Researchers have found a link between increased risks of certain
cancers and the use of two prescription creams commonly used to
treat skin conditions in children has initiated a growing concern
among scientists. This concern prompted scientists to propose adding
stronger warnings to the product labels. The two brands of cream
under investigation are Protopic and Elidel.
Although the creams were approved only to be used for a short-term
use for adults and children age 2 and older, the marketers of Elidel
pushed aggressively for a longer indication. One researcher stated
that the product is being heavily advertised without regard for
the potential cancer risks, particularly among young children. The
result of this marketing push is that both creams are being used
for longer than they safely should be among adults and babies.
On the contrary, the makers of the Elidel argued that the cream
is an effective steroid-free treatment for mild to moderate eczema
and has a well-established profile.
Latest Study Confirms Cancer Link to Creams
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Results from the study involving monkeys suggested that the
creams might cause lymphoma, which is defined as a cancer of
the immune system
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At least seven cases of lymphoma have been reported
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At least seven cases of skin cancer and a handful of others
have also been reported
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Several children reported infections, including an 8-month-old
boy whose infection was so severe he suffered a heart attack
after Protopic was applied to his body for six months
One researcher suggested the need for regulatory action such as
adding a “black box” warning to the label of the creams.
Concerns over the potential dangers of these creams surfaced the
same time the FDA had been dealing with heavy criticism for failure
to protect the public from the blockbuster painkiller Vioxx, which
was recently pulled from pharmacy shelves because of its link to
raising the risk of cardiac complications such as heart attack and
strokes.
Washingtonpost.com
February 12, 2005
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