Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Silkis (Calcitriol-topical). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Silkis (Calcitriol-topical). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abnormal laboratory test results, including urine tests
• flu-like symptoms
• high amounts of calcium in urine
• itch
• psoriasis symptoms
• skin discomfort

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• skin infection

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• rashes or blisters over the body
• signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing)
• symptoms of high blood calcium levels (e.g., nausea, vomiting, excessive urination, excessive thirst)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Silkis (Calcitriol-topical).

Each g of white, translucent, ointment contains 3 µg (0.0003% w/w) of calcitriol. Nonmedicinal ingredients: vitamin E (dL-α-tocopherol), mineral oil, and white petrolatum.

Calcitriol topical should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to calcitriol or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is being treated for conditions affecting normal calcium levels
• has high calcium levels in the blood or is known to have abnormal calcium metabolism
• has severe kidney dysfunction or end-stage renal disease
• has liver dysfunction

There may be an interaction between calcitriol topical and any of the following:

• aluminum hydroxide
• aminolevulinic acid
• calcium supplements
• Digoxin
• multivitamin/mineral supplements
• peeling agents, astringents, or irritant products
• Porfimer
• Sucralfate
• thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide)
• vitamin D analogues (e.g., alfacalcidol, cholecalciferol)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Silkis (Calcitriol-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Silkis (Calcitriol-topical).

Kidney or liver function: People with kidney or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Silkis (Calcitriol-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with severely reduced kidney dysfunction, end-stage renal disease, or reduced liver function should not use calcitriol topical.

Monitoring calcium levels: If you are at risk for having high calcium levels, your doctor will advise you to do blood tests regularly to check your calcium levels. If calcium levels in your blood are high, your doctor may advise you to stop using Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) and monitor you until your calcium levels return to normal.

Sun sensitivity: Calcitriol topical used alone does not cause cancer, but it may increase the risk of developing skin tumours caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Limit your exposure to sunlight, tanning booths, and sun lamps. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Use of medication: Calcitriol topical is for external use on the skin only. It is not to be used internally. Do not apply Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) to facial skin, eyes, or lips. Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) should also not be used for severe psoriasis that involves more than 35% of the body surface area. Certain medications can increase the absorption of calcitriol topical into the body, which can affect your blood calcium levels. Your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to avoid using these medications (see also, "What medications can interact with Silkis (Calcitriol-topical)?").

Pregnancy: Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while you are on Silkis (Calcitriol-topical), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if calcitriol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Silkis (Calcitriol-topical), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Silkis (Calcitriol-topical) have not been established for children under 18 years of age.