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Change of LS ointment

Posted , 7 users are following.

Barking
Barking

Hi there. I am in the UK and had LS diagnosed finally nearly 3 years ago. I have a lot of faith in my gyny/dermatologist and have been using dermovate ointment in differing doses since the diagnosis. Today I went for a repeat prescription and when I got home I discovered that I had been given Dovobet ointment - calcipotriol + betamethasone. Is anyone familiar with this or is this a mistake by the pharmacist? 

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

  • MaryMostyn
    MaryMostyn Barking

    Posted

    Hi,

    I think I would check back with your doctor or the pharmacist as a quick look on the Internet says it is primarily used for psoriasis.  It is also not recommended for use in the genital area according to the usual notes. Hope that helps.

    • Barking
      Barking MaryMostyn

      Posted

      Hi MaryMostyn and thanks for looking it up. I did indeed 'phone the pharmacist who admitted that they couldn't read the writing on the prescription! I have now got the dermovate and the moral of the story for me is to check always what I am given before going home!
    • norma54754
      norma54754 Barking

      Posted

      Hi Barking, It doen't suprise me, doctors have some of the worst handwriting going.
  • ChrissieM
    ChrissieM Barking

    Posted

    If the people who make dermovate are the same as those who make betnovate then it is becasuse the British factory burnt down I think it was last year, and they went out of production until it is rebuilt. Chemists have been supplying the alternative creams/ointments for my last 2 prescriptions, in my case it is betamethasone valerate instead of Betnovate. The chemist should have told you when he issued it.
    • Barking
      Barking ChrissieM

      Posted

      Thank you for the quick and interesting response. I rang the chemist and they said it was their mistake as they couldn't read the writing! I have now exchanged the tubes and have returned home with the dermovate. Thanks anyway Chrissie.
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy Barking

      Posted

      That is such poor practise.  If the pharmacist could not read the script he should have contacted the doctor and checked the prescription.  That could have been dangerous on so many levels.  No one should ever guess at a prescription.
    • Barking
      Barking Chrisy

      Posted

      I thoroughly agree! Thanks for taking time to respond.
  • sandra01720
    sandra01720 Barking

    Posted

    I am on betamethasone valerate. My gyn follows the protocol of a specialist in California who treats only LS or vulvar issues. She uses either the betamethasone valerate cream or clob ointment. I questioned him at my second appointment cause so many here use clob and Dr Goldstein recommends it. Was insecure about it but he seemed confident.
  • Octopus_1289
    Octopus_1289 Barking

    Posted

    Should have said I have been using Dovonox for the extragenital area, not genital.
  • dertater
    dertater Barking

    Posted

    Notes from the Mayo Clinic in US:

    Dermovate has clobetasol in it and Betamethasone topical is used to help relieve redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions. Betamethasone foam is used for scalp problems. This medicine is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid). 

    • norma54754
      norma54754 dertater

      Posted

      I have been using Dermovate cream but because of the recommendation on this forum for the preferred ointment I went to my doctors today and asked him for a new prescription for Dermovate ointment. At the pharmacy I saw the new prescription was not Dermovate ointment but ClobaDerm ointment.

      Puzzled at this I asked the pharmacist why had my doctor prescribed ClobaDerm ointment when I had asked for Dermovate ointment. The pharmacist said that the manufactures of Dermovate at this moment in time are not producing it. Seemingly Dermovate and CoberDerm are identical. Demovate the brand name CoberDerm a generic. All these alternatives can get a bit confusing at times. 

    • norma54754
      norma54754

      Posted

      Should have addressed my last comment to Barking but it's an open thread so I guess that it will be ok.
    • norma54754
      norma54754

      Posted

      I think I am having a senior moment!... It is "ClobaDerm" not CoberDerm. I said it was confusing.
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy norma54754

      Posted

      Hi,  From previous posts the Dermovate Factory had a fire and so there was no production for some time.  I believe things are now back in action and it should be available soon, but if you look on the tube of Dermovate it is called Clobetasol.  Yes one is the generic name the other the product.  What you have will be the same product I am sure.
    • Barking
      Barking Chrisy

      Posted

      Thank you for the info. It actually should have been Dermovate but the pharmacist couldn't read the prescription! All rectified now.
    • norma54754
      norma54754 Chrisy

      Posted

      Hi Chrisy, ClobaDerm appears to have the identical preparation as Dermovate so I am ok with that. I have both cream and ointment to try now but I am not finding either easy to manage. A bit like learning to drive....all over the place at the at the moment. Will have to sharpen up my steering. 
    • Chrisy
      Chrisy norma54754

      Posted

      It takes us all some time to adjust and discover what works for us.  One thing lots of us have discovered is that we have to change our treatments frequently.  This condition seems to need changes to treatment to remain effectively controlled.  Good luck with your journey.
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