SORID OINTMENT

What Is SORID OINTMENT?

Sorid Ointment is a combination topical treatment for psoriasis that brings together two complementary active ingredients, each targeting psoriasis through a completely different biological mechanism.

Calcipotriol is a synthetic analogue of Vitamin D3 (calcitriol) that does NOT affect calcium levels in the body when used topically. Instead, Sorid Ointment works inside skin cells, binding to Vitamin D receptors to slow down the abnormally rapid skin cell production (keratinocyte proliferation) that creates the thick, scaly plaques of psoriasis, and reducing the inflammatory signalling within the skin.

Betamethasone Dipropionate is a potent synthetic corticosteroid that rapidly reduces the redness, swelling, and intense itching that characterise psoriatic plaques through its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions.

Together in a single ointment, they provide fast-acting symptom relief (betamethasone) combined with targeted slowing of the underlying abnormal skin cell turnover (calcipotriol), a synergistic approach that clinical studies show is significantly more effective than either ingredient alone, while also allowing lower individual doses of each component.

What Is It Used For?

Sorid Ointment is prescribed specifically and exclusively for chronic plaque psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis, affecting approximately 80–90% of people with this condition. Chronic plaque psoriasis presents as clearly defined, raised, thickened, scaly plaques with a silvery-white surface over a red, inflamed base, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and trunk.

Sorid Ointment is indicated for use on the body and limbs; a separate formulation (scalp solution or gel) exists for scalp psoriasis. Sorid Ointment is not for use on the face or in sensitive skin folds without specialist guidance, due to the potent steroid component. In Kenya, psoriasis is often underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Sorid Ointment represents a clinically superior topical option compared to using a steroid or Calcipotriol alone, offering more rapid clearance of plaques, better long-term control, and a more favourable safety profile from the reduced individual component doses needed.

Application

Apply once daily (or as directed by your dermatologist) to the affected psoriatic plaques only. Gently massage in until absorbed.

Targeted Use Only

Apply only to the active psoriatic plaques, not to surrounding normal skin. The medicine is not needed on unaffected skin, and applying to normal skin increases risk of side effects.

Hands

Wash hands thoroughly before and after application unless the hands are the treatment area.

Avoid Sensitive Areas

Do not apply to the face, groin, axillae (armpits), or skin folds without specific specialist instruction; risk of skin atrophy and hypercalcaemia from enhanced absorption.

Maximum Area

Do not apply to more than 30% of the body surface area at any one time; this limits the risk of systemic calcium effects from calcipotriol.

Duration

Typically used for up to 4 weeks initially. Your dermatologist will review and plan ongoing or intermittent maintenance treatment.

Missed Application

Apply as soon as you remember. Resume the regular once-daily schedule. Do not double apply.

Common Side Effects

·       Mild burning, stinging, or itching at the application site (especially in the first days of use, usually settles)

·       Skin irritation or redness at the application site

·       Mild skin dryness

Uncommon Side Effects

·       Skin atrophy (thinning), from the betamethasone component, particularly with prolonged use

·       Striae (stretch marks) with prolonged use

·       Folliculitis

·       Contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to Calcipotriol, uncommon)

·       Perioral dermatitis or acneiform eruptions

Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

·       Hypercalcaemia (elevated blood calcium), if applied to very large body surface areas, skin folds, or used far beyond recommended amounts. Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, confusion, excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle weakness. Monitor calcium in high-risk patients

·       Systemic corticosteroid effects with extensive or prolonged use: HPA axis suppression, adrenal insufficiency, hyperglycaemia, Cushing's syndrome features

·       Psoriasis rebound, stopping abruptly after prolonged use can trigger a severe flare of psoriasis

·       Glaucoma or posterior subcapsular cataracts, with periorbital use of the betamethasone component

·       MAXIMUM BODY SURFACE AREA: Do not apply to more than 30% of the body surface area. Calcipotriol can raise blood calcium levels if absorbed across a very large skin surface; monitor calcium in patients using large amounts.

·       POTENT STEROID: Betamethasone Dipropionate is a potent (Group III/IV) topical corticosteroid; limit continuous use on any area to 4 weeks. Prolonged use causes irreversible skin thinning.

·       FACIAL AND FLEXURAL USE: Do not apply to the face, genitals, or deep skin folds; dramatically increased steroid absorption and calcium absorption in these areas.

