Unavailable Treatments

In November 2022, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) issued a medicine supply notification confirming that the Capimune® brand of ciclosporin 25mg, 50mg and 100mg capsules are out of stock until at least mid-December 2022.

The Deximune® brand of ciclosporin 25mg, 50mg and 100mg capsules remain available and can support an increase in demand, and alternative brands of ciclosporin capsules (Neoral®, Vanquoral®, Capsorin®, and Sandimmun®) also remain available, however these brands have limited or no availability to support an increase in demand.

It is important that people who are taking ciclosporin orally should be stabilised on a particular brand as switching between brands without close monitoring may lead to clinically important changes in ciclosporin levels in the body. Switching between brands should be carried out in consultation with a dermatologist.

If switching between brands of ciclosporin is necessary, the individual should be monitored closely for changes in ciclosporin levels (where clinically appropriate), serum creatinine, blood pressure, disease control, and adverse events.

Ciclosporin remains a popular treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis, and so it is likely that any impact on supply will be felt particularly in areas of the treatment pathway which rely on individuals having tried methotrexate or ciclosporin before consideration of a biologic, and also in women of childbearing age where ciclosporin can be used (including, where necessary, in pregnancy).

If you are affected by this shortage of Capimune® ciclosporin capsules, we would recommend that you discuss this with your dermatology team. You can also contact our helpline for information or support.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer, Mylan, can be contacted directly, either by phone on 01707 853 000 or email at info@mylan.co.uk.

Back in 2018 we reported that the medicated scalp shampoo, Ceanel Concentrate, was out of production as its manufacturer at the time, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, was unable to source the raw materials required for its manufacture. The product has remained unavailable since.

Ceanel Shampoo has since been acquired by Derma UK. We contacted Derma in August 2022 for an update and they advised us that Ceanel Shampoo remains unavailable. It will not now return in 2022 and Derma were unable to provide a firm date for its return.

In the meantime, we would recommend that anyone affected by the unavailability of Ceanel Shampoo discusses suitable alternatives with their GP or Pharmacist.

If you would like more information about scalp psoriasis and its different available treatment options, please do get in touch with us.

If you have any questions or would like further information, Derma UK can be contacted directly either by phone on 0191 375 9020, or by email at info@dermauk.co.uk.

In November 2022 we were made aware of a possible availability issue with Alphosyl 2 in 1 medicated shampoo following reports from some of our members that the product had become difficult to obtain.

We contacted the marketing authorisation holder, Omega Pharma Ltd, who initially told us that there had been stock issues, but have subsequently confirmed that Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo has been discontinued due to an internal business decision.

Some existing stock may still be available for a short period, but once this has been exhausted, there will be no re-supply.

If you have any questions or would like further information, you can contact Omega Pharma by phone on 0203 598 9603, or by email at UKLOcustomerservice@perrigo.com (medical information).

In July 2019 we learned that Thornton and Ross Ltd had announced the withdrawal of Aquamol Emollient Cream from manufacture due to poor demand for the product.

They told the Psoriasis Association 'the minimum volumes that we have to produce on a production run are far higher than demand and as such it wasn't viable to continue producing the product'.

If anyone has any questions, or would like to know more you can get in touch with the manufacturer directly either by phone on 01484 848 164, or by email at thorntonross@medinformation.co.uk.

We advise anyone affected by the discontinuation of Aquamol Emollient Cream to speak to their GP about alternative emollients that are available.

In January 2020 we contacted Galderma, the manufacturer of the urea and lactic acid based cream, Calmurid, regarding issues with its availability.

Galderma confirmed that Calmurid has been discontinued, and their medical information team offered the following statement:

'I can confirm that due to a number of reasons wholly beyond our control and after careful consideration of all possible options, a company decision at global level has been taken to discontinue all strengths of Calmurid.

One ingredient of Calmurid (DEA (diethanolamine) and Cocamide DEA) has triggered a safety concern via the regulatory authorities. As safety is our primary priority, Calmurid will not be further produced.

We apologise most sincerely for any inconvenience caused by this and thank you for your understanding.'

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 01923 208 950, or by email at info.uk@galderma.com.

Towards the end of November 2021, we received a number of queries from our members who were having difficulty obtaining Diprobase Ointment.

We contacted the manufacturer, Bayer UK, to enquire whether there was an issue with supply of the product. Bayer UK confirmed that both Diprobase Ointment and Diprobase Cream have been discontinued, however a new formulation of the cream, Diprobase Advanced Eczema Cream, will be made available.

Bayer UK said that this decision was due to marketing reasons and advised that anyone using Diprobase Ointment or Diprobase Cream discuss their requirements with their GP or pharmacist so that they can recommend a suitable alternative.

If you have any questions or would like further information, Bayer UK can be contacted directly either by phone on 0118 206 3116, or by email at medicalinformation@bayer.co.uk (medical information).

In September 2021 we were contacted by Dermal Laboratories with clarification on the availability of Dithrocream (Dithranol) following earlier reports that all remaining strengths of the product had been discontinued (Dithrocream 2.0% was discontinued in 2020).

