Medications and Drugs
Medical Editor: Jay W.
Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: hyaluronic acid
BRAND NAME: Restylane
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Restylane is a gel of hyaluronic acid produced by bacteria and used for treating facial wrinkles and folds. Hyaluronic acid
is a substance that is normally produced by the body. Hyaluronic acid is what
gives skin its volume and fullness. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is called
non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) because it is not derived from
animal sources. When Restylane is injected into wrinkled skin it adds fullness
and reduces the prominence of the wrinkles in the previously wrinkled area. Hyaluronic acid also attracts and binds water, and this also helps maintain fullness in the area of injection. The benefit of hyaluronic acid may last for six months or longer. Restylane was approved by the FDA in December, 2003.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PREPARATIONS:
Single use syringes
STORAGE: Store at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Restylane is used for the correction of moderate to severe wrinkles and folds (e.g. naso-labial folds). It is also used for enhancing fullness of the lips.
DOSING:Restylane is administered by injection only by a physician. The amount of Restylane that is administered depends on the site that is being treated but it should not be more than 1.5 ml per site.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions are not listed in the prescribing information.
PREGNANCY: Use of hyaluronic
acid during pregnancy has not been evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: Use of hyaluronic acid by nursing mothers has not been evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of hyaluronic acid are reactions at the site of injection such as bruising, redness, pain, itching, tenderness and swelling. Vitamin E supplements, St. John's Wort, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve and Motrin may increase bruising or bleeding after injection of hyaluronic acid. Therefore, patients should stop these drugs at least one week before the injections. Post marketing adverse effects that have been reported include infection, allergic reactions, necrosis (death of tissue), and acne.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/8/2005 9:26:00 PM
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Wrinkles - Learn more about wrinkles, which typically appear on areas of the body that receive a high amount of exposure to the sun. Smoking, light skin type, hairstyle, the way you dress, your occupational and recreational habits, and heredity are all factors that promote wrinkling. Medical treatments for wrinkles include antioxidants, moisturizers, alpha-hydroxy acids, and vitamin A acid. Cosmetic procedures that treat wrinkles include dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, glycolic acid peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and fillers.
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