A non-profit advocacy group, Psoriasis Cure Now, initiated a joint hearing with US Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committees to approve two topical steroids used in psoriasis as over-the-counter drugs. The group believes that psoriasis patients are already adept when it comes to treating their condition with topical steroids. Most of these patients already have the disease and will continue to have it for an additional 50 years or more.

Although the group believed that more steroids should be available over-the-counter for psoriasis patients, FDA should also find ways to better educate the patients regarding topical steroids, their potential side effects and the product labels in general.

Topical steroids play a major role in the treatment of psoriasis. It comes in different variations according to strength and size. The most common steroid used for psoriasis is hydrocortisone 1%. There are different classification systems used for steroids. One is by measuring steroid potencies from mild to ultra high.

Furthermore, psoriasis patients could greatly benefit from the OTC status because of lower costs and convenience.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious autoimmune disease that usually affects the skin and joints. The cause is unknown but genetics is believed to play an important role.

According to Medical News Today:

Psoriasis Cure Now, a nonprofit patient advocacy group, today urged a joint hearing of two Food and Drug Administration Advisory Committees to approve for over-the-counter use some topical steroids that currently require a prescription. Topical corticosteroids play a role in psoriasis treatment for the vast majority of the 6.5 million Americans with psoriasis, and these patients would benefit from the convenience and lower cost that OTC status would bring.

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Posted in Steroids and Anabolic Steroids