Atralin gel is the newest branded retinoid to hit the acne market. Retinoids are a key component to any acne regimen and help mainly by normalizing keratinization. In other words, it helps the skin to slough off in the normal way in an effort to prevent blocking of pores. Dermatologists agree that retinoids, including Atralin gel are a key component both treating active ance as well as preventing futher breakouts.
While the benefits of retinoids, which include Differin gel and cream, Retin-a Microgel, Tazorec gel and cream, and now Atralin gel are well known, one of the potential drawbacks of these topical medications is their tendency to create dryness and irritation.
Atralin differs from its retinoid predecessors by including ingredients that attempt to combat dryness and even try and moisturize the skin. These ingredients include slouble collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate, both of which are moisturizers and glycerine which is a humectant and can help retain water and softness to the skin.
So, if you’re looking for the power of a retinoid with a more gentle gel, ask your dermatologist about Atralin gel.
April 20th, 2008
If you suffer from hormonal acne and topical medications and oral antibiotics have not helped, you may be a candidate for spironolactone. By blocking androgens, spironolactone has been shown to help hormonal acne. With all of the new medications available, one should not look beyond this more tried and true acne therapy.
February 20th, 2007
If you are looking for an oral acne medication that is not an antibiotic, then you should consider Nicomide tablets. Nicomide is a member of the vitamin B family and helps acne by fighting inflammation. The medication is typically very well tolerated and has shown to be effective in the help on acne. To learn more, visit our Nicomide information page.
October 20th, 2006
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
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
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