FDA Slaps Warnings on Eczema Creams

[Guest guest]

http://www.mercola.com/blog/2005/mar/11/fda_slaps_warnings_on_eczema_creams

 

 

FDA Slaps Warnings on Eczema Creams

 

Last week, I posted an article about the strong links regarding the

increase in certain cancers and the use of Protopic and Elidel, two

prescription skin creams. After much prompting from researchers who

discovered the link, the FDA ruled late yesterday both Protopic and

Elidel would have " black box " warnings about such risks.

 

According to the FDA ruling, both drugs aren't approved for use by

children younger than 2 because research had shown " the risk of cancer

increased as the amount of the drug given increased " as well as a

small number of reports of cancers in children and adults.

 

Not surprisingly, Novartis, the maker of Elidel, disputed the black

box warning as did the American Academy of Dermatology who claims the

body absorbs little, if any, of the drug.

 

The black box ruling is a bit of a surprise because, according to

reports, the FDA typically negotiates labeling with drugmakers. But

not terribly unexpected, considering all the attention Congress has

paid toward the FDA and its all-too-cozy relationship with the

mega-bilion drugmakers.