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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
Visit
us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/psoriasisassociation
.
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
| Belfast
Support Group |
Second
Monday of every month in the Board Room, City Hospital, Belfast |
| Plymouth
Psoriasis and Eczema Support Group |
Last
Wednesday of every month, Southway Community Centre, Plymouth |
| Reading
Group |
Wednesday
27th January, 7-9pm at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Park in the
Redlands road carpark and go to Outpatients 2 (parking permits will
be provided on the night) |
| Salford
Support Group |
Second
Wednesday of every month in Community Room 2, Pendleton Gateway
Centre, Lime Court, Salford, at 2pm |
| Salisbury
Psoriasis Support Group |
Take place in the Railway Tavern, Mill Road, Salisbury and commence
at 7.00pm
Wednesday
10th February 2010 - annual review followed by talk
Wednesday 12th May 2010 - talk from a nutritionist
Wednesday 14th July 2010 - BBQ
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To visit
our news archive click here.
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