients (combination) reported local adverse reactions compared to 4.9% (betamethasone), 11.4% (calcipotriol) and 13.6% (vehicle).


CONCLUSIONS
Calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate combination ointment used once daily is well tolerated and more effective than either active constituent used alone.
Kaufmann
R
R
Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany.
Bibby
A J
AJ
Bissonnette
R
R
Cambazard
F
F
Chu
A C
AC
Decroix
J
J
Douglas
W S
WS
Lowson
D
D
Mascaro
J M
JM
Murphy
G M
GM
Stymne
B
B
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012016:Reference Values; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004338:Drug Combinations; D009824:Ointments; C055085:calcipotriene; C011175:betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate; D001623:Betamethasone; D002117:Calcitriol