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| Pharmaceuticals \ Glyquin® |
Glyquin Patient Information
| This section is intended to provide you with information about GlyquinŽ therapy. THE ENTIRE SECTION AND THE PACKAGE INSERT SHOULD BE READ BEFORE PRESCRIBING so that you are aware of the requirements on your part to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the therapy. Any additional questions that you may have can be answered by your doctor or pharmacist.
Why do some people have patches of excess color on their skin?
The appearance of skin patches that are darker than the surrounding skin color is usually caused by natural body processes, and sometimes by external causes. The term for this skin darkening is epidermal hyperpigmentation. Epidermis refers to the outer layer of the skin. Hyperpigmentation means excess color.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to brown skin spots which are caused by an increase in the amount of melanin, a pigment in the skin that also determines eye and hair color. Epidermal hyperpigmentation occurs when too much melanin is produced and forms deposits in the skin. It can be hereditary, as in freckles, or develop with increased age, as in "old age spots". It can be related to pregnancy or from the use of oral contraceptives, as in melasma (also called the mask of pregnancy). Hyperpigmentation usually develops gradually and becomes markedly more apparent after sun exposure and tanning.
Is Hyperpigmentation harmful?
Hyperpigmentation is not a medical harmful condition. It is advisable, however, to have darkened skin patches checked by a physician to make sure they are not a type of skin cancer.
Usually people seek treatment for hyperpigmentation because it is cosmetically displeasing for them. Skin lightening products prescribed by a physician can reduce the unwanted excess color of hyperpigmented skin patches.
How Can I Lighten Hyperpigmented Skin?
Hyperpigmented skin can be lightened by using a product containing Hydroquinone as its skin bleaching agent. Glyquin (Hydroquinone USP, 4%) Cream works by slowing down the production of melanin pigment in the skin. As less and less melanin is produced, the darkened skin gradually fades to match normal skin.
How Long Will It Take?
The response varies from person to person. Glyquin (Hydroquinone USP, 4%) should be applied to the skin regularly twice a day - for at least one month before skin bleaching usually is noticed. Most patients see satisfying results within two months. The earlier the treatment is begun after skin spots appear, the more likelihood there is of a satisfactory cosmetic result.
Is Hydroquinone Therapy Safe?
Hydroquinone has been used for over 25 years in the United States for treatment of hyperpigmentation.
How Should the Patient Use ICN Glyquin?
Apply a thin film twice daily to the area in need of bleaching or as directed by a physician. The products should be rubbed into the skin well. Make-up can be applied after the treated area has dried. When applied as directed, the sunscreens in Glyquin provide necessary sun protection during skin bleaching therapy. Most dark colorations begin to lighten after four weeks of treatment. This lightening, however, may take longer. After desired bleaching. use only as needed to maintain results. After clearing and during maintenance therapy, sun exposure should be avoided on bleached skin by application of a sunscreen or by wearing protective clothing to prevent darkening from recurring.
What precautions should be taken during Hydroquinone therapy?
1.Test for skin sensitivity before using by applying the product to an unbroken patch of skin. If no redness or itching occurs within 24 hours, begin treatment.
2. If no bleaching effect is noted after two months of treatment, use of Hydroquinone products should be discontinued.
3. Lightening effect of Hydroquinone may not be noticeable when used on very dark skin.
4. These products are formulated for use as skin bleaching agents and should not be used for the prevention of sunburn.
5. Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 12 years have not been established.
What else should the patient know?
1. Remember to take Glyquin as directed by your doctor
2. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call physician or a poison control center immediately.
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