Wynzora

Wynzora is a skin treatment for adults with mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris.

Can I buy Wynzora online?

Wynzora is available to prescribe online following a consultation with one of our experienced GPs. Please complete a free consultation to get started.

What is Wynzora?

Wynzora contains two active ingredients calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate. Calcipotriol is a topical synthetic derivative of vitamin D2 that reduces inflammation, protects the skin and improves and normalises skin cell turnover (the rate at which skin cells are shed and are replaced). Betamethasone is a long-acting strong corticosteroid that acts as an antiinflammatory agent. Each gram of Wynzora contains 50 micrograms of calcipotriol and 0.5 milligrams of betamethasone.

Wynzora is used by people with mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris, including scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis vulgaris (also called plaque psoriasis) is the most common form of psoriasis, affecting approximately 90% of people with psoriasis. Psoriasis vulgaris causes dry skin lesions (called plaques), which are often found on the scalp and behind the ears, and at joint flexures such as elbows and knees, but can occur anywhere on the body. The plaques are red raised areas with silvery scales that are frequently itchy and sore.

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks itself, resulting in a faster than normal rate of skin cell turnover (the rate that old skin cells are replaced by new skin cells). This means that instead of taking the usual 28-30 days for skin turnover, it takes about 3-4 days in people with psoriasis. However, while new skin cells are rapidly being produced, the old skin cells do not drop off as quickly. This results in a build-up of old skin cells, which form thick, flaky patches.

How to use Wynzora

Wynzora is a white cream. It is applied topically to the skin where there are patches of psoriasis. Wynzora is used once a day (evenings may be most convenient), usually for 8 weeks. Your doctor will confirm how long you should use Wynzora. An improvement is seen after 1 week in most people, although the psoriasis may not have completely cleared by then. However, you must only stop using Wynzora when told to by a doctor; depending on the length of time that you have used the cream, you may have to stop using it gradually. This is because you may experience worsening (a flare) of your psoriasis when suddenly stopping steroids after long-term use.

The area of psoriasis treated should not cover more than 30% of all your body's skin. No more than 15 grams of cream must be used in one day. Importantly, that includes any other medicines containing calcipotriol that you use while using Wynzora.

Wynzora should not be used on skin infected by bacteria (including the bacterium causing tuberculosis), fungi (such as athlete's foot and ringworm), viruses (like cold sores or chicken pox) and parasites (e.g., scabies). Also, Wynzora should not be used on skin affected by skin that is thin or broken, or has stretch marks, easily damaged veins, ulcers, ichthyosis (dry, fish-like scaly, dermatitis (red rash) around the mouth, rosacea (severe face redness), or acne. Additionally, because the absorption of the steroid can be increased, do not use of Wynzora on large, damaged skin patches, in skin folds (such as under breasts, armpits and groin), on mucous membranes, or on the sensitive skin of the face or genitals.

This medicine is provided in a tube from which cream is squeezed onto a clean finger. The cream is applied to the affected area and a thin layer is rubbed into the skin. Your hands must be washed afterwards to prevent spreading Wynzora to other areas of your body, particularly the eyes, mouth, and face. Any cream on normal skin should be wiped off. After application of Wynzora, wait 8 hours before bathing and showering. When treating scalp psoriasis, first remove loose skin scales by combing the hair; washing the hair is not necessary. Apply a thin layer of cream to the scalp in the same way as for other skin areas, and wait 8 hours before washing the hair or showering. The treated skin area should not be bandaged, wrapped or tightly covered by clothing (note, clothing may be stained and burns easily), and you should not excessively sunbathe, use sunbeds, or use light therapy.

Seek medical advice if you use more than 15 grams of Wynzora cream in a day, as you may need to have blood tests to check that it has not caused problems with your blood calcium levels. When forgetting to use Wynzora, use it when you remember on that day or wait until the following day and use the usual amount (not a double dose).

Who can use Wynzora?

Wynzora is for use in adults of 18 years and older. Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding, planning to have a baby, or may be pregnant should only use this medicine if advised by a doctor. Women using Wynzora should avoid the breast tissue if they are breast-feeding.

This medicine is not for use by people who are allergic to the active ingredients (calcipotriol and betamethasone) or any of the other ingredients of Wynzora; who have problems with their body calcium levels; or have the types of psoriasis known as erythrodermic or exfoliative (a red, burn-like rash over most of their body with skin peeling in 'sheets') and pustular (red, scaly, pus-filled bumps) psoriasis.

Before using Wynzora, check with your doctor if you can use the cream if you have diabetes and guttate psoriasis (small, scaly, red, droplet-shaped spots). Additionally, ensure you talk to your doctor about all medicines that you currently take, might take or have recently taken, particularly if this concerns other medicines containing steroids or calcipotriol.

Wynzora side effects

While uncommon, some people experience (mostly at the application site) rash, itchiness, peeling, inflamed hair roots, or spider veins; also hives, eczema, sleeplessness and blurred vision have been reported.

Some side effects may occur due to the betamethasone and calcipotriol in Wynzora, particularly if the cream is used for a long period of time, on large skin areas, in skin folds or under dressings. You must seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms: allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of various parts of the body including mouth/throat, and/or breathing difficulties), increased calcium levels in your blood or urine (symptoms include constipation, frequent urination, muscle weakness, confusion), poor functioning adrenal glands (signs include tiredness, anxiety, depression), fluctuating blood sugar levels, cataracts (signs include cloudy vision, poor night vision, light sensitivity), increased pressure in the eyes (signs include eye pain, eye redness, decreased/cloudy vision), infections, and pustular psoriasis.

Other side effects that may be caused by calcipotriol or betamethasone and are less serious, include: skin thinning, stretch marks, noticeable blood vessels, hair growth changes, white/grey hair may temporarily turn yellow (with scalp application), red rash around the mouth, rash due to light sensitivity, and eczema. Local skin reactions may be caused by two of the other ingredients (butylhydroxyanisole and macrogolglycerol hydroxystearate) in Wynzora.