Posts filed under 'General Acne News'
One thing that we hear a lot about and always warn our patients about is the fact that benzoyl peroxide can bleach things. That’s right, clothing, pillow cases, towels, the works. Many times, the benzoyl peroxide is applied at night and then laying down right away can effect bedding.
So, please be careful and consider using white or light fabrics in conjunction with topical benzoyl peroxide products and allow the cream, gel, wash, or pad to adequately dry prior to touching any fabric.
March 15th, 2006
Ah yes, the dreaded March 1st deadline is upon us. As of now, anyone who is in need of a prescription for isotretinoin will need to be enrolled in the iPLEDGE program and receive the prescription from a physcian who is also enrolled. We have touched on this new program in several earlier posts and we are sure that we will comment on the plan as it unfolds.
Stay tuned for updates and learn more from the iPLEDGE website.
March 1st, 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
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
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
Most oral antibiotics for acne treatment are dosed at twice a day with a few extended release pills being only once a day. These medications can take 4-6 weeks at times to show their full benefts. But what should you do when you achieve great results?
The important thing with oral antibiotics and acne treatment is that you gradually taper the pills. There is a common phenomenon in acne treatment that if you simply stop the medications cold turkey, you may get a rebound effect with flaring of the acne.
So, if you’re on a pill twice a day, it’s best to first cut down to once a day, then go to every other day, and then stop. Each “step” down should occur after two to three weeks at the previous level. During this taper, if new breakouts occur, you should increase the dose back to the prior dose that allowed you to maintain good results.
Eventually, you will be able to stop the oral pills and just use the topical medications.
February 17th, 2006
While the winter weather is here the use of isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis) for acne treatment can cause the lining of the nose to dry out. This can in turn lead to cracking and even bleeding.
The best way to prevent this is to keep the nasal mucosa nice and moist. Our favorite remedy is the use of Ocean Nasal Spray. This over the counter product can be used several times a day to help restore the nose’s natural moisture that may be decreased with the use of isotretinoin, especially in the winter months.
February 16th, 2006
Just as a reminder, if you are a woman being treated for acne, it is very important to let your dermatologist know if you are trying to conceive or if you have recently become pregnant. Many of the medications used to treat acne are contraindicated during pregnancy and may cause harm to a developing baby.
The most commonly used acne medications that should be stopped during pregnancy are isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret, Amnesteem, Claravis), minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, Bactrim, the topical retinoids (Tazorac, Retin-a, Differn). The topical benzoyl peroxides and sulfa containing products (Klaron, Clenia, Rosula) and others should also be stopped.
It is important to speak with your dermatologist about treatment during pregnancy. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a regimen that is perfect becasue there is such limitation in what can be prescribed. Remember though, the reason you are sacrificing treatment is for your baby.
February 13th, 2006
Some dermatologists like to start treatment off with a more simple, limited regimen. They may start with an oral antibiotic and a single topical gel, or maybe even start with just one topical medication. Then, at follow up visits, more medications are added as necessary.
The advantages of this approach are several. To begin, acne regimens can sometimes become difficult to keep up with. Starting with one or two medciations allows people to get used to a routine and to stick with it. Once established, it is easier to add new medications and the odds of keeping the routine are higher.
In addition, sometimes too many medications at the start of treatment can lead to irritation. Starting slowly allows the skin to adjust so that the addition of other medications is better tolerated.
So, it’s OK to start slowly and may in the end make treatment easier and more tolerable. As always, patience is necessary in achieving the end goal of clearer skin.
February 9th, 2006
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