Archive for the ‘Hair Loss, Skin, and Cosmetic’ Category

Vaniqa is a prescription medication applied to the skin for
the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women. Vaniqa is the
first prescription therapy cream that is approved by the FDA to
eliminate unwanted facial hair growth. About 58% of women who tried Vaniqa in clinical trials had improvement. The other 42% had no improvement.

Uses of Vaniqa

Vaniqa is an enzyme inhibitor used topically to slow the growth
of unwanted facial hair in women. Vaniqa does not remove
hair.

Vaniqa Directions

Follow the directions for using Vaniqa provided by your doctor.
Vaniqa comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it
carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions
that you may have about Vaniqa. Apply a thin layer of Vaniqa to
the affected areas of the face and under the chin, at least 5
minutes after hair removal (e.g., plucking, shaving). Rub in
thoroughly. Do not wash the treated area for at least 4 hours.
Wait at least 8 hours between applications of Vaniqa. Cosmetics
or sunscreens may be applied after Vaniqa has dried. STORE VANIQA
at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
DO NOT FREEZE. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF VANIQA, skip the missed dose
and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply 2 doses at once.

Vaniqa Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS OF VANIQA, that may go away during treatment,
include stinging, burning, redness, tingling, rash of the skin;
or hair bumps (folliculitis). If they continue or are bothersome,
check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you
experience bleeding skin, or swelling of the face or lips. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.

Vaniqa Precautions

Vaniqa is not a dipilatory. You will need to continue your
routine method of hair removal while using Vaniqa. You may not
see improvement for the first month of use. If your symptoms do
not improve or become worse, check with your doctor. Vaniqa is
not for use in children under 12 years of age. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU
PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits
and risks of using Vaniqa during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF
VANIQA IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE
BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Vaniqa, check with your doctor
or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Drug Interactions with Vaniqa

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and
without a prescription.

Missed Dose of Vaniqa

If you miss a dose of Vaniqa, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the amount of
Vaniqa used to catch up.

Vaniqa Notes

Do not share Vaniqa with other people.

Retin-A is a Vitamin-A derivative used effectively in the
treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Although the exact mechanism of
action is unknown, Retin-A, used as a topical application, is
thought to loosen and expel existing acne plugs in the skin and
prevent new lesions from forming. Retin-A directly attacks the
primary cause of acne, the plug.

Uses of Retin-A

Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne. Retin-A reduces the
formation of pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples that
do develop.

Retin-A Directions

Patient instructions are available with Retin-A. Read them
carefully before using. Apply a thin layer of Retin-A to affected
area at bedtime. Wash hands immediately after use. Using Retin-A
more frequently or in excessive amounts does not improve the
results, but may increase side effects. Avoid applying Retin-A
near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can
irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen when Retin-A
is first used; continue therapy. It may take three to six weeks
before the full benefits of Retin-A are seen.

Retin-A Side Effects

Immediately after applying Retin-A, the skin may feel warm or
mild stinging or redness may occur. Some peeling of the skin may
occur. These effects should subside as your skin adjusts to
Retin-A. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your
doctor. Retin-A may also increase sun sensitivity.

Retin-A Precautions

Retin-A can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective
clothing and use an effective sunscreen. Retin-A should be used
during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is not known if
tretinoin appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding. Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash
face excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or
lotions can increase skin irritation. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist about their use. Use other acne preparations with
caution while using Retin-A .

Drug Interactions with Retin-A

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you take with and
without a prescription.

Missed Dose of Retin-A

If you miss a dose of Retin-A, use it as soon as remembered; do
not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
“double-up” the dose of Retin-A to catch up.

Retin-A Storage

Store Retin-A at room temperature away from sunlight. Keep
Retin-A and all medications out of the reach of
children.

Retin-A Notes

Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying
Retin-A.

Renova (tretinoin cream) is the only prescription cream
proven to reduce certain clinical signs of photodamage associated
with chronic sun exposure and the natural aging process, if used
as part of a total skin care and sun protection
program.

Uses of Renova

Renova is used to improve the appearance of the skin by reducing
fine lines and wrinkles, reducing roughness and improving
coloration. Renova can also be used to treat acne.

Renova Directions

Renova is for use on the face as directed, usually once a day at
bedtime. Apply a pea-size amount of Renova cream to clean, dry
skin on the face being careful to avoid the eyes, nostrils and
mouth. Wash hands after use. Do not use Renova more often than
prescribed or in large amounts. Renova will not give your faster
or better results but will increase the risk of side effects. Do
not use Renova on sunburn or eczema or other serious skin
conditions. Effects of Renova will be gradual with most
improvement seen in the first 6 months of continued therapy. If
Renova is used for acne the condition may worsen at first, then
improve.

Renova Side Effects

You may experience mild redness or stinging, itching, burning,
skin scaling, peeling and dry skin the first several weeks as
your body adjusts to Renova. If any of these effects continue or
become severe, discontinue use and notify your doctor.

Renova Precautions

Before using Renova tell your doctor if you have any
pre-existing skin disorders or if you have any allergies. Renova
increases your sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure and
avoid sun lamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing
when outdoors. Renova should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. It is unknown if Renova is excreted into breast milk.
Consult with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions with Renova

Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription
medication you may take including isotretinoin, amiodarone,
tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics, sulfa-drugs or
phenothiazines as they increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Also
minoxidil and any skin medication, soaps, cleansers, cosmetics,
astringents or any facial products that may be drying or
irritating (e.g., alcohol-containing facial products). Benzoyl
peroxide should not be applied at the same time as
Renova.

Missed Dose of Renova

If you miss a dose of Renova, apply it as soon as remembered; do
not use Renova if it is near the time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do
not “double-up” the amount of Renova used to catch up.

Renova Storage

Store Renova at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15
and 25 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep Renova and all medications
out of the reach of children.

Renova Notes

Renova is not a cosmetic. Renova is to be used in conjunction
with a comprehensive skin care and sun avoidance
program.

Propecia (finasteride) is a medical breakthrough – the first
pill that effectively treats male pattern hair loss on the vertex
(at top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area.

Uses of Propecia

Propecia is an androgen hormone inhibitor used to treat male
pattern hair loss IN MEN ONLY.

Propecia Directions

Follow the directions for using Propecia provided by your
doctor. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that
you may have about Propecia. Propecia may be taken once daily on
an empty stomach. STORE PROPECIA at room temperature between 59
and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed
container, away from moisture. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF PROPECIA and
you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do
not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back
to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Propecia
at once.

Propecia Side Effects

A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while taking Propecia is a change
in sexual function. If it continues or is bothersome, check with
your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience
the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: skin rash or
swelling of lips. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Propecia Precautions

IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS for Propecia to work. Do not stop
taking Propecia without checking with your doctor. Stopping
Propecia will result in a return within 12 months to the same
amount of baldness as when you started. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking Propecia. BEFORE YOU
BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. ANY WOMAN
WHO IS PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT SHOULD NOT HANDLE
crushed or broken tablets of Propecia. If a woman who is pregnant
comes in contact with crushed or broken tablets of Propecia,
contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drug Interactions with Propecia

Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g.,
nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any “nitric
oxide donor” medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole
antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil,
rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure
medicines.

Missed Dose of Propecia

If you miss a dose of Propecia, do not double the next dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule.

Propecia Storage

Store Propecia at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep Propecia and
all medications out of the reach of children.

Propecia Notes

DO NOT SHARE PROPECIA with others for whom it was not
prescribed. DO NOT USE PROPECIA for other health conditions. KEEP
PROPECIA out of the reach of children. IF USING PROPECIA FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs
out.