·       PSORIASIS REBOUND: Do not stop Sorid Ointment abruptly after prolonged use; a severe psoriasis rebound flare can occur. Work with your dermatologist on a planned step-down.

·       CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS: Avoid high-dose calcium or Vitamin D supplementation during treatment; it may compound calcipotriol's calcium-raising effect.

·       CHILDREN: Use with caution in children aged 6–12; lower body weight means greater risk of systemic calcipotriol and steroid effects.

·       UV LIGHT / PHOTOTHERAPY: Calcipotriol degrades in UV light; if receiving phototherapy (PUVA or UVB), apply Sorid Ointment after phototherapy, not before.

·       PREGNANCY: Limited safety data; avoid extensive or prolonged use during pregnancy.

Calcium supplements / Vitamin D supplements: Increased risk of hypercalcaemia with concurrent high-dose supplementation; avoid.

Thiazide diuretics: Reduce renal calcium excretion, increased hypercalcaemia risk when combined with calcipotriol applied to large areas.

UV phototherapy (PUVA / UVB): Calcipotriol is degraded by UV light; apply after phototherapy sessions, never before. Wash off before phototherapy if timing is critical.

Salicylates: Topical salicylic acid products (keratolytics) may increase Calcipotriol penetration; use separately with medical guidance.

Other topical corticosteroids: Do not apply additional topical steroids to the same area.

·       Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.

·       Do not freeze.

·       Keep tube tightly closed after use.

·       Protect from direct sunlight.

·       Keep out of reach of children.

·       Do not use after the expiry date.

Sorid Ointment (Calcipotriol + Betamethasone Dipropionate) is a prescription-only medicine (POM) in Kenya, prescribed by dermatologists and physicians. Available at Pharmily with a valid prescription from a registered doctor or dermatologist.

Sorid Ointment (Calcipotriol 50mcg/g + Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.5mg/g) is equivalent to Daivobet Ointment (LEO Pharma), the internationally established gold-standard topical combination for chronic plaque psoriasis.

The Calcipotriol component is unique; it targets abnormal keratinocyte proliferation (the root cause of psoriasis), while the betamethasone addresses the inflammation and provides rapid symptomatic relief. The combination in a single ointment is proven superior to sequential use of each component separately.

Calculate or estimate the patient's treatment area at dispensing. Facial and flexural use: the combined potency of Calcipotriol + Betamethasone in these sensitive areas is high; refer any request for facial use to the prescribing dermatologist.

Phototherapy interaction: patients on PUVA or NB-UVB must apply Sorid Ointment after sessions; calcipotriol is photodegraded by UV, and there is a theoretical increased photosensitivity risk.

Q1: What is Sorid Ointment used for?

A: Sorid Ointment is used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis, a skin condition causing thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. It combines two active ingredients: Calcipotriol (which slows down the abnormal skin cell growth of psoriasis) and Betamethasone (a steroid that quickly reduces the redness, inflammation, and itching).

Q2: How does Calcipotriol treat psoriasis?

A: Calcipotriol is a form of Vitamin D that works inside skin cells to slow down the rapid, out-of-control skin cell production that creates the thick, scaly plaques of psoriasis. It also reduces inflammatory signalling within the skin. Importantly, when used as a topical ointment at recommended amounts, it does not significantly affect calcium levels in the rest of the body.

Q3: Why does Sorid Ointment contain a steroid?

A: The betamethasone steroid in Sorid Ointment provides rapid relief from the inflammation, redness, and intense itching of psoriasis. It works quickly while the calcipotriol targets the underlying skin cell overproduction. Together, they work better than either ingredient alone.

Q4: Can I apply Sorid Ointment to my face or scalp?

A: No, Sorid Ointment for the body should not be applied to the face or sensitive skin folds. Separate formulations exist for scalp psoriasis. Applying the body ointment to the face risks significant skin thinning and increased calcium absorption. Only use on the face or scalp if your dermatologist specifically prescribes it.

Q5: What happens if I stop using Sorid Ointment suddenly?

A: Stopping abruptly after a prolonged course can trigger a rebound flare of psoriasis, where the skin rapidly worsens, sometimes worse than before treatment. Always plan how to step down or stop with your dermatologist rather than stopping suddenly.