Almost there

[Bill]

Calcipotriol has been documented as a treatment to be used concurrently with DMF. Whether or not it works or when it works are far from unique properties for anti-psoriatic meds. I am more concerned with the potential systemic problems from a prolonged max dosage of DMF. In my own case I have had to double my dosage to better control the psa as the doxycycline is still in the post. Hopefully it will do the job when it arrives and I can cut down again, but it may prove useless or even harmful. Until then I am finding Mary Poppin's advice for drug takers very helpful, although for me it is several spoonfuls in the form of cola.

Cheers,

Bill

[Bill]

Here is the abstract from the paper:

Dermatology. 2002;205(1):46-53.
Topical calcipotriol plus oral fumaric acid is more effective and faster acting than oral fumaric acid monotherapy in the treatment of severe chronic plaque psoriasis vulgaris.
Gollnick H1, Altmeyer P, Kaufmann R, Ring J, Christophers E, Pavel S, Ziegler J.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Calcipotriol is an established topical therapy for psoriasis vulgaris.
OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of calcipotriol to fumaric acid ester (FAE) monotherapy had an additive efficacy and an FAE-sparing effect in patients with severe plaque psoriasis.
METHODS:

This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study included 143 patients for up to 13 weeks treatment. Group A received FAE tablets (Fumaderm) with an increasing daily dosage from 105 to 1,075 mg + ointment vehicle. Group B received FAE tablets + calcipotriol ointment (50 microg/g). Ointments were applied twice daily. Clinical response was assessed using percentage changes in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), from baseline to treatment end.
RESULTS:

The mean percentage change in the PASI was -76.1% in group B and -51.9% in group A, the difference between treatments was -24.2% (95% CI from -34.2 to -14.2%; p < 0.001). Group B responded more rapidly to treatment. Investigators' and patients' overall efficacy assessments were significantly more favourable for group B (p < or = 0.001). Group B was prescribed less FAE than group A. This difference was greatest at the last visit (mean daily dose 529 and 685 mg, respectively; p = 0.006). Overall adverse events in the two groups were similar.
CONCLUSION:

This study shows that the combination of calcipotriol and FAEs is significantly more effective and faster acting than FAE monotherapy in the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. The combination has a slight FEA-sparing effect and therefore a superior benefit/risk ratio.

Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

[jiml]

That is very interesting, I have not heard of this, I will point it out to my dermatologist when we next meet

Interesting the dosage in the trial was up to 9 tablets a day (I assume 1075mg equate to that at 120mg per tablet )  
Thanks for that information

[Bill]

I think that the dosage referred to was total fumarate esters, which is why you can take more Psorinovo than Fumaderm.

Cheers,

Bill

[bassman]

I haven't thrown them away yet


Still looking good on the pink patch areas. They've faded now, so as many people have found, just ended up with some slight discolouration of the skin
compared to the non affected skin close by

Not using any ointments, just 100% virgin coconut oil as a moisturiser

[jiml]

I haven't thrown them away yet  


Still looking good on the pink patch areas. They've faded now, so as  many people have found, just ended up with some slight discolouration of the skin
compared to the non affected skin close by

Not using any ointments, just 100% virgin coconut oil as a moisturiser

I'm glad you are sticking with it

[Bill]

Using the least amount of drug sounds like a sensible approach, Bassman. Keep in mind the idea that your ointments may get a new lease of efficacy and may help you with a future exacerbation or in cutting down your Fumaderm dosage.

Cheers,

Bill

[bassman]

Evening

So .. now i've had my consultancy with the lady dermo at the skin garage, and she's pretty happy with the results. Started Initial Fuma in April, and now have nothing left but some discolouration, which i mistakenly took for stubborn Inverse P, despite it NOT being that bright red/pink

She wouldnt increase the dose of Fuma, as i think i was told here anyways, but she did give me some Eumovate. I've never had any luck with creams / ointments so time will tell, though i dont remember ever having this cream before. Also, she reckons the Dovobet may have done more harm than good, as its quite vicious stuff, apparently, so will dump the old Dovobet Gel and Ointment.

I dont know if skin discolouration ( not P itself ) ever clears up ? Anyone had their P areas which were discoloured after P was contained, magically go back to normal skin colour ?

[bassman]

PS

Forgot to add... blood tests look excellent according to her. No problems in that dept. Yay !

And still very little in the way of side effects. They're very mild, which surprises me, after what some people have mentioned. The worst is sneezing,

which is hardly even a problem at all. Its random, and I dont get a cold because of it, but its the most common side effect for me.

yes i get the prickly hot face thing, but its mild and i maybe get one a week or less, and lasts for maybe a minute , sometimes less, sometimes more.

[mataribot]

Evening

So .. now i've had my consultancy with the lady dermo at the skin garage, and she's pretty happy with the results. Started Initial Fuma in April, and now have nothing left but some discolouration, which i mistakenly took for stubborn Inverse P, despite it NOT  being that bright red/pink

She wouldnt increase the dose of Fuma, as i think i was told here anyways, but she did give me some Eumovate. I've never had any luck with creams / ointments so time will tell, though i dont remember ever having this cream before. Also, she reckons the Dovobet may have done more harm than good, as its quite vicious stuff, apparently, so will dump the old Dovobet Gel and Ointment.

I dont know if skin discolouration ( not P itself ) ever clears up ?   Anyone had their P areas which were discoloured after  P was contained, magically go back to normal skin colour ?

My skin discoloration cleared up after a year and half of Stelara. Just takes time.