NEW YORK, April 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When it comes to cosmetic injectables, the terms "investigational" and "off-label" are often used interchangeably, often confusing consumers. The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety offers consumers these guidelines and definitions:
"A label containing specific consumer safety information is required by the Food and Drug Administration after a drug or medical device has been approved," explained Coalition leader Roger Dailey, MD of Portland, OR. "There are very specific labeling requirements including things such as brand name, drug content, the indications for a drug or device, dosing, adverse reactions, warnings and even data obtained from clinical studies."
A label defines the specific use for which a drug has been approved. "Off-label use refers to the legal practice of prescribing a drug for a purpose other than its stated indication; this is up to your doctors' discretion and is commonly done, however it is illegal for a manufacturer to market, advertise or otherwise promote the off-label use of drugs," said Coalition member Mark A. Codner, MD of Atlanta, GA. "For example, most dermal fillers are specifically approved for use in the nasolabial folds, the creases that run from the outer corner of the nose to the outer corner of the mouth. As a result, other forms of tissue enhancement that are commonly addressed with dermal fillers are considered 'off-label' as these specific treatments were not part of the clinical data submitted for approval," he continued.
"The term investigational means that either a drug or device is being studied in a particular application as part of the process necessary to submit for approval to the U.S. FDA, or that an approved drug or device is being studied for new uses," explained Dr. Dailey. "For example, consider that Botox(R) is approved for many clinical applications and Botox(R) Cosmetic is approved for cosmetic use. However, there is no approval similar or specific to the treatment of headaches with Botox(R), therefore this is an investigational use -- one that is being studied by physician-investigators."
A complete listing of FDA-approved cosmetic injectables with common off-label uses, and a listing of investigational cosmetic injectables and uses are available in the "Injectables-at-a-Glance" link at InjectableSafety.org. A full glossary of commonly used terms can also be found on the site.
A "Cosmetic Injectable Planner" is also available to download in PDF format, an ideal and easy-to-use set of guidelines for planning a first time or repeat cosmetic injectable treatment. The Coalition offers consumers these very simple questions to ask before considering any cosmetic injectable procedure:
-- Doctor: Is the injectable recommended by a qualified doctor who regularly treats similar conditions, in an appropriately licensed and equipped medical facility? Has the doctor examined the prospective patient before recommending treatment?
-- Brand: Is the injectable recommended approved by the U.S. FDA for cosmetic indications and is it appropriately labeled and packaged to reflect its authenticity and approval?
-- Safety: Is the setting a proper medically-equipped office, with safety and sterilization procedures? Has the physician evaluated conditions, recommended treatment, offered alternatives and clearly defined the potential outcomes including any complications?
For the latest consumer safety and education and cosmetic injectables and more visit www.injectablesafety.org.
About Us
The Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety is an alliance of specialty physician organizations including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The mission of the Coalition is to provide the public with unbiased and necessary information on injectable cosmetic treatments, appropriate injectors and where to safely access cosmetic medical procedures. Our goal is to promote treatment supervised by properly qualified and trained, board-certified doctors and to promote only the use of U.S. FDA-approved, appropriately administered product. More information can be found at www.injectablesafety.org.
About ASAPS
The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), founded in 1967, is the leading professional organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. With 2,100 members in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries, ASAPS is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery around the world.
About AAFPRS
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world's largest specialty association that represents over 2,700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck.
About ASOPRS
The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery represent surgeons qualified in plastic surgery of the eyelids and surrounding facial structures. Fellows of the Society are board certified in ophthalmology, have completed fellowships in oculofacialplastic surgery (currently two years), and perform aesthetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgery of the face, orbits, eyelids, and lacrimal system.
SOURCE Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety
