Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Betamethasone dipropionate, Calcipotriol monohydrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Enstilar is used on the skin to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults. Psoriasis is caused by your skin cells being produced too quickly. This causes redness, scaling and thickness of your skin. Enstilar contains calcipotriol and betamethasone. Calcipotriol helps to bring the rate of skin cell growth back to normal and betamethasone helps to reduce the inflammation. Corticosteroid creams, ointments and other topical preparations come in four different potencies or strengths. These are known as mild, moderately potent, potent or very potent. Healthcare professionals will usually refer to topical corticosteroid potency rather than strength. A potent or strong corticosteroid has a much stronger effect than a mild corticosteroid when using the same amount. The percentage of active ingredient that is sometimes included on product packaging does not indicate potency. Betamethasone is classed as a strong corticosteroid. Your healthcare professional will prescribe or advise a steroid of the appropriate potency for your condition. 2.
e Enstilar®
Do not use Enstilar: ■ if you are allergic to calcipotriol, betamethasone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) ■ if you have problems with calcium levels in your blood (ask your doctor) ■ if you have certain types of psoriasis called: erythrodermic psoriasis or pustular psoriasis (ask your doctor if you are unsure). As Enstilar contains a strong steroid, do NOT use Enstilar on skin areas affected by: ■ skin infections caused by viruses (e.g. cold sores or chicken pox) ■ skin infections caused by a fungus (e.g. athlete's foot and ringworm) ■ skin infections caused by bacteria 1 (00502366, ver. 8.0)
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
skin infections caused by parasites (e.g. scabies) tuberculosis (TB) perioral dermatitis (red rash around the mouth) thin skin, easily damaged veins, stretch marks ichthyosis (dry skin with fish-like scales) acne (pimples) rosacea (severe flushing or redness of the skin on the face) ulcers and wounds.
Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Enstilar if: ■ you have diabetes mellitus (diabetes), as your blood sugar level may be affected by the steroid ■ you are using other medicines that contain steroids, as you may get side effects ■ you have a certain type of psoriasis called guttate psoriasis. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse during treatment if: ■ you have used this medicine for a long period of time and plan to stop (as there is a risk your psoriasis will get worse or 'flare up' when steroids are stopped suddenly) ■ your skin becomes infected, as you may need to stop your treatment ■ the calcium level in your blood changes (see section 4 for further information) ■ you experience blurred vision or other visual disturbances. Special precautions: ■ avoid use under bandages or dressings as this increases the absorption of the steroid ■ avoid use of more than 15 grams per day. This means that one 60 g can of Enstilar should last for at least 4 days. 15 g is dispensed if you fully depress the actuator for approximately 1 minute. Spraying for 2 seconds provides approximately 0.5 g of Enstilar. As a guide, 0.5 g of foam should cover an area of skin roughly corresponding to the surface area of an adult hand ■ avoid use on more than 30% of your body ■ avoid use on large areas of damaged skin, on mucous membranes or in skin folds (groin, armpits, under breasts) as this increases the absorption of the steroid ■ avoid use on the face or on genitals (sexual organs) as they are very sensitive to steroids. Do not smoke or go near naked flames – risk of severe burns. Fabric (clothing, bedding, dressings etc) that has been in contact with this product burns more easily and is a serious fire hazard. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce product build-up but not totally remove it. Children and adolescents Enstilar is not recommended for the use in children below the age of 18 years. Other medicines and Enstilar Tell your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before using this medicine. If your doctor has agreed that you can breast-feed, take care and do not apply Enstilar to the breast area. See "Instruction for proper use". Driving and using machines This medicine should not have any effect on your ability to drive or use machines. Enstilar contains butylhydroxytoluene (E321) This may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis), or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes. See 'Instruction for proper use'.
2
3.
Enstilar®
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Enstilar is for cutaneous use (on the skin). Before use, read the patient information, even if you have used Enstilar before. Enstilar is designed for direct application (spray-on) to your skin affected by psoriasis vulgaris. Instruction for proper use When used on the body 1. Shake the can for a few seconds before use.
2. Apply the foam by holding the can at least 3 cm from the skin and spray directly onto each affected area.
3. The foam can be sprayed holding the can in any orientation except horizontally.
4. Gently rub the foam into each affected skin area.
5. After applying the foam, put the cap back on the can to prevent accidental spraying when not in use. 6. Wash your hands well after using Enstilar (unless you are using the foam to treat your hands). This will avoid accidentally spreading the foam to other parts of your body (especially the face, mouth and eyes). In order to achieve optimal effect, it is recommended that the body is not washed immediately after application of Enstilar. Let the foam remain on the skin during the night or during the day. 3
When used on the scalp 1. Comb the hair to remove any loose scales. 2. Shake the can for a few seconds before use.
