Help needed for Ciclosporin

Hello Holly,

I am currently on Ciclosporin, started my course 5 weeks ago and currently my skin is completely clear from plaques, scales and redness. It's like living a new life again!

Currently I haven't experienced any side effects but this may be due to early days on the medication.

I do have a hospital check up in 8 weeks with the first 4 weeks having a blood test and blood pressure test weekly, then for the 2nd month fortnightly. I'm not sure what happens after the second month at the moment but will keep you informed.

I think the best thing to do is try it and if you don't work well on it there is always another medication the hospital can look in to trying with you!

Good luck.

Hello eq!

Thank you so much for your response it's so good to hear your treatment is working so well and symptom free. I just can't imagine being psoriasis free so can completely imagine when it happens it's like having a new life again. I'm so excited to try this I just hope I have as good an outcome as you.

That's really interesting to hear about the appointment side too as I had no idea how often this would be. Would really appreciate any more info for the months ahead as and when it happens :)

Could I ask when you were offered ciclosporin how long was it till you took your first dose from accepting the treatment? Can you tell I'm eager to get started he he

Thanks again :)

I am just about to start on Cyclosporin and am greatly encouraged by your post!

I have had Psoriasis for nearly 40 years and it is now the worst it has ever been.

It has just ruined a two week cruise in the Caribbean!

I will report back on this thread when I start my treatment.

Hi Roland would be great to see how you get on! Could I ask what happens from agreeing to taking this medication to actually taking it? Do you have to go for tests first or do you just start to asking this straight away then go for tests? Also how long is it till you can start taking the medication from agreeing to taking this treatment?

Many thanks

I was seen at the hospital at the start of January and was prescribed the medication whilst I was there so I decided to pick it up from the hospital pharmacy before leaving.

Unfortunately I have a phobia of swallowing tablets and they were just a little too big for me to take, I phoned the hospital immediately and they sent a prescription the same day to my home address and started the Solution version within just over a week! Thankfully they were really helpful and understanding.

Before leaving with the prescription they only took a blood pressure test from me as I had already been having my bloods done in the last month from coming off previous medication and having problems with that so they might do a blood test as well but don't quote me on that!

Any more info just ask and I'll help where I can, other than that I hope you both have good results and no side effects and enjoy being P free for a while!!

Started Ciclosporin today!

2 x 100mg capsules per day.

I have to go back in two weeks for a reviewand have a blood test before I go.

I will report back on this post how I get on.

Two days in and no side effects yet nor improvement!

How long is it before you notice side effects or improvement?

I finished taking Acetretin about two weeks ago and have noticed a lot more scalyness so at least it seems to have been keeping that in check.

Hi Roland glad to hear your not having side affects so far! Iv got my dermatology appointment next week and hoping to be put on this then. Will be interested to know the answer of your question about when side affects start if they are too. Did you have to have any tests or anything before starting on cyclosporin? I'm hoping that I can start taking this on wednesday if they give this to me my skin is so bad now.

I had to have a blood test before starting the medication and will have another in two weeks before my review. If everything is OK it will then be a month before another blood test and review after that I don't know.

Ah that's good to know did you have the blood test the same day as your appointment and how long after your test was you given the medication?

I had the blood test about four days before my appointment with the dermatologist.

Three and a half days in to my treatment and I think I am seeing my first side effects!

It is difficult to describe but the best way to describe it would be that my fingers feel like I have been out in the cold for too long.

No improvement in the Psoriasis yet!

Hi Roland/Holly

Tingling fingers was a common side effect with me, I loved ciclosporin because it cleared me within about 4-6 weeks, it was the first time in about 20 years that I had been clear (used it twice) but had to stop both times because of raised blood pressure. Currently on Otezla (apremilast) which started well but stopped working after about 6 months now been given ok to use secukinumab, we'll see how that goes. Good luck to both of you, Daniel

Hope your getting on ok Roland how are your fingers? My appointment is with the dermatologist tomorrow! Two years ago I was offered ciclosporin but didn't take it as I wasn't that bad, so I will be asking if I can go on this as I'm really bad now.. I just really hope they let me go on this and I get to take it soon I'm so fed up with my psoriasis would just love a break from it. Feeling a bit anxious about my appointment now

I'm absolutely gutted, getting ready for my appointment and I get a call to say there is no clinic today I'm so upset! They are looking to get me an appointment soon but I was desperate for today's appointment :(

I started cyclosporine 3 - 4 weeks ago, I can see a small improvements in some of my affected areas but nothing in others, side effects for me so far have been rough, headaches, stomach aches, cold burning fingers, dizziness and losing focus on things easily. I want to continue on the meds though as methotrexate calmed it down but never cleared it really. Going to the dermy today to see how my bloods and blood pressure are looking.

