FDA safety alert, bedbug resurgence among week's top five dermatology reads

An FDA safety alert warning of severe allergic reactions associated with the use of Picato gel in treating actinic keratosis was the most-read article of the past week on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included a report on study results regarding weight-based standard dosing of Stelara in adolescents with psoriasis and a presentation on the bedbug resurgence in the United States at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2015 Summer Academy Meeting:

FDA warns of severe adverse reactions with Picato gel, requires label change

The FDA has issued a safety alert regarding reports of severe allergic reactions and herpes zoster associated with the use of Picato gel.

Picato gel (ingenol mebutate, LEO Pharma) is used to treat actinic keratosis. Throat tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling faint or swelling of the lips or tongue were allergic reactions reported by the FDA in a MedWatch safety alert. Read more

Stelara effective in adolescents with psoriasis

Weight-based standard dosing of Stelara was effective in adolescents with moderate-to-severe psoriasis with no unexpected adverse events, according to recently published study results.

Stelara (ustekinumab, Janssen) is currently approved as treatment for adults aged 18 years and older with plaque psoriasis, as well as adults with psoriatic arthritis either alone or with methotrexate. Read more

Bedbug resurgence, avoidance and treatment discussed at AAD meeting

A recent resurgence of bedbugs in the United States and its effect on patients was discussed during a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2015 Summer Academy Meeting in New York.

“The worst effects of a bedbug infestation are usually psychological rather than physical,” Theodore Rosen, MD, FAAD, professor of dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine and chief of dermatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, said in a press release. Read more

Genentech begins phase 3 trial of Rituxan for pemphigus vulgaris

Genentech announced it has begun a phase 3 clinical study of Rituxan in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

The clinical trial’s goal is to determine efficacy and safety of Rituxan (rituximab) for treating pemphigus vulgaris, a rare, chronic and potentially fatal blistering skin disease that primarily occurs in adults aged 30 to 60 years, according to a company announcement. Read more

Multiple primary melanomas most likely in first year after initial melanoma diagnosis

The risk for multiple primary melanomas was greatest in the first year after initial melanoma diagnosis, with patients who were older, male, white and partnered being at higher risk, according to recently published study results.

Researchers estimated multiple primary melanoma incidence among 16,570 Kaiser Permanente Northern California members diagnosed with melanoma between 1996 and 2011. Read more