Unavailable Treatments
Unfortunately, treatments and over-the-counter products occasionally become unavailable for a variety of reasons.
See below for updates on the unavailable treatments that we are aware of, but please do get in touch with us if you become aware of an issue that is not listed below. We are not always contacted by treatment manufacturers when there is an availability concern, and so we do rely on the information of our supporters.
Temporarily unavailable
The following treatments are experiencing temporary supply issues:
Capimune® (Ciclosporin) capsules 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
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.
We contacted them again in January 2023 and they advised that there is no update.
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.
Discontinued
The following treatments have been permanently discontinued:
Calcipotriol Scalp Lotion.
Diprobase Ointment and Diprobase Cream
Dithrocream (Dithranol)
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.
Eucerin Intensive Cream & Lotion
Exorex Hair and Body Shampoo
Exorex Moisturising Cream