Ten days now and only occasional tingling in the fingers,

I noticed something strange yesterday, not sure if it is related to the treatment.

One of my fingers kept getting stuck at an angle, no pain just couldn't move it without pushing it back into place then it was OK.

I think it was muscle related not joint but don't know, very odd!

Been taking Ciclosporin for two weeks now and am starting to see a slight improvement with a reduction of the redness.

Side effects are limited to the occasional tingling of the fingers.

I had a blood test on Friday and a review with the Dermatologist on Wednesday.

So far so good!

Hi Roland,

Sounds like it's going well for you! My appointment got re arranged for this Tuesday i can't wait for it now! Glad to hear your having an improvement already! Do you still have scaling and itching?

Thank you for your posts good to hear how you are getting on :)

Do you have to stop taking creams like dovobet , silkis etc? When on ciclosporin?

So I had my appointment today and the dermatologist has advised I go on ciclosporin, I'm so happy they have agreed, I'm having blood tests this week and got my next appointment Tuesday. Hopefully I can start the treatment next week :) how is everyone doing?

Holly1 I am still using Dovobet with the Ciclosporin.

Been for my two weekly review and my cholesterol and potassium are high but I have been given another four weeks medication.

Thank you Roland that's good to know I can still potentially take dovobet to. Glad your still able to continue for another 4 weeks! How are your side affects? And how is your psoriasis clearing up?

So I've currently been on Ciclosporin for around 2 months now and I too get the tingly fingers now and again, more likely when it's cold!

There has been a good improvement to my face and ears, little improvement to my scalp as I still have small plaques around my head and minor improvements to my elbows and knees. At the moment I'm not very impressed with it as it doesn't appear to be clearing up anymore but got my derm appointment in 2 weeks so going to discuss with them when I go!

I was given ciclosporin today and took my first dose this evening. I'm on 100mg x2 per day, my next appointment is in 5 weeks for more blood tests and I have to have my blood pressure checked twice per week. Was thinking of buying a blood pressure machine and taking my own readings, does anyone do this and have recommendations for a machine?

Eq that's a shame it's not working out as you hoped! Hopefully at your next appointment they can do something and give you the results you want. Keep us posted on how you get on

Three weeks in and still no obvious side effects, some patches seem to be clearing but new patches are still appearing so no net gain apart from the redness/purple has faded a bit.

Glad you don't have an side affects Roland!! Shame your getting new patches. How long till your next appointment?

I'm two days in and so far just tingly fingers and sometimes if I put my hand in Luke warm water it feels boiling. I'm also using although not every daily diprosilic (not sure on spelling, been on this for a week) so far the scaling seems to have disappeared and isn't coming back yet, the redness isn't looking sore just a paler version. But tonight iv noticed that this is the first time iv had a shower where I haven't been in pain after so I'm happy with that. Love hearing how your all getting on!

Hi how is everyone doing? So two weeks in my psoriasis doesn't look angry anymore but it's still noticeable, some patches are fading but not enough just yet. It started off quite quickly with noticing a change but it has slowed down quite a bit, not getting worse but maintaining. Does anyone know if this is normal and whether it will continue to improve?

Side affects only seem to be tingly fingers and toes and sometimes water feels like it's boiling hot when it's Luke warm. Other than that I haven't noticed any other side affects.

Six weeks in and no real side effects but no real improvement either!

My skin is not as red or itchy but the psoriasis is still spreading, onto the backs of my hands now!

Dermatologist is happy that my psoriasis is beginning to clear and has given me another months supply of ciclosporin.

He has also taken me of Dovobet and prescribed a new moisturiser called Cetraban, anyone used it?

Hi there I am just about to start using ciclosporin. Bit nervous about it but having read your comments etc it sounds like its worth trying. My psoriasis has been getting worse and worse and is now just so sore and itchy its unbearable. It's everywhere with new patches appearing all the time. I wanted to try light treatment again but dermatologist thinks this would be better to try. Just waiting to see specialist nurse and do initial blood test then I will start it.