3. Hold the can at least 3 cm away. Spray directly into the palm of your hand. The foam can be sprayed holding the can in any orientation except horizontally.
4. Scoop the foam onto your finger and apply it directly to the affected areas. Minimize applying into the hair to make it easier to wash it out. Gently rub the foam into the scalp. After applying the foam, put the cap on the can to prevent accidental spraying when not in use.
5. Wash your hands well after using Enstilar. This will avoid accidentally spreading the foam to other parts of your body (especially the face, mouth and eyes). In order to achieve optimal effect, it is recommended that the hair is not washed immediately after application of Enstilar. Let the foam remain on the scalp during the night or during the day.
When you wash your hair, the following instructions might be useful: 1. Apply a mild, nonmedicated shampoo to the dry hair, focusing on the areas where the foam was applied. It is easier to remove Enstilar when shampoo is applied to dry hair as water dilutes the cleansing effect of the shampoo.
2. Massage the shampoo into the dry hair/scalp. Leave the shampoo on the scalp for a couple of minutes before washing. 3. Rinse thoroughly with water.
4
4. Repeat normal shampooing if necessary. Further information for proper use: ■ use only on your psoriasis and do not use on skin which does not have psoriasis ■ wash or rinse well if, by accident, you have applied foam to your eyes, mouth, sexual organs or breasts if you are breast-feeding ■ do not worry if some foam accidentally gets on normal skin near your psoriasis, but wipe it off if it spreads too far ■ do not bandage, tightly cover or wrap the treated skin area ■ in order to achieve optimal effect, it is recommended not to take a shower or bath immediately after applying the foam ■ after applying the foam, avoid contact with textiles which are easily stained by grease (e.g. silk). Duration of treatment ■ apply the foam once daily. It may be more convenient to use the foam in the evening ■ the normal treatment period is 4 weeks but your doctor may decide on a different treatment period. You may be told by your doctor to use Enstilar twice weekly once your psoriasis has cleared or almost cleared. Enstilar should be applied twice weekly on two non-consecutive days (e.g. Wednesday and Saturday) to areas previously affected by psoriasis. Between applications there should be 2-3 days without Enstilar treatment. If symptoms reappear you should use Enstilar once daily as outlined above and contact your doctor to review your treatment. If you use more Enstilar than you should Important: One 60 g can of Enstilar should last for at least 4 days (see section 2 "Special precautions"). If you use other calcipotriol containing medicines, the total amount of calcipotriol medicines, including Enstilar, must not exceed 15 grams per day. Contact your doctor if you have used more than the recommended dose. Excessive use of Enstilar may cause a problem with calcium in your blood, which usually returns to normal when treatment is discontinued. Excessive prolonged use can also cause your adrenal glands to stop working properly (the adrenal glands are found near the kidneys and produce hormones). See section 4 for further information. If you forget to use Enstilar Do not use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop using Enstilar The use of Enstilar should be stopped as indicated by your doctor. It may be necessary for you to stop this medicine gradually, especially if you have used it for a long time. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
that have been observed for Enstilar: Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): ■ allergic reaction. Symptoms may include skin rash and swelling of the skin, face or mouth ■ worsening or 'flare up' of your psoriasis after treatment has stopped ■ a rise in calcium levels in the blood ■ skin irritation which might include itching, pain, burning and stinging and/or redness of the skin ■ redness, pain or swelling of the hair roots of the skin (folliculitis) ■ loss of skin colour (depigmentation). 5
Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
Enstilar®
Caution: Extremely flammable aerosol. Pressurised container: May burst if heated. Protect from sunlight. Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 50°C. Do not pierce or burn, even after use. Do not spray on an open flame or other ignition source. Keep away from sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking near the can.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date, which is stated on the carton and can after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30°C. 6
The can should be discarded 6 months after first opening. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.
What Enstilar contains The active substances are: Calcipotriol and betamethasone. One gram of cutaneous foam contains 50 micrograms of calcipotriol (as monohydrate) and 0.5 mg of betamethasone (as dipropionate). The excipients are: Liquid paraffin Polyoxypropylene stearyl ether All-rac-α-tocopherol White soft paraffin Butylhydroxytoluene (E321) Butane Dimethyl ether. What Enstilar looks like and contents of the pack Enstilar is a cutaneous foam. After spraying, a white to off-white foam is formed. The foam has the appearance of a non-expanding foam that gradually collapses after spraying.
Aluminium can with a polyamide-imide inner lacquer, equipped with a continuous valve and actuator. The can contains 60 g of foam, not including the amount of propellants. Pack sizes: 60 g, 2 x 60 g. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder LEO Pharma A/S Industriparken 55 DK-2750 Ballerup Denmark Manufacturers LEO Laboratories Ltd. 285 Cashel Road, Crumlin Dublin 12 7
Ireland LEO Pharma A/S Industriparken 55 DK-2750 Ballerup Denmark
This leaflet was last revised in July 2024.
