Avar

This product is indicated for use in the topical control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis.

Cleanse affected areas. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas with light massaging, 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by a physician.

Reports of irritation and hypersensitivity to sodium sulfacetamide are uncommon. The following adverse reactions, reported after administration of sterile ophthalmic sodium sulfacetamide, are noteworthy: instances of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and instances of local hypersensitivity which progressed to a syndrome resembling systemic lupus erythematosus; in one case a fatal outcome was reported (see WARNINGS).

Drug Interactions:

This product is incompatible with silver preparations.

Each gram contains 100 mg of sodium sulfacetamide and 50 mg of colloidal sulfur in a vehicle consisting of: butylated hydroxytoluene, cetyl alcohol, citric acid, disodium EDTA, glyceryl stearate SE, mineral oil, PEG-100 stearate, phenoxyethanol, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium thiosulfate, stearyl alcohol, triacetin, xanthan gum.

Sodium sulfacetamide is a sulfonamide with antibacterial activity while sulfur acts as a keratolytic agent. Sodium sulfacetamide is C 8H 9N 2NaO 3S·H 2O with molecular weight of 254.24. Chemically, sodium sulfacetamid is N-[(4-aminophenyl) sulfonyl]-acetamide, monosodium salt, monohydrate. The structural formula is:

Sodium sulfacetamide is an odorless, white, crystalline powder with a bitter taste. It is freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in alcohol, while practically insoluble in benzene, in chloroform and in ether.

Sodium sulfacetamide exerts a bacteriostatic effect against sulfonamide sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms commonly isolated from secondary cutaneous pyogenic infections. It acts by restricting the synthesis of folic acid required by bacteria for growth, by its competition with para-aminobenzoic acid. There is no clinical data available on the degree and rate of systemic absorption of this product when applied to the skin or scalp. However, significant absorption of sodium sulfacetamide through the skin has been reported.

The following in vitro data is available, but the clinical significance is unknown. Organisms that show susceptibility to sodium sulfacetamide are: Streptococci, Staphylococci, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas pyocyanea, Salmonella species, Proteus vulgaris, Nocardia and Actinomyces.

The exact mode of action of sulfur in the treatment of acne is unknown, but it has been reported that it inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and the formation of free fatty acids.

This product is supplied in the following sizes:

1 oz. (28 g) bottles, NDC 58657-468-01

2 oz. (57 g) bottles, NDC 58657-468-02

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, call (877) 250-3427.

Manufactured in the U.S.A. for

Method Pharmaceuticals, LLC

Southlake, Texas 76092

General:

Nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi, may proliferate with the use of this preparation.

Although rare, sensitivity to sodium sulfacetamide may occur. Therefore, caution and careful supervision should be observed when prescribing this drug for patients who may be prone to hypersensitivity to topical sulfonamides. If the use of this product produces signs of hypersensitivity or other untoward reactions, discontinue use of the preparation. Patients should be carefully observed for possible local irritation or sensitization during long-term therapy. Systemic toxic reactions such as agranulocytosis, acute hemolytic anemia, purpura hemorrhagica, drug fever, jaundice and contact dermatitis indicate hypersensitivity to sulfonamides. Particular caution should be employed if areas of denuded or abraded skin are involved. Systemic absorption of topical sulfonamides is greater following application to large, infected, abraded, denuded, or severely burned areas. Under these circumstances, any of the adverse effects produced by the systemic administration of these agents could potentially occur, and appropriate observations and laboratory determinations should be performed.

The object of this therapy is to achieve desquamation without irritation, but sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur can cause reddening and scaling of the epidermis. These side effects are not unusual in the treatment of acne vulgaris, but patients should be cautioned about the possibility.