Not sure what else to do as have tried so many different creams and lotions and steroids but nothing really helps. I wash with Zerobase and use Zerogel as a moisturiser and use Capsal for my scalp and Betnovate sometimes too but I just hate the comments the dermatologist makes like moisturise 4-5 times a day!!! It's just not possible!!

Anyway just wanted to say hi on this post has its all about what I am about to start so your comments are really useful. Thank you

Hi all,

I have just come off cyclosporine. I was on it for a year. This was amazing for me. I had the worst flare up I have ever had. I was 80% covered. Within 2 weeks, the psoriasis was clear, left faded red patches, after 3 month they faded.

When I was first on this I had weekly blood test for first month, then went every 2 week. Once I reach 6 months it went monthly. All appointments with the dermatologist was every 8 weeks.

Only side effects were the cold burning sensation in my fingers and toe when there was a change in temperature, this was most noticeable during bath/showers. After 2 minutes it went back to normal. Warming them gradually help.

I am now starting methotrexate, progress is not as good as cyclosporine, and side effects and nice either but I'm hopeful as I adjust to this medication.

Hope you find cyclosporine as good as I did.

Hello Kirsty,

I was on Methotrexate before Ciclosporin and it had completely cleared my skin within 1 month, I was about 80% covered from head to toe and was so happy with this treatment. Hopefully, it will start to show improvements soon!

I've been on Ciclosporin for 3-4 months now and most of my body has cleared up except for a few patches in my scalp and my elbows have not budged at all. I'm not overly impressed with Ciclosporin as Methotrexate, especially as the dermatologist said I would be clear within 2 weeks. I'm still very happy that most of my psoriasis has cleared up and can finally enjoy things that I had to stop doing.

Hope progress for everyone else here has been good!

Just starting taking cyclosporine and my first dose of 250mg (1x100mg and 1x150mg) twice a day is killing me!.

I literally feel like I'm going to puke, and have terrible indigestion.

Hope everyone is doing well on cyclosporine.

Was just wondering, my friend just informed me that her son has chicken pox who I was with a few days ago. I had chicken pox as a child. Does anyone know if using ciclosporin you can catch chicken pox even though you have had it?

Hi. I was diagnosed with erythrodermic psoriasis after a lot of dr visits and pain. I've never had psoriasis until 6 months ago and it spread so quick. I was covered EVERYWHERE apart from my face.

I've been on ciclosporin(neoral 100mg twice a day) for 2 weeks and there is definite improvement but I'm still quite red/purple especially on my legs.

I was wondering how long it took for this to go away? And also did you experience hair loss as mine is falling out loads! But I read 79% of females do experience hair loss and it's mainly in the first month.

I haven't came across anyone else with erythrodermic psoriasis and so it's been difficult to find out information.

Welcome to a very exclusive club. My doctor told me that about 3% of the population have Psorasis, and about 1 in 300 of that figure will get Erythroderma. . Mine kicked off December 2016, though I've had P since I was a child, it never really been a problem before. 2 weeks is not very long, It took the best part of a month before mine started to improve, though when it did kick in the improvement was dramatic.. The side effects can be wearisome (That is very bowlderised!) but I would say stick with it it is worth it. I'm now starting to come of the stuff, That takes almost as long. The important thing is that is to accept that there is no miracle cure. It's easy to get impatient, and the majority of people do not realise how debilitating it can be. Your body is currently at war with itself., eat well and drink plenty. It will improve.

Thank you for the reply.

I've been trying to stay positive and it's improving everyday only I'm still very itchy. When does the itching stop? Whenever I scratch it come up red and spotty.

I found two things that helped with itchyness, one was the 50/50 paraffin ointment,, though if it rains you leave an oil slick behind. The other is one of those 'Gipsy' remedies. Get some cheap porridge oats, cheapest you can as they are least refined. Put a couple of generous handfuls into a pice of white cloth or an old flannel and put into the bath water . When you squeeze the cloth a creamy liquid will appear, just rub in on and soack. I never use soap but always a baby wash, again supermarket 's own works OK. Shampoo is similar, most shampoos are far more concentrated than you need anyway. Get a cheap shampoo and dilute it 4 to 1 before use, then buy a bottle of Tea Tree oil and ad a couple of drops to every litre of the diluted shampoo and use that. Cleans hair perfectly well, and saves money. By the time of your post, I'd guess your sleep patterns are all over the place. That I'm afraid can also happen, and is probably one of the most dibiatating things..

One problem is to get people to take the matter seriously, even I who have had P all my life was cavalier until the Company Doctor said quite bluntly 'You know you can die of this'? That brought me and my employers up very short. The Cyclosporin will need a month to 6 weeks to really kick in, but it is worth it the end. These are the bad parts, but the positive is it will better. Follow the Dermatologists advice,but you do have the right to feel fed up and frustrated. Don't apologise for it.

Anyone had a cold while on ciclosporin? I've only been taking it a week but caught a cold and really suffering?

Actual cold or sore throat? The throat seems to be a constant I'm afraid. If it is a sneezing type cold, see your Doctor. You may need propohlactic antibiotics/

Both. Thanks for the advice I will book an appointment tomorrow

If you have any trouble swallowing, the advice I was given was straight to A&E and inform them your on Cyclosporin which is a low rate refferal IE Strightaway seen.

Dodgewc51 that's good to know about going a&e for that I didn't know. I have had a few colds and sore throat on and off but didn't seem worse than I have had before so I let it ride it's course pharmasist said to take paracetamol which helped a tad but I was ok. Hope you feel better soon!

Pleasure, we an exclusive club you know! Got to help and advise each other :-)

Thanks for the advice. Are there anymore useful tips for looking aftet myself anybody can share?

Drink plenty, it can make you feel de hydrated, and it helps the kidneys as well . One oddity that caught me during the recent exceptionally hot weather, the side effects of Cyclosporin, the tingling in lips and fingers and the odd muscle ache, can mimic signs of a heart attack, I ended up in Guys overnight being monitored, no problems in the end, but not a good way to spend the evening. Use a baby wash , rather than soap, and add a bath foam, I use the cheap Tesco's stuff works fine. Avoid Bio washing detergents. Cyclosporin is not something dished out willy nilly, and the effects can make you feel is it worth it at times. Yes it is! May take a month or so before you see effects, but it does work. New treatments are coming along all the time, I've been offered an injected treatment once a month , so we'll see if that works.

Thank you for the useful tips and I hope the injections work well for you.

One week into my course of Ciclosporin and for the last couple of days have been extremely itchy after a shower. Is this normal?

One week in the stuff should be starting to have an effect. It is a long term treatment, that's the drawback. One thing the skin does do, which most don't appreciate, is help control body tempreture. I spent most of the winter bloody freezing and the early part of the summer (Ha!) boiling, just can't win. Your skin will be sensitive for a couple of weeks, bear in mind your body is fighting itself at the moment so all sorts of weird things can happen. Try using a baby type wash, never soap, that's bad for skin anyway. As soon as you have showered slap on an emolient, I was given 50/50 paraffin that will sooth it down. As you settle into the routine it will improve. Have you started noticing tingling lips yet? That's quite common, especially with hot drinks. Keep with it , it is worth it. I've had Psorasis alll my life, my Mother had so no big deal, just is. Till after 59 years and 8 months, Erythrodermia, and a very nice Doctor saying 'You know you can die of this? ***********!!

Take the condition seriously. I'm not being a gloom and doom merchant, but one problem is convincing others, yes you are ill, seriously.

I've been getting tingling in my fingers, especially when I lie down. I have got Dermol 500 which I have been using as a soap but I can also use it to mousturise so will start slapping it on when I get out of the shower. I have read on the internet that it can be life threatening. I have psoriasis in all the high impact areas, the worst of which being ALL of my backside area, and have spent the last few years in quite a bit of pain so am willing to go through any and all side effects to get this cleared up.

At least you know you're not alone. Try some of the 50/50 parrafin if you can get hold of it. Horrible stuff gloppy and get everywhere but it's effective. One drawback, the only medicine I know that comes with a Stay away from naked flame' warning. so no toasting the bum by an open fire. :-) I found ordinary cheap Tesco baby wash/shampoo was the best stuff to use, The water where I live is so hard you can eat it so not the best to wash in anyway. I ended up looking like a bright red Michieln Man, and was walking about laying trails of white dust behind me, embarrasing and unpleasent. I found the side effects more annoying than anything else. Give it another week or two and things should stabilise. Do drink plenty, keep the kidneys well flushed, that is important.

Thank you for the advice

Any time mate.

Starting Ciclosporin today..have high hopes from all the reviews. The results reported of total clear up of skin is great news

Don't expect overnight results. Give it three of four weeks and you will amazed.