For information in large print, Braille or audio/CD, telephone: +44 (0)1844 347333 Detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, www.mhra.gov.uk
8
The active substance in Enstilar 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g cutaneous foam is betamethasone dipropionate, calcipotriol monohydrate.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Enstilar 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g cutaneous foam, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris in adults.
Posology
Flare treatment
Enstilar foam should be applied to the affected area once daily. The recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. If it is necessary to continue or restart treatment after this period, treatment should be continued after medical review and under regular supervision.
Long-term maintenance treatment
Patients who have responded at 4 weeks' treatment using Enstilar once daily are suitable for long-term maintenance treatment. Enstilar should be applied twice weekly on two non-consecutive days to areas previously affected by psoriasis vulgaris. Between applications there should be 2-3 days without Enstilar treatment.
If signs of a relapse occur, flare treatment, as described above, should be re-initiated.
Maximum dose
The daily maximum dose of Enstilar should not exceed 15 g, i.e. one 60 g can should last for at least 4 days of treatment. 15 g corresponds to the amount administered from the can if the actuator is fully depressed for approximately one minute. A two-second application delivers approximately 0.5 g. As a guide, 0.5 g of foam should cover an area of skin roughly corresponding to the surface area of an adult hand.
If using other topical products containing calcipotriol in addition to Enstilar, the total dose of all calcipotriol containing products should not exceed 15 g per day.
The total body surface area treated should not exceed 30%.
Special populations
Renal and hepatic impairment
The safety and efficacy of Enstilar foam in patients with severe renal insufficiency or severe hepatic disorders have not been evaluated.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of Enstilar foam in children below 18 years have not been established. Currently available data in children aged 12 to 17 years are described in sections 4.8 and 5.1, but no recommendation on a posology can be made.
Method of administration
For cutaneous use.
The can should be shaken for a few seconds before use. Enstilar should be applied by spraying holding the can at least 3 cm from the skin. The foam can be sprayed holding the can in any orientation except horizontally.
Enstilar should be sprayed directly onto each affected skin area and rubbed in gently.
If used on the scalp, Enstilar should be sprayed into the palm of the hand and then applied to affected scalp areas with the fingertips. Hair washing instructions are provided in the package leaflet.
The hands should be washed after using Enstilar (unless Enstilar is used to treat the hands) to avoid accidentally spreading to other parts of the body as well as unintended drug absorption on the hands. Application under occlusive dressings should be avoided since it increases the systemic absorption of corticosteroids. It is recommended not to take a shower or bath immediately after application of Enstilar. Let the foam remain on the scalp and/or skin during the night or during the day.
Hypersensitivity to the active substances or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Enstilar is contraindicated in erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis.
Due to the content of calcipotriol, Enstilar is contraindicated in patients with known disorders of calcium metabolism (see section 4.4).
Due to the content of corticosteroid, Enstilar is contraindicated in the following conditions if present in the treatment area: viral (e.g. herpes or varicella) lesions of the skin, fungal or bacterial skin infections, parasitic infections, skin manifestations in relation to tuberculosis, perioral dermatitis, atrophic skin, striae atrophicae, fragility of skin veins, ichthyosis, acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, rosacea, ulcers, and wounds (see section 4.4).
Effects on endocrine system:
Adverse reactions found in connection with systemic corticosteroid treatment, such as adrenocortical suppression or impaired glycaemic control of diabetes mellitus may occur also during topical corticosteroid treatment due to systemic absorption.
Application under occlusive dressings should be avoided since it increases the systemic absorption of corticosteroids. Application on large areas of damaged skin, or on mucous membranes or in skin folds should be avoided since it increases the systemic absorption of corticosteroids (see section 4.8).
Visual disturbance:
Visual disturbance may be reported with systemic and topical corticosteroid use. If a patient presents with symptoms such as blurred vision or other visual disturbances, the patient should be considered for a referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation of possible causes which may include cataract, glaucoma or rare diseases such as central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) which have been reported after use of systemic and topical corticosteroids.
Effects on calcium metabolism:Due to the content of calcipotriol in Enstilar, hypercalcaemia may occur. Serum calcium is normalised when treatment is discontinued. The risk of hypercalcaemia is minimal when the maximum daily dose of Enstilar (15 g) is not exceeded (see section 4.2).
Local adverse reactions:Enstilar contains a potent group III-steroid and concurrent treatment with other steroids on the same treatment area must be avoided.
The skin of the face and genitals is very sensitive to corticosteroids. The medicinal product should not be used in these areas.
The patient must be instructed in correct use of the product to avoid application and accidental transfer to the face, mouth, and eyes. Hands must be washed after each application to avoid accidental transfer to these areas as well as unintended drug absorption on the hands.
