Prescription Treatments for Rosacea
Clindamycin 1% Lotion, Clindagel Gel (cont'd.)
Before using topical Clindamycin:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins, other acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide and cosmetics. Many of these products can make acne worse and/or interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
Clindamycin is not recommended by those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clindamycin, call your doctor. Topical clindamycin is not recommended for use by children less than 12 years old.
The most common side effects of topical clindamycin include:
- Burning of the skin
- Redness or irritation of the skin
- Itching of the skin
- Dry skin
- Peeling of the skin
- Oily skin
More severe side effects include:
- Severe skin rash
- Upset stomach
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
PLEXION Cleanser
Plexion Cleanser combines the proven antimicrobial action of sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur to control rosacea symptoms. Clinical studies have found PLEXION Cleanser to be highly effective in reducing inflammatory lesions and redness associated with rosacea, acne rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Although rare, local irritation has been reported with topical sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur therapy. PLEXION Cleanser is contraindicated for use by patients with hypersensitivity to sulfur and sulfonamides, and patients with kidney disease.
Each gram of Plexion (Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5%) Cleanser contains 100 mg. of Sodium Sulfacetamide and 50 mg. of Sulfur in a cleanser base containing Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Oleyltaurate, Sodium Thiosulfate, Disodium Oleamido MEA Sulfosuccinate, PEG-55 Propylene Glycol Oleate, Cetyl Alcohol NF, Stearyl Alcohol NF, Methylparaben NF, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene NF, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate NF, Xanthan Gum NF, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben NF, and Fragrance.
Each gram of Plexion (Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5%) Lotion contains 100 mg. of Sodium Sulfacetamide and 50 mg. of Sulfur in a lotion containing Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Light Mineral Oil, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Monostearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate (and) PEG-100 Stearate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrances, and Sodium Thiosulfate.
If irritation develops, discontinued the product and contact your doctor. Patients should be aware of the risk of possible local irritation or sensitization during long-term therapy. The goal of this therapy is exfoliate the skin without additional irritation, but sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur often causes scaling and redness of the skin. These side effects are common in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but patients should be cautioned about the possibility.
Accutane
Accutane is a controversial treatment for severe acne. Accutane has been linked to many serious and severe side effects including
- Depression
- Trouble concentrating and loss of appetite
- Suicidal feelings
- Serious mental problems
- Several known instances of suicide
- Extreme or unusual tiredness
- Feelings of sadness, irritability
Other less serious known side effects of Accutane include
- Facial or body rash
- Dryness of the skin, flaking of the skin, and itching
- Inflammation of the lips, Dryness of the lips, mouth and bleeding and inflammation of the gums
- Dryness of the lining of the nose and mild nose bleed
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- Peeling of the palms and soles
- Increased fatigue
- Aches and pains in the joints
- Decreased night vision
People on Accutane should avoid health food supplements and vitamin preparations that contain vitamin A. Patients are also advised to avoid waxing for 5-6 months after taking Accutane due to the increased risk of scarring.
The FDA requires physicians have patients to sign a consent form stating they have been fully informed and understand all the risks associated with Accutane. The Pharmacist filling the prescription must also provide the patient with a Medguide - a brochure with a detailed warning of the possible side effects and associated risks of using Accutane.
PROTOPIC (tacrolimus) Ointment
PROTOPIC Ointment is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
Use of Protopic may present an increased risk of shingles or chicken pox, eczema herpeticum, or herpes simplex virus infection.
Other known side effects include stinging, burning or soreness of the skin at the application site.
Possible side effects include: sun or photosensitivity, vasodilatation, skin discoloration, excessive sweating, edema, exacerbation of untreated area, dehydration, cellulitis, cheilitis or inflammation of the lips, breast, neck, and ear or eye pain. Migraines, malaise, depression, vertigo, feelings of anxiety, dizziness, or chills may occur. Other possible adverse reactions to watch for include alopecia, hypoglycemia, increased ALT or AST, anaphylactoid reaction, palpitations, angina pectoris, lung disorder, angioedema, anorexia, arrhythmia, arthralgia, arthritis, bilirubinemia, cerebrovascular accident, constipation, creatinine increased, dyspnea, ecchymosis, epistaxis, furunculosis, gastritis, hernia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypoxia, laryngitis, leukocytosis, leukopenia, abnormal liver function tests, neuritis, paresthesia, peripheral vascular disorder, taste perversion, tooth disorder, unintended pregnancy, and vaginal moniliasis.