Vectical – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, September 20, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Vectical is used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. It is a form of vitamin D. This topical medicine works by reducing the production of extra skin cells that may build up and form scales on the skin. In addition, it decreases the activity of immune cells in the skin. It belongs to a class of medications called vitamin D analogs. Vectical comes as an ointment that is applied to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis usually two times a day, in the morning and evening. People using this medicine should avoid exposing treated skin areas to sunlight or tanning beds and wear protective clothing when going out.

Vectical should not be used by the following:

People with a severe form of psoriasis with pus, skin peeling, and severe redness
Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
People who have an allergy to calcitriol or any other ingredients in Vectical ointment.

Before using Vectical ointment, tell the doctor if you have one of these other conditions:

low or high levels of calcium in the blood
a calcium disorder
metabolic imbalance
if you are receiving ultraviolet (UV) light treatments for your psoriasis

Calcitriol is the generic name of the trade name drug Vectical.

Known side effects of Vectical

The possible side effects of Vectical include the following:

Vectical can cause an allergic reaction. Seek emergency help if you have one of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Vectical can also cause serious side effects such as blistering, or severe redness, itching, or other irritation of treated areas; and worsened psoriasis.
Use of Vectical can also affect the body’s way to metabolize calcium, which can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood or hypercalcemia. Its symptoms include nausea, constipation, appetite loss, increased thirst and urination, weakness of muscle, confusion, and fatigue.
Other side effects include mild itching and skin discomfort.

Body systems that may be harmed by Vectical

The body systems that may be harmed by Vectical include the metabolic, dermatologic, and urinary systems.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent Vectical’s side effects

The food items can help prevent and/or treat hypercalcemia, a side effect of Vectical, include soy products, such as soy milk, yogurt, and cheese.

The food items that can prevent the worsening of psoriasis include fish oil and foods rich in antioxidants, such as garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, carrots, tomatoes, collards, cabbage, and cauliflower.

Treatments, management plans for the Vectical’s side effects

The following are natural remedies for treating pain and itching due to the worsening of psoriasis, a side effect of Vectical:

Soothing with apple cider: Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water, then dab the solution on the scalp two to three times a week. After a few minutes, rinse it to prevent irritation. This is not suitable for cracked or bleeding scalp.
Taking a cold-water bath: A cold-water bath or cold compress will help ease the itching.
Trying acupuncture: Acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain.