Latest Psoriasis Association News

Patients speaking podcasts
To complement the exisiting medical information podcasts, we are delighted to launch 6 new patient experiences podcasts. You can listen at
www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/podcasts.html

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PsoKids CD-ROM
Lots of things can go wrong with the skin that we can't help happening and psoriasis is just one of them. An important thing is to remember that you're not alone. There are lots of people all over the world who have psoriasis and deal with it every single day! PsoKids is an interactive, fun packed CD-ROM designed mainly for children (although there is a bit on their for parents/carers too!). To order your free copy, please contact us

Treatment / Company / Product Information

Betesil
Betamethasone Valerate has been a popular potent topical steroid for a number of years. You may recognise it better as the active ingredient in Betnovate, Bettamousse and Fucibet. It is now available (on prescription only) as a plaster application for people with very localised plaque psoriasis, in particular in difficult to treat areas with topical treatments such as the elbows, knees and feet, covering less than 5% of the body surface area. Each plaster measures 7.5cm x 10cm. To use Betesil, you clean and dry the area you are treating, then cut the plaster to fit over the plaque of psoriasis (any plaster left over can be put back into the protective sleeve and used at a later date). The clear plaster is left in place for 24 hours. After removal of the plaster the following day, allow 30 minutes before applying a fresh treatment.
Betesil is not intended for use for longer than a 30 day period.
Please do not simply cover your existing steroid applications with a plaster as this will increase the potency of the steroid and so the likelihood of potential side effects. Betesil has been formulated in order to give a regulated amount of Betamethasone Valerate under occlusion.

Availability of Calcipotriol Ointment
Calcipotriol ointment is currently out of stock and so your prescriptions will not be able to be dispensed. Sandoz Ltd, the manufacturers of Calcipotriol ointment hope to have the situation resolved by the beginning of November.

The Psoriasis Association is pleased to inform you that Stelara (Ustekinumab) has been approved by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence (NICE) for funding by the NHS (subject to conditions). For further information please visit http://guidance.nice.org.uk/TA180

European Medicines Agency recommends suspension of the marketing authorisation of Raptiva (Efalizumab)
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recently reviewed Efalizumab (Raptiva) following concerns regarding the long-term safety for patients. The EMEA have recommended that the marketing authorisation should be withdrawn across Europe. Patients currently using Raptiva should make an appointment with their Dermatologist to discuss an alternative treatment, but should not stop Rapitva abruptly.
Patients who have taken Raptiva in the past and have any questions or concerns should make an appointment with their GP or Dermatologist.
For further information, please visit http://www.emea.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/raptiva/RaptivaQ&A_1552509en.pdf

Xamiol Gel
Leo Pharma has recently launched a new product to treat scalp psoriasis – Xamiol (pronounced zamiol) gel. It contains the same active ingredients as Dovobet (calcipotriol – the vitamin D component and betamethasone – the steroid component).
To use Xamiol, part your hair into sections, and then apply the gel with your fingers to the areas of psoriasis on your scalp. Rub the gel in with your fingertips. For best results Leo Pharma recommend you leave the gel on overnight, and then wash it out the next morning. In order to wash Xamiol gel out of the hair, apply a mild shampoo to dry hair, especially to the areas that the gel was applied, leave the shampoo on for a couple of minutes and then wash your hair as usual. You may need to wash your hair twice.
Xamiol gel is available on prescription only.

NICE issue Guidelines regarding the use of Adalimumab (Humira) for severe psoriasis
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have issued their guidelines regarding the use of Adalimumab to treat psoriasis. NICE have recommended Adalimumab be prescribed when "the condition is severe" - defined by a PASI score greater than 10 and a DLQI score greater than 10, and "their condition has not improved with other treatments such as ciclosporin, methotrexate and PUVA (psoralen and long-wave ultraviolet radiation), or they have had side effects with these in the past or there is a medical reason why they should not be given these treatments."
To read the guidelines, please follow the link to the NICE website. For further information on Adalimumab, please click here

NICE issue Guidelines regarding the use of Infliximab (Remicade) for severe psoriasis
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have issued their guidelines regarding the use of Infliximab to treat psoriasis. NICE have recommended Infliximab be prescribed when "the disease is very severe as defined by a total Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) of 20 or more and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of more than 18" and "the psoriasis has failed to respond to standard systemic therapies such as ciclosporin, methotrexate or PUVA, or the person is intolerant to or has a contraindication to these treatments". To read the guidelines, please follow the link to the NICE website. For further information on Infliximab, please click here

Adalimumab (Humira) receives its license for use to treat moderate to severe psoriasis
Adalimumab is the first fully human anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. “The licensing of adalimumab offers a valuable new treatment option for people living with moderate-to-severe psoriasis, a very difficult and often isolating condition,” said Gladys Edwards from the Psoriasis Association. ”We welcome the approval of new therapies such as adalimumab that can significantly improve the quality of life of patients and expand the options available to those who are most in need of treatment.”
Adalimumab is a subcutaneous injection, meaning it can be self-administered at home after suitable training. For further information regarding Adalimumab please click here


Etrivex Shampoo
Galderma (UK) has recently launched a new product for the treatment of moderate scalp psoriasis in adults. Etrivex is a short contact corticosteroid shampoo that is only available on prescription. It is stocked by all wholesalers and most pharmacies. It is important to follow the instructions carefully as the method of application is different to that of conventional treatments - approximately half a tablespoon (7.5ml) should be applied directly to your dry scalp and massaged into the lesions. Etrivex should be left in place for 15 minutes. Then, add water and lather, avoiding contact with the eyes and other delicate areas - rinse thoroughly, condition and style as normal.

Availability of Psorin Ointment and Scalp Gel
LPC Pharmaceuticals have informed the Psoriasis Association that Psorin Scalp Gel is available, but Psorin Ointment is being reviewed by the MHRA - no indication has been given as to when this will become available again.


Patient Information Leaflets (PIL's)
Do you discard the packaging your medications come in only to find a couple of weeks later that you could do with knowing a little more about your treatment? Well help is at hand! ALL PIL's can now be accessed online at http://emc.medicines.org.uk/



Psoriasis Support Group

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