title: Expert recommendations: the use of the fixed combination calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate gel for the topical treatment of psoriasis.
abstract: Treatment non-adherence is a general challenge and a complex problem. It is a key factor that impacts the 'real-life' effectiveness of topical treatments for chronic disorders, such as psoriasis. Here, we provide our expert opinion on the real-life effectiveness of topical psoriasis treatment, using the fixed combination gel (Daivobet(®) gel; calcipotriol plus betamethasone dipropionate) as a case study. The fixed combination gel is a first-line topical treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis, developed to be the gold-standard therapy for psoriasis patients. This fixed combination gel is an effective and well-tolerated topical psoriasis treatment that the majority of our patients prefer to the ointment formulation. We assessed our real-life experience and considered any gaps between daily practice and clinical trials data. We recommend a multifaceted approach to improve real-life effectiveness and bridge the gap between investigational trials and treatment reality and propose the following recommendations: (1) educate primary healthcare providers on how to effectively manage topical psoriasis treatment and the patients who use the treatment; (2) educate the patient on why treatment needs to be maintained, even when symptoms improve; and (3) provide a supportive environment that will not allow the patient to feel abandoned. A patient-centric approach may improve adherence, which will lead to patients receiving more effective treatment for psoriasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Daudén
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bewley
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lambert
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Girolomoni
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cambazard
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reich
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D009824:Ointments; C517164:betamethasone dipropionate, calcipotriol drug combination; D001623:Betamethasone; D002117:Calcitriol