Thanks! Have you been on this drug long?

Just coming of it actually. Started last December , that was with 100% Erythroderma. , so by the time I finish it will be about 10 months. The dosage is worked according to your weight, so everyone is different. The dose will build up but then needs to be slowly brought down till you reach a maintience dose or change treatment. Worth keeping a note with you of the drugs your on and the dosage in case of emergency. Timing of dose is important in the first few weeks at least, Just follow medical advice.

Thanks for your advise. I will post soon. My derm told me that you can go onto the vitamin a drug (acer somthing)as a bridge whilst reducing ciclosporin dose.

Not heard that one, Folic Acid is used to reduce side effects of Matraxine, though I want to avoid that. Treatments are improving all the time. I've been discussing an injected treatment with my dermatologist , but that is very new so we'll see. There is advice and support here, or if you just want a good moan, believe me at sometime you will :-)

For what??

Annegrey: For 59 years Psoriasis was nothing more than a nusiance. Then I was warned I could of die of a complication Erytrodermia. What food could cure that? Cyclosporin is a very powerful drug, no reputable Dermatologist would perscribe it unless the patient needed it.

Unfortunately I don't believe foods can cure my condition! And my dermatologist is very good at what he does! Different drugs affect different people in different ways. I have read about what foods I can and can't eat but I'm sorry I like the foods I eat. You stick to your ways and leave this forum to deal with theirs.

Giacy, yes if it was that easy none of would here.

Last few days I have had a cold last night I felt so rough pounding headache felt achey, lost my voice and throats hurts this morning I feel ever so slightly better the headache isn't as severe and I'm not as achey but symptoms are still there and throat still hurts. Should I be worried having these symptoms whilst on cyclosporin?

I asked my doctor for a throat gargle, that helped. If you don't want to go to the doctor, then Liquid TCP, diluted as per instructions, tastes foul but doe sooth the throat. If you have trouble swallowing then go straight to the doctor ofr AE and tell them what you are on.

Clearskinpls I hope using cyclosporine gives you the results you want. From my experience I am so impressed I never thought I would have clear skin again I got to the point where I was so fed up and depressed over the state of my skin and the pain I was in with it. Was dubious about taking the drugs as I heard about some side affects but I'm so glad I did it been on these since end of march and it does take a good few weeks to notice a few changes but I'm 99% clear now!! Il be coming off these next month and by then it should be completely gone. It has totally changed my life sounds extreme to say but it really has! This forum has been fantastic with answering my questions and just hearing from people in the same situation is so helpful. Good luck :)

When you come off it will flare, but at least for me the return is at a level I can live with quite happily. It will be a couple of months before any follow up is decided, so I'm at decsion time. Do I continue with another treatment, or return to the staus quo, where I have some plaques but not enough to worry.

Thank you for that thats interesting but like you say hopefully it will be at a manageable level that I can try to controll. It's so nice having clear skin though so I can understand that decision being hard.

Thank you for the advice with the sore throats I will buy this. So far I'm able to swollow fine but if that changes I will go a&e appreciate your help :)

That's what the forum is for :-)

One week in with Ciclosporin and good results. .skin is beginning to fade and any white scaly stuff is gone so no more skin trails. Dodge's recommendation of Baby Lotion is a great tip . Its easy non greasy and smells great....I smell like a fifty year old baby but im cool with that.

As for side affects occasional cold feet whilst sleeping...so , so far so good...I think feeding your body with good healthy food helps the body with Ciclosporin's change affect on body

Great news.

Can I ask you how its going with you? Now your off ciclosporin or coming off it what are your next options? You said your results have greatly improved

Some scale coming back at the base of the spine, otherwise, nothing visible. . Though I am, a bit fed up. The Erythrodermia was bad enough that I've been off work about 6 months over the year, and every time I was it's poured down with rain ! Good news, changed job to something I enjoy and a lot less stress, so that probably has helped. On full dose the skin was totally clear, that gives the time to allow the body to heal, so now coming off my skin seems to be back in equilibrium. With how it is now there are no practical problem so I hope to go to back to , I don't bother it, it don't bother me. Though for me Psorasis has been there since childhood at some level, so I'm used to it. I have to say at my last job I had a very good manager, who supported me through the whole episode. That helped a lot.

That sounds positive and practical

We all know that it can creep back but I agree a work balance helps..I too have had to reduce my working pattern. And work stress is definitely a factor. Im glad you have found a more enjoyable vocation. If you can avoid any itching and scratching that inflames the skin. You may keep it at bay....so good luck!

