Efficacy of treatment with calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate followed by calcipotriol alone compared with tacalcitol for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: a randomised, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: A two-compound product containing calcipotriol 50 microg/g and betamethasone dipropionate 0.5 mg/g (Daivobet, Dovobet) has been demonstrated to be an effective, once daily, treatment for psoriasis vulgaris.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of treatment with the two-compound product for 4 weeks followed by calcipotriol for 4 weeks, with that of tacalcitol for 8 weeks in patients with stable psoriasis vulgaris.

METHODS: 501 patients were randomised to double-blind treatment with the two-compound product followed by calcipotriol 50 microg/g once daily, or to tacalcitol 4 microg/g once daily.

RESULTS: Treatment with the two-compound product/calcipotriol was significantly more effective than tacalcitol in terms of mean percentage PASI reduction (65.0 vs. 33.3% at week 4 and 59.0 vs. 38.4% at week 8; p < 0.001 for both).

CONCLUSION: A treatment regimen comprising calcipotriol/betamethasone ointment (Daivobet) for 4 weeks followed by calcipotriol for 4 weeks is superior to tacalcitol ointment for 8 weeks in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.