The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7196 p597-604
4 May 2002

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New combination psoriasis treatment

A combination preparation containing calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate, Dovobet ointment, has been launched this week by Leo Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of psoriasis (see p608). Leo says that the new formulation accommodates the different pH stabilities of the two compounds, which would otherwise degrade if used together but as separate products.

Dovobet should be applied to the affected area twice daily for up to four weeks. There is no experience of longer-term therapy.

The company says that two week's of treatment with Dovobet results in the same reduction in symptoms as a month's treatment with betamethasone and provides a greater response than a month's treatment with calcipotriol.