Archive for February, 2006
Clindamax products (lotion, gel) introduce a new concept to acne treatment. These products are considered “branded” generics. That’s right. Topical clindamycin has been available in generic forms for some time and now, some companies are creating generic equivalents that can be indentified by a “brand name.”
Clindamax is simply topical clindamycin and is simlar to generic clindamycin phosphate as well as the original brands Cleocin T, Clindettes, and Evoclin. The gel and lotion forms in our experience work excellent and are definitely equivalent to the other topical clindamycin gels and lotions.
February 27th, 2006
When it comes to topical benzoyl peroxides, there are plenty of brands and generics to choose from. One of the newer benzoyl peroxide containing products is Zoderm.
Zoderm is available in a gel, cream, cleanser, and pad in both 4.5% and 8.5% strengths. What is unique to Zoderm is that it includes urea. By adding urea, acne treatment gets an extra boost from this humectant. The urea helps to gently exfoliate the skin while hanging on to moisture as well. This makes the formulation more gentle and even moisturizing.
Zoderm is used often times in people with more sensitive skin. It differs from the generic substitute greatly in tolerance and this may justify getting the branded version.
February 26th, 2006
The American Academy of Dermatology’s annual winter meeting will begin next week, and we are sure that it will be filled with a wealth of information and new news about acne treatment.
We look forward to sharing with you and keeping you up to the minute with what’s new in the world of acne and acne treatment.
February 25th, 2006
As iPLEDGE is approaching one question we had was want was necessary for enrollment for those patients who were already on isotretinoin that were finishing up their therapy. We wondered if women would have to go through the whole waiting period with the two negative pregnancy tests and if this would interfere with therapy.
After speaking with a representative from iPLEDGE, it turns out that there is “Express Registration” which should allow those patients who are currently on isotretinoin to register without any waiting periods so that they can continue their therapy uninterrupted. So, please be aware that this exists so that if you are currently on isotretinoin you can complete your therapy without any glitches.
February 24th, 2006
When starting acne treatment with on of the topical retinoids (Differin, Retin a, or Tazorac) it is important to realize that there may be some initial irritation and dryness. We have spoken in prior posts about helping to reduce this initial irritation.
What’s important to remember is that if you can stick it out, you will eventually become “retinized.” This term is used in the dermatologic community and means that over time, your skin will adjust and get used to the topical retinoid and irritation will decrease and maybe even go away.
So, if you are just starting one of these topical medications, be patient and be tolerant, the results will be worth it.
February 23rd, 2006
This snipit comes directly from a newsletter from the American Academy of Dermatology:
Despite aggressive advocacy efforts by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, on Feb. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed the Academy that the March 1 start date for the iPledge program remains unchanged. For months the Academy has argued for postponement of the start date to provide the FDA and Covance (the iPledge vendor) sufficient time to resolve the numerous glitches with the program that have been reported by dermatologists and patients across the nation. Most recently, Diane M. Thiboutot, M.D., chair of the Ad Hoc Task Force on Isotretinoin, testified at a Feb. 10 FDA hearing on drug safety and risk management, urging a delay in the start date. Her comments received widespread media coverage, including wire services, CNBC, several health dailies, and the New York Times. Academy President Clay J. Cockerell, M.D., issued a statement on Feb. 21 expressing the dermatology community’s disappointment with the FDA decision and calling on the FDA and Covance to fulfill their duty and resolve the iPledge program’s many flaws by March 1.
February 22nd, 2006
We wanted to introduce a new category. Many of the new acne treatments that are emerging contain similar active ingredients (the medication itself). However, each of these new products tries to distinguish itself from other products in the same treatment category in some way.
The new category “What’s the difference” will try and point out the unique characteristics of an acne treatment and descrbie the niche where it may fit the best. We look forward to sharing this information with you.
Stay tuned…
February 21st, 2006
Just a little reminder that the iPLEDGE program is nearing the mandatory enrollment deadline for prescribing physicians. In under two weeks, starting March 1, 2006 you will only be able to receive a prescription for isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis) from a registered physician and fill the prescription at a registered pharmacy.
In addition, anyone receiving a prescription will need to be enrolled in the iPLEDGE program. Even if you are in the middle of a course of isotretinoin, you will need to be enrolled in order to finish your course of therapy.
To learn more, visit the iPLEDGE website and stay tuned for more information from Everyting Acne.com.
February 20th, 2006
Often times during isotretinoin treatment, a rash may appear on the tops of the hands. This most commonly occurs between the wrist and thumb and index finger. This likely results from the drying effect that isotretinoin can have and is especially common during the winter months.
So, if you are on isotretinoin and notice a rash on your hands, tell you dermatologist and they can recommend a moisturizer (we like Cera Ve, Cetaphil, and Lubriderm Advanced Therapy) and perhaps even prescribe a topical steroid to help.
February 19th, 2006
Adult acne in a very common problem. In fact, studies show that over 50% of women suffer from acne well after their teenage years.
For those women that do not require prescription treatment, there is a new product from Numark Laboratories called Acnomel. Acnomel is targeted for women with adult acne who may experience dryness with over the counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide.
Acnomel contains 2% resorcinol and 8% sulfur that is less likely to cause drying. So, if you suffer from adult acne, there is something new that may help.
February 18th, 2006
Previous Posts
