Acitretin, ciclosporin or methotrexate?

[delbee28]

I have been offered all the 3 above and have to choose which one but they all look pretty horrid.....any suggestions?  I have had uvb which has been successful but it came back witin 2 weeks of finishing it.
Della

[arizona]

Ciclosporin would be my recommendation 

[Stevie65]

My experience, for speed of clearence I would say Cyclo.  All three have side effects and you will have to have blood and BP taken regularly.  Problem with cyclo is that out of the three your derm may not want to keep you on it for too long.

[delbee28]

Thanks guys really couldnt make my mind up they all seem horrid!!!  I have been told I can only go on it for 3 months so will try that one.

[arizona]

Why on earth only for three months? I was on ciclo for nearly 3 years, gave me complete clearance

[delbee28]

I have no idea why only that long.  Have to go back next week for full bloods etc, I will ask why then!!!

[delbee28]

Well I have finally had my derm appointment and have been on ciclo since Monday.  So far so good, just tingling lips, a little bit of stomach and leg cramp and little tiredness.  Asked why only 3 months and the I was told it would be 9 months initially then see if I can come off it.  If I flair up again can go straight back on.  Quite excited now...would be lovely to have clear skin...can't remember what that feels like.

Thanks for your advice.  It has been greatly appreciated. xx

[arizona]

Good news 

As long as your bloods are showing kidneys etc all ok and no probs with blood pressure etc you could stay on it longer than 9 months, if you remember i had nearly 3 good years on it. Some derms dont like to use it longterm though. Almost guaranteed flare if when they take you off it its a complete stop, dont know whether this can be lessened with coming off gradually.

Anyway all thats a long way off, good luck with this one i hope it works for you as well as did for me 

[lilactime]

im in exactly the same position ! and chose cyclosporin . start on october 6th . please keep us updated with the results . im so excited ! derm told me i could be on it indefinately if blood is ok .

[delbee28]

I really dont know how long I will be allowed to stay on this even if bloods are okay.  I am from UK so I am not paying much for these meds (only £10 a month).  I am assuming this may come into the equation for how long I can stay on it.  I am begining to see a small change in my skin...a couple of tiny specs have gone already and have stopped itching so much.  Do the side effects get worse with duration or is it from the off set?