Touch wood, no itching ! This whole episode did make me think and re-evaluate things, as the old saying goes,'No pockets in a shroud'. The important thing is get it back under control

I've always been careful about things like, what material clothing has been made of, what detergents I use to wash them, and things like soaps etc. Though clothing wise that's mostly because I worked outside with horses, and agriculture so looked for kit that would protect me in all conditions, never Denim by the way, horrible stuff, hard, heavy when wet retains no heat when wet, difficult to dry, but that's personal. Best things I've found for next to the skin, pure soft cotton, silk, very effective but expensive and Pure Merino , note must be Merino, wool. Again expensive, but hard wearing easy to clean and long lasting so worth it in the end. The unique part about Merino wool AKA The Golden Fleece' is that the staple, which is the fineness of each thread, is smaller than 30 microns, so actually fits bettween the nerves of the skin, and you don't feel it.

Your tips and advice are very appreciated I think your right ; clothing on skin is a big factor ..have you found an ideal non bio for clothes? I use non bio, but as with your clothes idea , any material especially what it is washed with is definitely a consideration

For anything that is delicate or expensive I tend to Favour a company call Nikwax. they do a range of cleaners and treatments for outdoor kit. For standard laundry, Liquids, less residue than powders, which can cause irritation, non bio. Fairy Non bio is my usual standby. Another oddity, bio detergents tend to upset the eco systems of sewage treatment plants. If you live in the wilds with a septic tank or small scale treatment unit not a good idea.

There is a little nemonic for clothing To stay comfortable think COLD, Clean, Overdressing to be avoided, you sweat, Loose and Dry. As for feet., especially coming into the Autumn and winter , invest in a pair of Sealskinz or similar Gortex or Sympatec breathable socks. They work well in summer to as your feet sweat, the vapour can pass through the EPTFE breathable layer, but when it condense to water the drops are to big to get back, so feet always dry and comfortable. In winter thye are totally waterproof from outside, so your feet stay warm and dry. Wicking type materials also work well, but will allow water back. The Gortex are very good if you wear wellies as if your feet sweat the water stays inside and will get cold so your feet freeze. A Scottish friend of mine did once suggest I try the traditional Scot's answer to cold wellies. Stuff boots with fresh cow muck and straw. I declined graciously.

Ha ha! Im sure your Scots friend had your best wishes at heart...dont discount his idea ; old remedies are sometimes the best ! Psoriasis has been around for forever

Muck does have it's uses. Another old country treatment for skin complaints is to take crushed oats, put in a muslin cloth and wet in hot water, when you squeeze the muslin you get a white milky liquid, very rich in soluble Vitamin E, soothes skin wonderfully. Now sold in a flash bottle at scary prices advertised by a super model. I use the cheap supermarket porridge oats. Also a dry handful with a drop of liquid soap will take off dirt , oils and paints from the hands as well as the chemicals such as Swarfega. A drop of Tea Tree oil about £2 a bottle, lasts for a lot of treatments, in a 1 litre bottle of cheap shampoo diluted down to 25% , you get an expensive shampoo.

Yes tea tree is a good tip, oats and muslin I think I would probably get half on me and the other half all over the bathroom! Ive been taking tumeric, lots of positive benefits. .I think it did calm my psoriasis down a bit ...also as lots of spinach, all helps the body

Dump the muslin and oats in the bath, works the same way. Food wise Seaweed extract has a lot of good properties, and can now be bought for human consumption. mainly for Iodine and other trace elements. Though like all these things be careful, over dose can be harmful.

There is a lot more solid scientific research into feeding animals than humans, but then you need to know your input into a production system ie farm animal so you can make the best profit. I'm not a cynic (Honestly!) just so many health food/supplement adverts make me laugh. High in Protein! What type? Soluble or non soluble, 90% less fat, compared to what? See my thinking? :-)

Hi All, took my first dose of Ciclosporin today. Curious to know did anyone experience any side effects such as increased body hair (more so for the women) or increased growth of the gums?

