Posts filed under 'General Acne News'
In a prior post, we introduced a new size Adoxa tablet for the treatment of acne. The new Adoxa pill comes in a 150 mg size. The advantage of this tablet is that it delivers a full 150 mg in a single dose and can be taken once a day. This once a day dosing can clearly increase compliance.
Recently, we have been getting several calls by our patients stating that the pharmacy has told them that this size does not exist. They have instead been given either two 75 mg tablets to take, or even worse, three 50 mg tablets. This clearly defeats the purpose.
We have confirmed the availability of the 150mg size with multiple representatives from Doak, the company behind Adoxa.
So, if your pharamcy tells you they can’t get the 150 mg size, as them to look again, or find another pharmacy.
April 28th, 2006
A recent study in Cutis magazine took a look at the overall costs of treating acne in realtionship to health status. The study found that the costs of prescription medications did not seem to be a factor in raising the annual costs of treating acne.
In fact, the study showed that overall healthcare status was improved in those who more frequently refilled their medications. This again stresses the importance of compliance when treating acne. Those that followed their treatment routines had much better results and overall better health status.
So, as we have stated before, compliance is critical in acne treatment. If you use your medications, they will work!
April 27th, 2006
We have spoken in prior posts that many of the oral antibtiotics used for acne treatment are sun sensitizing increasing the chance of sunburn.
We wanted to take a moment to mention that two of the oral medications used for acne treatment do not increase sun senstivity and may be good options for the spring and summer months. The two medications are erythromycin, an oral antibiotic, and Nicomide, a newer member to the systemic acne treatment team that is a complex of minerals and a derivative of vitamin B.
So, if you are going to be outside a bunch this summer, consider one of the medications and remeber your sunscreen.
April 12th, 2006
Well, the iPLEDGE program has been up and running for over a month now and there are still many problems that are arising. In our practice perhaps the biggest issue is the timing of follow up visits and obtaining prescriptions.
In our conversations with iPLEDGE support (and we use the term support loosely) staff they tell us that the earliest a new prescription can be given is 23 days after the previous prescription was picked up. However, in the case of a female patient, a new prescrption cannot be issued until a full 30 days after the last prescription was written and that females cannot have a follow up visit until day 31 after their last visit for the mandatory pregnancy test. This makes it extremely difficult to take the medication continuously without interruption.
Then today, we were told that should someone not fill their prescription within the 7 days after the office visit, that they must wait until a 23 day period has elapsed for another prescription. This fact is an outrage and we will be looking into this further.
We will keep you updated on this new madenss. Until then, please try and fill you prescriptions promptly.
April 7th, 2006
Well, the sun if finally starting to poke its head out a bit and we just wanted to take a moment to remind you that many of the medications used in acne treatment may causes increased sun sensitivity. The main culprits are the oral antibiotics, specifically tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline. In addition, the topical retinoids and isotretinoin may also contribute to increased sensitivity by thinning the top layer of the skin (the stratum conreum).
So, be careful this spring and summer and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
April 4th, 2006
When it comes to acne treatment, many of the branded medciations that are prescribed offer a rebate of some type. Some rebates are mail in rebates, and others offer a discount immediately at the pharmacy.
So, if you are prescribed an acne treatment medication, ask your doctor about rebates for the medications, check the medication’s website, or check our rebate page.
March 27th, 2006
A recent article in Cutis magazine looked at the differences between branded and generic minocycline for acne treatment. The study showed that the re were several differences between the two versions of this oral antibiotic.
The most notable difference was the fact that the branded versions released more slowly. Because of this, there was a lower initial peak. This proved to be beneficial because those taking the branded version were less likely to get vestibular side effects (dizziness, vertigo).
So, it seems that branded minocycline may have an advantage over the generic “equivalent” in those who suffer from side effects including dizziness and vertigo.
March 23rd, 2006
As we have discussed in prior posts, many of the medications used for acne treatment may not be safe during pregnancy. As a result, it is important to inform you dermatologist not only in you are pregnant, but if you have made the decision to begin trying to conceive.
The good news is that there are several medications that can be used both when trying to conceive and during pregnancy for acne treatment. And in the end, being safe is the best policy.
March 22nd, 2006
Ah yes, that overwhelming desire to pop a zit. It happens to everyone at some point. BUT, if you can fight the urge, you will be better off.
Manipulating blemishes can actually make them worse. Often times, the pimple will break on the inside causing a further reaction. Often times, a blemish will last longer if it is picked or squeezed and this may increase the chance of scarring.
So, if you can just wait it out, you will be happier in the end.
March 21st, 2006
This is straight from the American Academy of Dermatology:
Overnight Fulfillment of Passwords for Females of Childbearing Potential
Getting passwords to female patients of childbearing potential in a timely manner has emerged as an urgent problem with the iPLEDGE program. This timing issue is due in part to the “express registration” of FCBP patients who are transitioning into the iPLEDGE program from previous risk management programs.
Beginning March 14, the iPLEDGE program is sending all FCBP patients their passwords by overnight delivery. Please inform all FCBP patients of this development. If they do not receive their passwords by overnight delivery, then they should immediately contact the iPLEDGE program by phoning 1-866-495-0654.
It should be noted that overnight delivery of passwords to FCBP patients will be discontinued on April 7, 2006. This is one week after the express registration option ends.
March 20th, 2006
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