UPDATE ON DRUGS |
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Class | Name/Company | Approval Dates and Comments |
Antifungal |
Ketoconazole 2% Gel
Xolegel™
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The US FDA approved this antifungal agent in July 2006 for the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in immunocompetent adults and children =12 years of age. Xolegel™ is the first prescription gel formulation of ketoconazole approved in the US. |
Antiviral |
Famciclovir Tablets Famvir® Novartis Pharmaceuticals |
The US FDA approved this antiviral agent in July 2006 as a single-day treatment for immunocompetent patients with recurrent genital herpes, in the new approved dose of 1,000mg twice daily for one day. It was also approved as a single-dose treatment for recurrent herpes labialis (cold sores) in immunocompetent patients. |
Sunscreen |
Ecamsule 2% + Avobenzone 2%/ Octocrylene 10% Cream
Anthelios SX®
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The US FDA approved this over-the-counter sunscreen in July 2006 for the prevention of sunburn and protection from the entire spectrum of UV rays including the type of UV rays that are linked to some cancers. This product has a sun protection factor rating of 15. |
Drug News |
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Insect Bite Guide |
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore MD have developed a new quick tool to sort out insect bites in children, which can often be misdiagnosed. This tool is called SCRATCH, an acronym for:
Symmetry – eruptions are usually symmetrical and appear on exposed parts of the body |
Lice Treatment |
A unique pediculicide rinse called Resultz™ (Atlanta Pharma) is now available in pharmacies across Canada in time for the new school year. This product contains 50% isopropyl myristate and 50% ST-cyclomethicone, and, in a Canadian-led study, was shown to be 96% effective in treating head lice.* It does not contain pesticides and resistance is unlikely to develop because of its unique mode of action, i.e., dissolving the wax that covers the exoskeleton of the lice causing dehydration and death. *Kaul N, et al. In vivo efficacy and safety of an experimental pediculicide rinse. Presented at: 63rd Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, New Orleans (2005). |