Hi Marylou. I consulted my dentist when I first started taking it, he told me it would be years of taking it before he would expect to see an effect. Why not check with your own Dentist, they won't mind, in fact they need to know if you have any treatment. ? Hair, I never noted any difference, but I'm male. Main things are tingiling, lips, , fingers and toes., and a sore throat. Ask your Doctor for a throat gargle, or Dequidin lozenges will soothe nicely. Just follow the Dermitologist advice. You may well feel a bit knocked about to start with, but it is worth it. Plenty of help and support here

Thanks DodgeWC51. I'm due a check up with my Dentist next month so I will be sure to mention it then. I was just curious as this is the first oral treatment I've tried, up until now it's always been creams.

Marylou I am having excess hair growth on my chin. Nightmare! Having to pluck my chin daily 😩

I have also been really suferring with aching joints particularly knees and ankles and now my back and unfortunately planter fascititus has flared up too in my feet 😩

That said my skin is looking amazing and almost 6 weeks in I am very impressed. Is a relief to not have many skin symptoms anymore 😊👍

Seeing consultant at end Aug and am nervous about stoping ciclosporin as just dont want it to come back.

I still have marks on skin but very faded now and no scaling and very infrequent itching so really pleased. Apart from the muscle pain and joint pain.

Blaynster: Good news and bad news I'm afraid. The scales will come back when you stop taking the Cyclosporin. Though mine is not as bad as it was, so for me is livable with, plus the other side effects disappear! I can taste things again and if I have a hot drink, it dosen't feel like a mouthful of fizz. Good news: There are new treatments all the time, my dermitologist is suggesting an injected treatment, which reduces side effects considerable, and is less disruptive of life in general.

I'll discuss it further with her in October and let everyone know. But one helpful thing she said to me 'You don't have to live covered in it. Everyone is different in there levels of tolerance and the effectiveness of treatments. There's one out there that will work for you.

Thanks DodgeWC51 useful to know. I suppose I am just dreading it coming back as bad as it did before.

Saying that I have a phototherapy lamp now which I will be able to use once I have stopped the drug so hoping that will help keep the psoriasis you can see at bay :-)

Consultant next week so will see what she says

Been about ten days since I stopped taking Cyclosporin. There is some return of flakes and a bit of redness,around the lower back and a bit on the ankles. I was warned that would happen, the immune system getting back on track. It's now a balancing act , no drug is completly harmless, if it was it wouldn't work. They do after all change how your body works. The good side is I can now taste things again , no odd tingles or aches. The Cyclosporin did what it had to do, which was treat a pontentially fatal condition. Now just the normal, things I was doing before is keeping it easily managable. so I'm happy at the moment. See what happens over the next couple of weeks, if it dies down again great, if not then when I see the Doctor in October I'll discuss further treatment. The UV treatment that hospitals provide is a lot different to any commercialy available product, and of course UV has it's own risk. I come from Jersey, which argues it is the melanoma capital of the world, yes, I know New Zealand claims that , but there are less of us, it's a lot smaller rock. Anyway, even as primary school kids we were taught about avoiding sun burn and covering up , so be careful. A little may well help, but avoid overcooking.

I'm coming off my tablets in one months time and I'm dreading Its nice to hear how your getting on being ciclosporin free dodgewc51..

Blaynster im sure you may know but just in case you haven't been told. My dermatologist told me that although your immune system comes back quite quickly the skin takes a little longer so she said to make sure I use factor 50 on my holiday as my skin will still be sensitive to the sun. She didn't say how long it takes, so maybe worth asking how long before you use your lamp :)

Thanks DodgeWC51 and Holly1. Good to know from people going through it all at the same sort of time, what to expect.

I have done UV treatment at hospital so know all about the risks associated with it and plan to be very careful. My skin is fair so I can only do seconds initially anyway. If it helps me manage it then great.

It is a proper uv lamp with narrowband UVB bulbs so the same as a hospital. Totally take on board what you say though so thank you.

I may have another 6 weeks On cyclosporine so will see how it goes. The joint and muscle pain is pretty uncomfortable though. See what the consultant says next week.

Thanks guys

So now been on ciclosporin for 4 weeks. Results are impressive. ...99% faded away.

Side effects: some muscle pain but shorterm. Some Gum growth so i do lots of flossing to keep that at bay.it works for me.

As Dodge suggested baby lotion to keep the skin supple...im not a doctor but if you don't scratch , the skin responds by not getting red and no outbreaks.

I think this treatment is excellent but when i come off the treatment ....it may or may not creep back....who knows. ..fingers crossed..

good luck all

Great feeling isn't it? Best wishes. :-)

Im glad your results are positive since coming of ciclosporin recently Dodge.