Concomitant skin infections:If lesions become secondarily infected, they should be treated with antimicrobiological therapy. However, if infection worsens, treatment with corticosteroids should be discontinued (see section 4.3).
Discontinuation of treatment:When treating psoriasis with topical corticosteroids, there may be a risk of rebound effects when discontinuing treatment. Medical supervision should therefore continue in the post-treatment period.
Long-term use:Long-term use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of local and systemic adverse reactions. Treatment should be discontinued in case of adverse reactions related to long-term use of corticosteroid (see section 4.8).
Unevaluated use: There is no experience with the use of Enstilar in guttate psoriasis.
Adverse reactions to excipients:Enstilar contains butylhydroxytoluene (E321) as an excipient, which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis) or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
The label will state strong steroid.
No interaction studies have been performed with Enstilar.
Pregnancy:There are no adequate data from the use of Enstilar in pregnant women. When administered orally in animals, studies of calcipotriol have not shown teratogenic effects, though reproductive toxicity has been shown (see section 5.3). Studies in animals with glucocorticoids have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3), but a number of epidemiological studies (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) have not revealed congenital anomalies among infants born to women treated with corticosteroids during pregnancy. The potential risk for humans is uncertain. Therefore, during pregnancy, Enstilar should only be used when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.
Breast-feeding:Betamethasone passes into breast milk, but risk of an adverse reaction in the infant is very small with therapeutic doses. There are no data on the excretion of calcipotriol in breast milk. Caution should be exercised when prescribing Enstilar to women who breast-feed. The patient should be instructed not to use Enstilar on the breast when breast-feeding.
Fertility:Studies in rats with oral doses of calcipotriol or betamethasone dipropionate demonstrated no impairment of male and female fertility (see section 5.3). There are no data on human fertility.
Enstilar has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
The estimation of the frequency of adverse reactions is based on a pooled analysis of data from clinical studies.
The most frequently reported adverse reactions during treatment are application site reactions.
Adverse reactions are listed by MedDRA SOC and the individual adverse reactions are listed starting with the most frequently reported. Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in the order of decreasing seriousness.
Very common (≥1/10)Common (≥1/100 to <1/10)Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100)Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000)Very rare (<1/10,000)
Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Infections and infestations
Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100
Folliculitis
Immune system disorders
Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100
Hypersensitivity
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100
Hypercalcaemia*
Eye disorders
Not known
Vision, blurred**
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100
Skin hypopigmentation
Not known
Hair colour changes***
General disorders and administration site conditions
Uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100
Rebound effect
Application site pruritus
Application site irritation
Application site pain****
Not known
Application site erythema*****
*Mild hypercalcaemia has been observed.
**See section 4.4.
***Transient discolouration of the hair at scalp application site, to a yellowish colour in white or grey hair, has been reported for calcipotriol and betamethasone combination products.
**** Application site burning is included in application site pain.
***** Based on post-marketing experience.
Paediatric population
No clinically relevant differences between the safety profiles in adult and adolescent populations have been observed. A total of 106 adolescent subjects were treated in one open-label clinical trial. See section 5.1 for further details regarding this trial.
The following adverse reactions are considered to be related to the pharmacological classes of calcipotriol and betamethasone, respectively:
Calcipotriol:Adverse reactions include application site reactions, pruritus, skin irritation, burning and stinging sensation, dry skin, erythema, rash, dermatitis, psoriasis aggravated, photosensitivity and hypersensitivity reactions, including very rare cases of angioedema and facial oedema.
Systemic effects after topical use may appear very rarely causing hypercalcaemia or hypercalciuria (see section 4.4).
Betamethasone (as dipropionate):Local reactions can occur after topical use, especially during prolonged application, including skin atrophy, telangiectasia, striae, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, depigmentation, and colloid milia.
When treating psoriasis with topical corticosteroids, there may be a risk of generalised pustular psoriasis.
Systemic reactions due to topical use of corticosteroids are rare in adults; however, they can be severe. Adrenocortical suppression, cataract, infections, impaired glycaemic control of diabetes mellitus, and increase of intra-ocular pressure can occur, especially after long-term treatment. Systemic reactions occur more frequently when applied under occlusion (plastic, skin folds), when applied onto large skin areas, and during long-term treatment (see section 4.4).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Usage above the recommended dose may cause elevated serum calcium which subsides when treatment is discontinued. The symptoms of hypercalcaemia include polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma.
Excessive prolonged use of topical corticosteroids may result in adrenocortical suppression which is usually reversible. Symptomatic treatment may be indicated.
In case of chronic toxicity the corticosteroid treatment must be discontinued gradually.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Enstilar 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g cutaneous foam. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
We use essential cookies to make the site work. We would also like to set optional cookies to understand how the site is used, so we can improve it. We will not set optional cookies unless you accept. See our cookie policy and privacy policy.