Patient leaflet - Micanol cream 1%
1. What Micanol Cream is and what it is used for
Micanol Cream is used for the treatment of subacute and chronic psoriasis including psoriasis involving the scalp. Subacute and chronic psoriasis is a long term disease involving the skin and causing raised, red scaly patches. The active substance, Dithranol, acts by slowing down increased accumulation of dead skin cells that occurs in the patches of psoriasis.
2. Before you use Micanol Cream.
Do not use Micanol Cream:
If you know you are allergic to dithranol or any of the ingredients listed under “Further
Information”.
- On the face. In particular, keep away from the eyes and mouth. If accidental contact occurs, wash with plenty of luke warm water.
- On the genitalia or in areas of folded skin, e.g. armpits and under the breasts.
- If you have a rare type of psoriasis known as acute pustular psoriasis which causes the sudden appearance of pus-filled spots.
- On acutely inflamed or infected skin such as folliculitis which is an infection of the hair follicles.
Make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows if any of the above affects you.
Take special care with Micanol Cream and tell your doctor or pharmacist if:
- You are using, or have recently used, topical steroids (that is, products that contain steroids which are rubbed in to the skin). You should stop using these one to two weeks before starting Micanol Cream. A moisturiser may be used during this period of time.
Taking or using other medicines
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or used any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
The potential for any medicine to sensitise the skin to sunlight may be increased by Micanol Cream. Check with your doctor first before starting to use Micanol Cream.
Any medicine containing an oxidant, such as the ingredient propylene glycol, may reduce the effectiveness of Micanol Cream. Again, check with your doctor first.
If you are using, or have recently used, topical steroids, stop using these one to two weeks before starting Micanol Cream.
A moisturiser may be used in the meantime.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this, or any other medicine when you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you are given this medicine when you are breast-feeding, do not apply it to the breasts, and make sure that your baby does not get it on their skin or mouth.
Driving and using machines
Micanol Cream should not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.
3. How to use Micanol Cream
- Follow your doctor’s instructions. Always check the label for directions on how to use your medicine. Your pharmacist will help if you are not sure. This product can be used on adults, the elderly and older children, but should not be used on infants and young children. - Micanol Cream is usually applied using the “short contact method”. This means that it is applied once a day to the affected areas, being careful to avoid contact with normal skin. Use only a small amount, rubbing it in gently and thoroughly until it no longer smears.
- Allow the cream to remain in contact with the psoriasis for 10 - 30 minutes. If this is the first time that you have used Micanol Cream, you should leave it in contact for no more than 10 minutes. This can be increased to 30 minutes over about seven days if you are not showing any sign of sensitivity (signs of sensitivity would include rash, blisters, swelling and hot skin). And then wash off using plenty of luke warm water only. This may be easiest in a bath or shower, particularly if the treated area is large.
Micanol Cream is specially formulated so that it is easily washed off using luke warm water only.
Do not use very hot water or soap as these may increase the staining from Micanol Cream. - You may use soap and hot water after the Micanol Cream has been removed. - For use on the scalp, first wash the hair with shampoo, rinse and then apply Micanol Cream while the hair is still damp. Leave in contact for 10-30 minutes and remove using luke warm water only. As with other areas, do not use very hot water or shampoo to remove the Micanol Cream. You may use these after the Micanol Cream has been removed, if desired.
- Micanol Cream can stain the skin. To avoid this, you may wish to use disposable gloves when applying it.
- Always wash your hands immediately after application.
- Keep using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you use more Micanol Cream than you should
If you use too much of the cream for longer than your doctor advises you to, you may burn or deeply stain your skin. If so, you should rinse your skin with luke warm water only and then wash. If you accidentally swallow some Micanol, contact your nearest hospital casualty department or tell your doctor immediately.
If you forget to use Micanol Cream
If you forget to apply a dose, do so as soon as you remember and then go on as before. If you have any further questions on the use of this product ask your doctor of pharmacist.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Micanol Cream can sometimes cause side-effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects have been reported:
Common side effects (probably affecting between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people): - Redness and burning on or around the treated areas
Rare side effects (probably affecting fewer than 1 in 1,000 people)
- an allergic skin rash may result.
- You may notice that your skin is getting red and sore when using this product. If so, stop using it and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You may be sensitive to Micanol. Also, the skin around the treated and surrounding skin may appear stained. This usually disappears 1-2 weeks after the treatment has stopped. The staining may also affect the fingernails and hair. Micanol may stain fabrics and contact should be avoided if possible. If staining occurs, rinse and then wash with luke warm water (not more than 30ºC) only as soon as possible.
To prevent staining of the bath or shower, rinse with luke warm water after use. Should any deposit be left on the surface, a suitable cleanser may be used.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor and ask if you should continue with your medication.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. How to store Micanol Cream.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Your cream could harm them. Do not use your cream after the expiry date stated on the packaging. Keep your medicine at room temperature, in a dry place, and not above 25ºC. REMEMBER this medicine is for you. Never give it to others. It may harm them even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6. Further Information
The active ingredient is Dithranol in a concentration of 1% w/w. The other ingredients are glyceryl monolaurate, glyceryl monomyristate, anhydrous citric acid, sodium hydroxide and purified water.
What Micanol Cream looks like and contents of pack
Micanol Cream is pale yellow and is for external use only. It may come in tubes of 5 grams or 50 grams.
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
Northumbria Pharma Ltd., Netpark, Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3FD, UK.
Manufacturer: Bioglan AB, PO Box 50310, S-202 13 Malmö, Sweden.