PharmaDerm Launches Web-based Patient Education Program, AK Connect, for People with Actinic Keratosis

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PharmaDerm, a division of Nycomed US Inc., announced today that is has launched AK Connect, a patient resource program that contains information tailored to different types of patients about diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and support for actinic keratosis (AK). Now physicians who treat patients with AK have a new resource to help better inform patients about this potentially serious skin condition that affects millions of Americans.(1,2)

Patients can enroll in the AK Connect program by visiting www.solaraze.com/akconnect. The website provides patients with information about the importance of staying on therapy if diagnosed with AK, being aware of changes on their skin (i.e., early diagnosis), and helpful information on protecting the skin from AK lesions.

"AK is a chronic condition requiring regularly scheduled medical consultations. AK Connect is designed to help patients expand their knowledge about AK; similarly, the program provides physicians with an additional resource to help better educate patients beyond the exam room," said Steve Andrzejewski, CEO of Nycomed US. "We believe the personalized information available through the program can help facilitate a more productive patient-physician dialogue about the condition."

About Actinic Keratosis (AK)

Actinic keratosis, also known as solar keratosis, is a skin condition characterized by dry, scaly patches (lesions) that can appear on any area of the body that has been exposed to strong sunlight over a period of years.(3) AK is considered pre-cancerous and, if left untreated, may progress to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening.(3,4) Approximately 10 percent of AK lesions may progress to SCC.(2) AK lesions usually respond well to treatment, which ranges from topical creams and gels that can be applied at home to procedures that are performed in the doctor's office. With early treatment, the cure rate for AKs often exceeds 90 percent.(5) Regular self-examinations and screenings by a dermatologist can help detect AK in the earliest and most treatable stages.

"AK Connect aims to help anyone who has been diagnosed with AK, cares about someone who has AK, or is simply looking to learn more. Given the chronic nature of the condition, all of the information on the site reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and close collaboration between patients and physicians on the right course of treatment," Andrzejewski added.

Information about the AK Connect program will be included in all new AK patient education materials PharmaDerm provides to physicians. PharmaDerm, which sponsors AK Connect, manufactures SOLARAZE® (diclofenac sodium-3%) Gel, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the topical treatment of AK lesions.

Solaraze® (diclofenac sodium) Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses (AK). Sun avoidance is indicated during therapy.

Important Product Safety Information About SOLARAZE® Gel

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) Gel is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to diclofenac, benzyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol or hyaluronate sodium (please see accompanying full Prescribing Information).

PRECAUTIONS: Solaraze (diclofenac sodium) Gel should be used with caution in patients with active gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding and severe renal or hepatic impairments.  Solaraze should not be applied to open skin wounds, infections, or exfoliative dermatitis.  It should not be allowed to come in contact with the eyes (please see accompanying full Prescribing Information).

WARNINGS: As with other NSAIDs, anaphylactoid reactions may occur in patients without prior exposure to diclofenac.  Diclofenac sodium should be given with caution to patients with the aspirin triad (please see accompanying full Prescribing Information).

For more information about SOLARAZE® Gel, please refer to the full Prescribing Information at https://www.solaraze.com.

About Nycomed US

Nycomed US Inc. is a subsidiary of Nycomed and operates two divisions in the United States focused on specialty pharmaceuticals in dermatology.  Founded in 1849, Fougera is a division of Nycomed US Inc. and is the leading manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of topical products.  The PharmaDerm division is dedicated to developing and commercializing novel prescription products to treat diseases and conditions of the skin – the largest organ of the human body.  For more information on Fougera's complete line of products, please call Fougera Customer Service at (800) 645-9833 or visit the company online at www.fougera.com.  Information on PharmaDerm products can be found online at www.pharmaderm.com.  More information is also available at www.nycomedus.com.

(1) ActinicKeratosesNet, Could that be AK on your skin: American Academy of Dermatology website. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/actinickeratosesnet/AK_skin.html. Accessed May 5, 2011.

(2) Actinic Keratosis the Most Common Precancer: The Skin Cancer Foundation website. http://www.skincancer.org/actinic-keratosis-and-other-precancers.html. Accessed May 5, 2011.

(3) Actinic Keratosis, Definition: The Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568. Accessed May 5, 2011.

(4) Actinic Keratosis, Complications: The Mayo Clinic website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/actinic-keratosis/DS00568/DSECTION=complications. Accessed May 5, 2011.

(5) ActinicKeratosesNet, Early Diagnosis and Treatment for AKs Can Make a Difference: American Academy of Dermatology website. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/actinickeratosesnet/early_diagnosis.html. Accessed May 5, 2011.

SOURCE PharmaDerm