Im unsure of Uvb; overcooking in my opinion makes my condition worse. Whats your next course of action?

Hi ClearskinPls I definitely don't plan on overcooking at all!! I burn very easily and always have done. I have always used a high factor skin protection when in the sun and tend to sit in the shade more than the sun itself. Its too hot for me.

The UVB therapy has helped in the past control my psoriasis so thats why I have invested in my own lamp so I don't have to go to the hospital for 30 seconds treatment 3 times a week. I can do it at home now.

I will of course be taking as much advice as I can from my dermatologist and the company I purchased the lamp from have a helpline too as they are specialists in supplying UVB lamps for chronic skin conditions.

I don't know when I can use the lamp yet but will be very careful. Its all about finding what works for you best and everyone is different. So pleased to hear yours has also faded and cleared a lot.

My arms are the best but my legs are not great though there are no plaques just a lot of scarring still. If thats the best I can expect them great at least I am not leaving a skin trail wherever I go anymore!!!

Hi Blaynster...its a silly question ..I apologise in advance....are the lamps definitely hall marked by Phillips ..its important. Also keep out of natural sun if your using lamps

Yes 100%. They are Phillips 100w/TL01 UVB Medical Narrowband tubes.

The company is called Much Better Skin and are leaders in narrowband technologies.

Full researched and investigated to make sure correct.

I don't sit in the sun anyway so would no issue :-)

I will only be using it 3 times a week the same as if I was at the hospital having treatment but I will have the convenience of doing it at home.

It would not allow you to do more than 5 minutes max anyway but I only ever got up to about 3 minutes at the hospital after 4 months so...........

Don't worry I will be careful :-)

Thanks for the concern

Blaynster: There is now clothing available that has specific UV protection rating. Mostly from outdoor shops as it is used by climbers due to UV effects at altitude and those working in tropical climates. reduces the need to keep topping up with creams.

Thats great...so much better than going to the hospital. ....ive done uvb 3 times over 8 years and results were good. But I think my skin just doesn't like it anymore so I stopped it in January...but the nurse did say if you uvb its very important to moisturise afterwards. . Good luck!

I was also told don't forget goggles, and being male there are ..certain..- other portions -must be covered during treatment. And who says UV treatment is straight forward? One thing about it in winter though, does give the Seritionin a boost, so should make you much happier, whilst the rest of us are cold and miserable> :-)

Just an update folks. Been off the Cyclosporin for about 6 weeks now. Good and bad. The P as flared up badly. Lots of small red spots , like a bad case of measels. scaling came up , but that now seems to be calming down. So a bit more wait and see. Due to see Dermatologist next month. Getting a bit fed up as it looks like any alterntive treatment will effect life and work . Ho hum, we will see.

Hey D

Im still on Ciclosporin with excellent results for another few weeks...we both talked about it before that once your off it the body gets back to attacking the skin...but maybe the Ciclo has given your body a good chance to stablelise and the P will be less and more manageable?

Are you itching and more importantly are you sctatching ?

rgds T

Dodgewc51 glad it's now calming down for you have you been using anything whilst you have been off cyclosporin? I came off of mine yesterday very nervous as to how my skin is now going to react. My next appointment is November so not too long to wait.

Let us know how you get on at your appointment next month

Hey guys. Not to itchy fortunatley. The old 50/50 paraffin ointment is helping a lotTrouble is as you know, it's impossible to predict from one day to the next how your skin will react. Today is less red but more scale. I've about a month till my next appointment but can call up if the situation goes critical. Currently annoying, but, not life threatening. So the Cyclosporin did as T suggests, let every thing rest and recuperate. So now hopefully will reach equilibrium. Been 10 months since this all started, so no miracle cure.

Not posted an update for a while so thought I would let everyone know how it was going.

I started on Ciclosporin in February just after my psoriasis had spoilt a Caribbean cruise (we visited some of the places we have seen flattened on the telly).

I had been on Methatrexate but that made my P worse, I had also been using Dovobet for years.

I started to see some improvement after about a month and after two months my consultant suggested I stop using Dovobet.

Since then my P has practically cleared!

From about 75% coverage of my arms, legs, buttocks and also large patches on my back and stomach not to mention the genital psoriasis I now only have the odd small patch appear now and then but nothing permanent.

I have been very lucky with the side effects that I can definitely attribute to Ciclosporin with only some tingling in the hands.