Soriatane after Cyclosporine
from Gunny G.

Thanks for the time ED:  I have had moderate psoriasis for over 20 years and have run the gamut of meds. I am currently taking Soriatane which I have been on for about 9 weeks. I had switched to Soriatane from Neoral (cyclosporine) which by the way had me 99% clear for over a year. Had to lay off it due to elevated triglyceride levels.

The first few days on 25 mg of Soriatane were a bit rough. Lots of itching from what felt were little pin pricks all over my body. Those symptoms subsided after about 4 to 7 days.

At about week 7 I had a major flare probably due to the cessation of Neoral. Shortly after week 8 began I began to get frustrated and upped my dosage to 50 mg per day (with my Docs okay). In 2 or 3 days I noticed a vast improvement. I would say that I am 85% clear at this point.

The only side effects I have experienced were the initial itching, dry lips, which is manageable, and I have also noticed the texture of my hair has become a bit coarser.

My blood lipids have all returned back to normal which might be attributed to my conscious refusal to eat at McDonalds. –Gunny G.

*****

Ed’s Response:  <Pause>  Sorry, I was still chuckling about your alternative rationale for improved blood lipids.  Oh how true it is!  My conscious decision not to eat at McDonalds is a lost cause as I’m under the thumbs of 7 hungry grandchildren, 5 of whom are McDonalds enthusiasts, the other two still being on baby  food.  Me a few weeks ago at about 10:00 a.m. with a few of those grandchildren in the car:  “Don’t you think it’s a little early for lunch and a little late for breakfast at McDonalds?”  A grandchild’s response:  “Uh uh, Papa.  This is when all the old people like you go to McDonalds.”

I thought about moving to Soriatane when I voluntarily move off cyclosporine in about five months, but I decided to try another biologic drug, instead — Amevive.  This means Soriatane will remain the only oral systemic I haven’t tried.  Which means — further — that I’ll probably try Soriatane, too, at some point in the future!

Thanks for the report, Gunny.  -Ed

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