Im alergic to Sulfa and my Dermatology prescribes me sulfacetamide. Are this 2 things the same?
Im alergic to Sulfa (sulfamethoxazole) and my Dermatology prescibes me (sulfacetamide and sulfur) for my acne problem.
are this 2 things the same or shouldnt I use it?
Thanks so much for your question. I'm not certain if these two products are the same. To be on the safe side, you should confirm with your own doctor or even your pharmacist can help tell you if this would be problematice for you to take.
In the meantime, though I am not clear on what specifically you are taking, I was able to find informaiton on Klaron Topical in our Acne Drug Information material- check it out it may be what you are using or you can find other drug details here.
Hope this helps and all the best, sue (moderator)
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Dear Gissele,
If you're allergic to sulfa, this means you have a reaction when you take sulfonamides, a family of medications including the antibiotics, Bactrim and Septra. Sulfacetamide, but not sulfur, is a type of sulfonamide (sulfa) - the type of medication to which you are allergic. A small percentage of individuals who are allergic to sulfa antibiotics when taken internally react to sulfa antibiotics when they are applied to the skin. You should make sure that your dermatologist is aware that you are allergic to sulfa. He/she may advise you to minimize potential absorption of sulfa into your body from the sulfa cream by not applying it to extensive areas, by avoiding application to broken or irritated skin and/or by avoiding the application of additional acne treatments (such as exfoliants).
You may suspect an allergic reaction if you develop redness or itching of your skin in the areas where the acne medication was applied. - or, rarely, fever, mouth sores or joint pains. If you're concerned that you have an allergic reaction, you should call your dermatologist to discuss this. If you're worried that you might develop an allergic reaction, you can discuss switching to another acne medication by phone or when you follow up with your dermatologist.
Hope this helps!
Dr. Hema
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Sulfonamide medications can cause different types of allergic or “hypersensitivity” reactions. A common type of reaction—type IV—is caused by a component of sulfonamide antibiotic preparations not present in topical sulfa preparations. These reactions typically include a delayed onset rash and itching, and wouldn’t preclude use of topical preparations for acne. If the reaction to sulfa medications includes hives, low blood pressure, or trouble breathing—a type 1 reaction—all antimicrobial preparations containing sulfa should be avoided.
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