Efficacy of OTC androgenetic alopecia therapies vs. FDA-approved monotherapies
Authors of an article published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology analyzed the relative efficacy of eight conventional monotherapies and seven alternative OTC products for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA).
[The most effective monotherapy for androgenetic alopecia is … Read more.]
The network meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy of conventional monotherapies such as oral dutasteride, topical/oral minoxidil, and oral/topical finasteride for male AGA. The most efficacious comparator was oral dutasteride 0.5 mg. Both topical melatonin and rosemary had a relatively high efficacy compared to FDA-approved monotherapies, with a higher efficacy than some formulations of minoxidil. Topical ketoconazole 2% and topical saw palmetto finished at the bottom.
Is there a risk of pericardial effusions in patients with alopecia on low-dose oral minoxidil? Read more.
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries: JAK inhibitors battle in the heavyweight class
For dermatologic indications, JAKi are only FDA–approved for alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. Once dermatologists get through the box warning conversation with their patients, other adverse reactions, such as acne (JAKne), warrant discussion. What may be most distressing for patients, however, are recent reports of notable weight gain attributed to JAKi. JAKi may be associated with significant weight gain. This has important implications related to the adverse effects of the boxed warning. Patients should be aware of this risk, be monitored appropriately, and consider dietary counseling and lifestyle modification if weight gain is observed. Keep reading!
Is there increased psoriasis risk in patients taking dupilumab for atopic dermatitis?
Authors of an article published in JAMA Dermatology compared psoriasis risk in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who were prescribed dupilumab versus other systemic agents, including corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil.
The three-year cumulative psoriasis incidence was higher in the dupilumab cohort than the control cohort (2.9% vs. 1.8%). The dupilumab cohort showed an increased risk for psoriasis, although the risk for psoriatic arthritis was not significant. The authors noted the absolute risk may have limited clinical relevance and should be weighed against dupilumab’s efficacy.
Efficacy of medical interventions for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors of a JAMA Dermatology study compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of treatments for moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Compared with placebo, the following treatments were associated with significantly higher HiSCR-50 response rates: sonelokimab, 120 mg, every four weeks; lutikizumab, 300 mg, every two weeks; adalimumab, 40 mg, once per week; sonelokimab, 240 mg, every two weeks; bimekizumab, 320 mg, every two weeks; povorcitinib, 15 mg, once per day; bimekizumab, 320 mg, every four weeks; secukinumab, 300 mg, every four weeks; and secukinumab, 300 mg, every two weeks. Most differences between adalimumab, 40 mg, once per week, and other targeted treatments were not statistically significant.
[HS experts discuss the latest therapeutic and procedural updates to optimize disease management. Read more.]
The percentage of patients experiencing serious adverse events ranged from 0% to 10% in the placebo groups, 0% to 8% in the adalimumab (40 mg, once per week) groups, and 0% to 6% in the other active treatment groups.
FDA warns companies over illegal marketing of botulinum toxin products
The FDA issued 18 warning letters to owners of websites illegally marketing unapproved and misbranded botulinum toxin products. The agency is aware of adverse events associated with unapproved and misbranded products, including botulism symptoms. The agency urged patients to receive these products from a licensed and trained provider and ensure it has been obtained from an authorized source.
The Academy recently heard from members experiencing challenges obtaining Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) for injection. Reports indicate difficulty sourcing both vials and compounded syringes, across various concentrations and from multiple manufacturers. Read more.
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