New to Fumaderm

[mark110660]

Hi
I'm new to this forum. Going through a difficult patch with my treatment at the moment. Had the condition since being a kid (now a bit older at 56). I was on acetretin for about 15 years which worked fine, only had a few patches on my legs which was easily controlled with Dovabet.
I started to get some pain and restriction in my neck which on x-Ray showed to be caused by bone spikes in my vertebrae. I was taken off acetretin immediately and started on Fumaderm. My dermatologist wanted a very slow build up of the dose and after 4 months I am only up to 1 tablet (blue) per day. Side effects aren't too bad but the psoriasis has flared up massively. I am now covered in patches and areas covered in smaller spots. Worst thing is that the palms of my hands are covered, very scaly, cracked and very sore. I've never had it on my hands before.
I would welcome any advice from members on Fumaderm. When are any positive effects likely to kick in? Any advice for soothing the hands?
Cheers
Mark

[jiml]

Hi
I'm new to this forum. Going through a difficult patch with my treatment at the moment. Had the condition since being a kid (now a bit older at 56). I was on acetretin for about 15 years which worked fine, only had a few patches on my legs which was easily controlled with Dovabet.
I started to get some pain and restriction in my neck which on x-Ray showed to be caused by bone spikes in my vertebrae. I was taken off acetretin immediately and started on Fumaderm. My dermatologist wanted a very slow build up of the dose and after 4 months I am only up to 1 tablet (blue) per day. Side effects aren't too bad but the psoriasis has flared up massively. I am now covered in patches and areas covered in smaller spots. Worst thing is that the palms of my hands are covered, very scaly, cracked and very sore. I've never had it on my hands before.
I would welcome any advice from members on Fumaderm. When are any positive effects likely to kick in? Any advice for soothing the hands?
Cheers
Mark

Hi Mark and. Warm welcome   to the psoriasis club, I hope you will find us a warm and welcoming group of sufferers like yourself sharing experiences.

You are on a very slow build up and unless your blood levels are low I can see no reason why you are on just one tablet a day after being on the treatment for 4 months, I would think it will take a long time at that rate to get any improvement on your skin
You should be on a higher dose than that see the dosing recommendations here Fumaderm leaflet
Unless you have underlying liver or kidney conditions or low blood count

I'm sure the bone spikes won't be affected by fumaderm

Ask away any questions and someone will come to answer I'm sure

About soothing your hands you could try a good quality coconut oil

Enjoy the club and join others in off topic section and have a browse and join in if you wish  

Jim

[mark110660]

Thanks for the welcome Jim.
Not due to see the consultant for another 5 weeks by which time I will only be up to 2 tablets per day!! I will certainly ask why the build up is so slow.
I'll also look into the coconut oil for the hands.
Cheers
Mark

[jiml]

Thanks for the welcome Jim.
Not due to see the consultant for another 5 weeks by which time I will only be up to 2 tablets per day!! I will certainly ask why the build up is so slow.
I'll also look into the coconut oil for the hands.
Cheers
Mark

Print out the dosing regime and ask why it has been so slow,
Are you experiencing cramps or flushes ( the most common side effects ) if not you should be up to maximum dose of six a day after 3 months that's six weeks build up on Fumaderm initial, and six weeks build up on full strength blue tablets ......

I would be inclined to phone and tell him it's not working and unlikely to at such a low dose, and can you increase at a sensible rate  

Hope you can stick with it and get dosing right so it works ....it has kept me clear for over 4 years

[Kat]

Welcome Mark!

I've never been on Fumaderm but a lot of our members have had great success with it. There is also a lot of info on this forum. Glad you found your way here.

[Bill]

Hi Mark and welcome.

Your dosage is obviously way too low, but you would not be on such a slow buildup without good reason. If there is joint damage I would ask why you wouldn't be on a different treatment as Fumaderm does not seem to be prescribed for that in your neck of the woods. I hope you dont continue to be treated like a mushroom and get some enlightening information.

Good luck.

Bill

[Fred]

Hello Mark   to Psoriasis Club.

I'm a big fan of coconut oil, use it twice a a day. Make sure you buy a good quality one, you can read more about it here: Coconut Oil

Regards.

Fred.

[Grizzly Bear]

   Mark      

You have found the best site on psoriasis mate, well done

I'm the insane one on here, the other are just loonies, honest

For moisturising your P mate, use Biona raw virgin coconut oil, it's brilliant stuff.

Most of all, enjoy yourself & ask any questions you have, someone will answer

GB

[mark110660]

Thanks for all the advice. Up until now this condition has never bothered me. I'm only just realising how disabling it can be. I've always been an active, practical, hands on type of person but rapidly turning into a couch potato. I'm sure it will improve. Thanks again
Mark

[Fred]

Thanks for all the advice. Up until now this condition has never bothered me. I'm only just realising how disabling it can be. I've always been an active, practical, hands on type of person but rapidly turning into a couch potato. I'm sure it will improve. Thanks again
Mark

I think most people with psoriasis just muddle along and hide it up, but you are right it can be very disabling especially if you get psoriatic arthritis thrown in too. It is however amazing what it can do to your self esteem when you start to find something that works.