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
We have commented on the problems that are arising with the iPLEDGE program and after taking a close look, we have a suggestion for those of you initiating therapy with isotretinoin.
Due to the ridiculous timing constraints that the program places on office visits and receiving prescriptions, it is very difficult to take isotretinoin without interruption. However, if on your initial prescription, you delay picking the medicine up (or just delay starting to take the medication) until 5-6 days after your office visit, you can schedule your office visit on time and still have enough pills to last you so that you can take the medication without interruption.
Give this a try and recommend it to your doctor. It will allow for smoother therapy.
April 10th, 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
Benzaclin is one of the most popular topical acne treatments and is a member of the combination therapy family. Currently, Benzaclin is administered in a jar that is freshly mixed at the pharmacy.
We recently were informed that Dermik will soon be releasing a new packaging for the product that will contain a new dispensing mechanism. Stay tuned for updates.
March 30th, 2006
Many times acne treatment consists of multiple medications working together. A recent study looked at combining a topical retinoid (Tazorac) with a combination medication (Duac) to see if the Duac added any benefit to just using the Tazorac alone.
The study showed that adding Duac to Tazorac helped to decrease not only the inflammatory lesions (pimples) but also the non-inflammatory lesions (blackheads and whiteheads).
So, this helps to substantiate the widely used hypothesis that using medications with different mechanisms of action helps to enhance acne treatment.
March 28th, 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
When it comes to treating hormonal acne, two of the best weapons are oral contraceptive pills and an anti-androgen medication known as spironolactone or Aldactone. Perhaps one of the most popular birth control pills for this type of acne is Yasmin.
Yasmin contains a unique progesterone component called drosperinone that is very similar in acitvity to spironolactone and acts like an ant-androgen as well.
It is important to note that Yasmin contains the equivalent of 25mg of spironolactone. So, it is important that you notify your doctor if you are on both Yasmin and Aldactone so that they can adjust the dosage of the Aldactone if necessary.
March 24th, 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
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