Dermal clarified that the higher strengths of Dithrocream (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) had already been discontinued, but the 0.1% strength would remain available until Autumn 2022.

In October 2022, Dermal contacted us again to confirm that the lowest strength, 0.1%, had also now been discontinued. As such, as of Autumn 2022, all strengths of Dithrocream have now been discontinued.

Dermal issued the following statement:

'Dermal Laboratories regret to announce that due to supply chain and other external issues, it has not been possible to manufacture further supplies of Dithrocream (dithranol cream), which has regrettably led to the decision to discontinue the product.

The higher strengths of Dithrocream 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%, were discontinued in May 2021. The lowest strength, Dithrocream 0.1%, has now also been discontinued.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused and advise patients affected by the discontinuation of Dithrocream Creams to speak to their GP or dermatology specialist.'

If you have any questions or would like further information, Dermal Laboratories can be contacted directly either by phone on 01462 458 866, or via the contact form on their website at www.dermal.co.uk/contact/email-us.

In Jun 2019, LEO Pharma announced plans to phase out its Dovobet Gel (calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate gel) applicator from the beginning of summer 2019 in the UK, and autumn 2019 in Ireland. This decision was taken due to a lack of demand for the applicator. Please note that Dovobet Gel remains available in bottles.

LEO apologised for any inconvenience caused by this product discontinuation, and recommended that anybody affected visits their healthcare professional to discuss their individual needs and preferences for the management of their psoriasis.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 01844 347 333, or by email at medical-info.uk@leo-pharma.com if you are in the UK.

If you are based in Ireland, you can reach LEO Pharma's Medical Information team either by phone on +353 1 490 89, or by email at medical-info.ie@leo-pharma.com.

In April 2022 we contacted Beiersdorf UK, the manufacturer of Eucerin Intensive Cream and Lotion, to enquire about the availability of both products following reports from one of our members that they had become difficult to obtain.

Beiersdorf told us that, due to the closure of the manufacturing site that produced both products for the UK market, both Eucerin Intensive Cream and Eucerin Intensive Lotion have been discontinued.

Instead, Beiersdorf has relaunched the products with new formulations, under the names Eucerin UreaRepair ORIGINAL 10% Urea Cream and Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Body Lotion. However, these two new products have been registered as ‘cosmetic’ rather than as medicines which means that, unlike the previous Cream and Lotion, neither Eucerin UreaRepair ORIGINAL 10% Urea Cream or Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Body Lotion is available on prescription.

Beiersdorf apologised for any disappointment that this discontinuation may cause and told us they recognise that the circumstances and frequency of use of emollients differ greatly by individual. As such they recommend that anyone who requires an emollient on prescription for their condition speak to their GP or Pharmacist.

If you have any questions or would like further information, Beiersdorf can be contacted directly either by email at consumer.relations.uk@beiersdorf.com, or phone on 00800 49 40 1900.

In September 2021 we contacted Teva UK, the manufacturer of Exorex Hair and Body Shampoo, to check the product's availability following reports from several of our members that it had become difficult to obtain.

Teva confirmed to us that Exorex Hair and Body Shampoo has been discontinued and is no longer available to purchase. They advised that anyone who has been using this product should speak to their GP or dermatologist about alternatives.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 0800 590 502 (stock availability), or by email at medinfo@tevauk.com (medical information).

In March 2021 we received an enquiry from a member regarding the availability of Exorex Moisturising Cream. We contacted the manufacturer, Teva UK Limited, for an update on the availability of the product.

Teva UK confirmed that Exorex Moisturising Cream has been discontinued permanently and will not be returning to stock.

Please note that this update refers to Exorex Moisturising Cream only. Exorex Lotion continues to be available as normal.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 0800 590 502 (stock availability), or by email at medinfo@tevauk.com (medical information).

In 2017, the manufacturer, Riemser, announced that the ready-prepared Dithranol treatment Micanol Cream had been discontinued. Both strengths of the cream (1% and 3%) are no longer available.

If you have any questions or would like more information, Riemser can be contacted directly by email at info@riemser.com.

In September 2021, we contacted Dermal Laboratories, the manufacturer of the coal-tar based Psoriderm Bath Additive, to check the product's availability, following a report from one of our members that it had become difficult to obtain.

Dermal confirmed to us that Psoriderm Bath Additive was permanently discontinued in June 2021. They issued the following statement:

“Dermal Laboratories regret to announce that due to supply chain and other external issues, it has not been possible to manufacture further supplies of Psoriderm Bath, which has regrettably led to the decision to discontinue the product.

The alternative coal tar products in the Psoriderm Range, Psoriderm Cream and Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo, remain available.

We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused and advise patients affected by the discontinuation of Psoriderm Bath to speak to their GP or dermatology specialist.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, Dermal Laboratories can be contacted directly either by phone on 01462 458 866, or via the contact form on their website at www.dermal.co.uk/contact/email-us.

In 2019, Allergan Ltd announced that the tazarotene-based topical treatment Zorac Gel had been discontinued due to business changes. There were no safety issues with the product.

If you have any questions or would like more information, Allergan can be contacted directly either by phone on 01628 494 026, or by email at UK_MedInfo@Allergan.com.