Unavailable Treatments

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.

Ceanel Shampoo has since been acquired by Derma UK. We contacted Derma in September 2021 for an update and they advised us that Ceanel Shampoo currently remains unavailable but they are hopeful it will be available again in the first quarter of 2022.

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 spring 2021, we reported an update from the manufacturer, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, stating that manufacture of Clarelux foam was beginning again but it may still take some time for the product to return to pharmacy shelves. At that point, they estimated that Clarelux foam would be available again around September 2021.

We contacted Pierre Fabre for a further update in September and they confirmed that they are still hopeful that Clarelux foam will be available in autumn 2021.

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 February 2021 we were made aware of a supply issue with the coconut oil compound ointment, Cocois. We contacted the manufacturer, RPH Pharmaceuticals AB, who confirmed the product was unavailable in both 100g and 40g quantities.

In September 2021 we contacted the manufacturer for a further update. RPH confirmed that 100g quantities of Cocois Ointment are now available once again, but the 40g size will remain unavailable until October.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by email at customer.care@recipharm.com or phone on 0845 023 0467.

Back in March 2021 we reported that Polytar Scalp Shampoo was out of stock and the manufacturers were not able to provide a date for the products return.

In September 2021 we contacted Thornton & Ross Ltd, the manufacturer of the coal-tar treatment, for a further update. They confirmed that Polytar Scalp Shampoo remains unavailable and they could not provide an estimated date for its return.

If you have any questions or would like further information, Thornton & Ross can be contacted directly either by phone on 01484 848 164, or by email at thorntonross@medinformation.co.uk.

In February 2021 we were made aware of a supply issue with the coconut oil compound ointment, Cocois. We contacted the manufacturer, RPH Pharmaceuticals AB, who confirmed the product was unavailable in both 100g and 40g quantities.

In September 2021 we contacted the manufacturer for a further update. RPH confirmed that 100g quantities of Cocois Ointment are now available once again, but the 40g size will remain unavailable until October.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by email at customer.care@recipharm.com or phone on 0845 023 0467.

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 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 2021 we contacted Dermal Laboratories for an update on the availability of Dithrocream (Dithranol) after receiving an enquiry from one of our members.

Dermal confirmed that Dithrocream has been discontinued in all remaining strengths (0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%) citing difficulties sourcing the active ingredient and issues beyond their control as the reasons for the decision. The news comes after Dithrocream 2.0% was discontinued last year.  

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.

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.

In March 2021 we received an enquiry from a member regarding the availability of Exorex Moisturising Cream. We contacted the manufacturer, Teva UK Limited, for an update on the availability of the product.

Teva UK confirmed that Exorex Moisturising Cream has been discontinued permanently and will not be returning to stock.

Please note that this update refers to Exorex Moisturising Cream only. Exorex Lotion continues to be available as normal.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 0800 590 502 (stock availability), or by email at medinfo@tevauk.com (medical information).

In 2017, the manufacturer, Riemser, announced that the ready-prepared Dithranol treatment Micanol Cream had been discontinued. Both strengths of the cream (1% and 3%) are no longer available.

If you have any questions or would like more information, Riemser can be contacted directly by email at info@riemser.com.

In 2019, Allergan Ltd announced that the tazarotene-based topical treatment Zorac Gel had been discontinued due to business changes. There were no safety issues with the product.

If you have any questions or would like more information, Allergan can be contacted directly either by phone on 01628 494 026, or by email at UK_MedInfo@Allergan.com.