Unavailable Treatments

Following recent availability issues with the vitamin D-based topical treatment, Silkis Ointment (calcitriol), we contacted its manufacturer, Galderma (U.K.) Ltd, for an update in mid-August.

Galderma advised that pharmacies will be able to order stock of Silkis Ointment from 24th August onwards, once the product has been delivered to wholesalers.

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.

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.

In August 2020 we were made aware that Ceanel Shampoo had been acquired by Derma UK. We have since spoken to Derma UK who advised us that Ceanel Shampoo currently remains unavailable, however they are working tirelessly to bring the product back to market.

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 January 2020 we reported an update from Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, manufacturer of the topical corticosteroid treatment, Clarelux foam, stating that the product's return had been delayed once again and they did not know when it would return to stock.

We have since contacted Pierre Fabre for a further update and they told us that, unfortunately, Clarelux foam will not be available before the end of 2020. They do hope that the product will return to stock in 2021, but are unable to provide a specific date for its return at this time.

If you have any questions or would like further information, Pierre Fabre can be contacted directly either by phone on 0118 334 8003, or by email at medicalinformation@pierre-fabre.co.uk.

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.

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 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.