Unavailable Treatments

Following a recent query regarding availability of the vitamin D-based topical treatment, Silkis Ointment (calcitriol), we contacted its manufacturer, Galderma (U.K.) Ltd, in mid-July.

Galderma advised that Silkis Ointment is temporarily out of stock and should return to pharmacies by the end of July 2020.

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 February 2020, we contacted Alliance Pharmaceuticals, manufacturer of the medicated scalp shampoo, Ceanel Concentrate, for an update on the product which has been unavailable since 2018. They confirmed that they are still unable to source the raw materials required for its manufacture and, as such, Ceanel remains out of production and is unlikely to be available again in the near future.

In the meantime, Alliance Pharma recommends that anyone affected by the unavailability of Ceanel Shampoo discusses suitable alternatives with their GP or Pharmacist.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 01249 466 966, or by email at medinfo@alliancepharma.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 January 2020, Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmetique, the manufacturer of topical corticosteroid treatment, Clarelux foam, contacted us with an update on the availability of the product.

They confirmed that stocks of the product, which were expected to return to pharmacies in January 2020, have been delayed, and they do not know when Clarelux will return to stock.

If you have any questions or would like further information, the manufacturer can be contacted directly either by phone on 0208 731 3322, or by email at medicalinformation@pierre-fabre.co.uk.

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.