Calcipotriol cream and betamethasone valerate cream of equal efficacy in psoriasis

The objectives were to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of calcipotriol cream compared to betamethasone valerate cream in cases of stable plaque type of psoriasis. In a multicenter study 421 patients from 41 centers in Finland, Norway, Sweden and UK were randomized to either calcipotriol or betamethasone. The groups were well matched at baseline. Calcipotriol cream, 50 μg/g, or beta methasone cream, 1 mg/g, was applied twice daily for 8 weeks. The reduction of PASI was highly significant in both groups, 48% and 45% in the calcipotriol and the betamethasone group, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the groups. Treatment-related adverse events were more common with calcipotriol than betamethasone, however without exception of mild degree. No change in serum level of calcium was found.Calcipotriol cream is shown effective, safe and well tolerated, and equally effective as betamethasone valerate cream in the treatment of plaque type psoriasis.