About AVAR®

The AVAR® line of products provides safe and effective treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD), acne vulgaris (AV), and acne rosacea (AR). AVAR® products contain sodium sulfacetamide, a sulfonamide antibiotic.

It is important to note that SD is basically dandruff of the face and body, and can involve the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nasolabial folds, ears, upper chest, underarms, under the breasts, and groin. The edges of the eyelids are commonly affected as well, and can cause severe irritation known as blepharitis. SD is often seen in men with beards.

WARNINGS: 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. 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.

Sulfonamides are known to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome in hypersensitive individuals. Stevens-Johnson syndrome also has been reported following the use of sodium sulfacetamide topically. Cases of drug induced systemic lupus erythematosus from topical sulfacetamide also have been reported. In one of these cases, there was a fatal outcome. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Sulfonamides have bacteriostatic properties, which means that they prevent bacteria from growing.

AVAR® products also contain sulfur, but in varying degrees. In addition to acting as a drying agent, sulfur acts as a keratolytic, which promotes the shedding of the top layer of skin. AVAR® products are contraindicated in patients who have known hypersensitivity to sulfonamides, sulfur or related compounds. These products should also not be used by patients with kidney disease.

About AVAR®

The AVAR® line of products provides safe and effective treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (SD), acne vulgaris (AV), and acne rosacea (AR). AVAR® products contain sodium sulfacetamide, a sulfonamide antibiotic.

It is important to note that SD is basically dandruff of the face and body, and can involve the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, nasolabial folds, ears, upper chest, underarms, under the breasts, and groin. The edges of the eyelids are commonly affected as well, and can cause severe irritation known as blepharitis. SD is often seen in men with beards.

Mission Pharmacal Company
San Antonio, TX 78230-1355
(210) 696-8400
This material is intended to provide basic information and is not medical advice. All medical advice, diagnosis and treatment should be obtained from your physician. The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States.
Copyright © Mission Pharmacal Company. All Rights Reserved.
Important Safety Information:
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INDICATIONS: The AVAR® (sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur) product family (AVAR® Cleanser, AVAR® LS Cleanser, AVAR-e® Emollient Cream, AVAR-e Green® Cream, AVAR-e® LS Emollient Cream) are prescription medicines used on the skin (topical) for the control of acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. AVAR products contain sodium sulfacetamide, a sulfonamide antibiotic, which prevents bacteria from growing.

Important Safety Information

AVAR products are not for everyone. You should not use AVAR products if you:

  • are allergic to any ingredient in AVAR products. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
  • have had a severe allergic reaction (e.g., severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling) to sulfonamide medicines or sulfur.
  • have kidney disease.

KEEP ALL AVAR PRODUCTS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Before you use AVAR products, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known whether AVAR products can cause harm to the fetus.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether the ingredients in AVAR products can pass into breast milk.
  • have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances.

AVAR PRODUCTS ARE FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. AVOID CONTACT WITH THE EYES. AVAR products should be used as directed by your doctor. Do not use them for other conditions. AVAR products should not be used in children younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been determined.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. You should tell your doctor if you are using silver-containing medicines, such as silver sulfadiazine.

AVAR products may cause serious side effects in some people, including:

  • severe allergic reactions. You should discontinue any AVAR product if the condition becomes worse, or if a rash develops in the area being treated or elsewhere. Seek medical attention right away if you develop signs or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
  • systemic lupus erythematosus. In one of these cases there was a fatal outcome. Discontinue the AVAR product immediately and contact your doctor right away if you experience arthritis (pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints), or fever or sores in your mouth develop.

Possible side effects of AVAR products include mild skin irritation or dryness. These are not all of the possible side effects of AVAR products. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You may report negative side effects to Mission Pharmacal Company at 1-800-298-1087, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

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The information in the following section is intended for US Healthcare Professionals only.
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