Lustra Cream Description

Hydroquinone is 1,4-benzenediol. Hydroquinone is structurally related to monobenzone. Hydroquinone occurs as fine, white needles. The drug is freely soluble in water and in alcohol and has a pKa of 9.96. Chemically, hydroquinone is designated as p-dihydroxybenzene; the empirical formula is C6H6O2; molecular weight 110.1. The structural formula is:

C6H6O2

Lustra Cream - Clinical Pharmacology

Topical application of hydroquinone produces a reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) alanine (dopa)1 and suppression of other melanocyte metabolic processes.2 Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light will cause repigmentation which may be prevented by the broad spectrum sunscreen agents contained in LUSTRA-AF®.3

Indications and Usage for Lustra Cream

LUSTRA® and LUSTRA-AF® are indicated for the gradual treatment of ultraviolet induced dyschromia and discoloration resulting from the use of oral contraceptives, pregnancy, hormone replacement therapy, or skin trauma.

Lustra Cream Dosage and Administration

LUSTRA® or LUSTRA-AF® should be applied to the affected areas twice daily, morning and before bedtime, or as directed by a physician. During and after the use of LUSTRA® sun exposure should be limited, and a sunscreen agent or sun-protective clothing should be used to cover the treated areas, to prevent repigmentation. There is no recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician.

Contraindications

LUSTRA® and LUSTRA-AF® are contraindicated in any patient that has a prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or any of the other ingredients. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or on children (12 years and under) has not been established.

Warnings

A.

CAUTION: Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent which may produce unwanted cosmetic effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication.

B.

Test for skin sensitivity before using LUSTRA® or LUSTRA-AF® by applying a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin and check within 24 hours. Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching, vesicle formation, or excessive inflammatory response further treatment is not advised. Close patient supervision is recommended. Contact with the eyes should be avoided.

If no lightening effect is noted after two months of treatment, use of LUSTRA® or LUSTRA-AF® should be discontinued. LUSTRA-AF® is formulated for use as a treatment for dyschromia and should not be used for the prevention of sunburn.

C.

Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy, because even minimal sunlight sustains melanocytic activity. During treatment and maintenance therapy, sun exposure should be avoided on treated skin by application of a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or by use of protective clothing to prevent repigmentation. Although LUSTRA® has an antioxidant system in its vehicle, there are no sunblocking or sunscreening agents in LUSTRA®. The sunscreens in LUSTRA-AF® provide the necessary sun protection during therapy. During and after the use of LUSTRA-AF®, sun exposure should be limited or sun-protective clothing should be used to cover the treated areas to prevent repigmentation.

D.

Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact a physician or a poison control center immediately.

E.

WARNING: Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite which may cause serious allergic reactions (e.g., hives, itching, wheezing, anaphylaxis, severe asthma attack) in certain susceptible persons.

F.

On rare occasions, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin may occur. In which case, use of LUSTRA® or LUSTRA-AF® should be discontinued and a physician contacted immediately.

Precautions

SEE WARNINGS

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

No systemic reactions have been reported. Occasional cutaneous hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur, in which case the medication should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately.

Overdosage

There have been no systemic reactions reported from the use of topical hydroquinone. However, treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time, since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.

How is Lustra Cream supplied

LUSTRA® (Hydroquinone Cream USP, 4%) is available as follows:

LUSTRA-AF® (Hydroquinone Cream USP, 4%) is available as follows:

References

1. Denton, C., A.B. Lerner, and T.B. Fitzpatrick. "Inhibition of Melanin Formation by Chemical Agents." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1952; 18:119-135.
2. Jimbow, K., H. Obata, M. Pathak, and T.B. Fitzpatrick. "Mechanism of Depigmentation by Hydroquinone." Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1974; 62:436-449.
3. Parrish, J.A., R.R. Anderson, F. Urbach, and D. Pitts. UVA, Biological Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation with Emphasis on Human Responses to Longwave Ultraviolet. Plenum Press, New York and London, 1978, p.151.

Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Covered by US Patent 5,932,612.

Mfd. by: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Brampton, Ontario, Canada L6T 1C1

Dist. by: TaroPharma
a division of Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc., Hawthorne, NY 10532

Made in Canada

LUSTRA®, LUSTRA-AF® and TaroPharma® are registered trademarks of
Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.

Revised: October, 2011

PK-4967-3
111

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 56.8 g Tube Carton

NDC 51672-1326-3

RX ONLY

LUSTRA®

(HYDROQUINONE CREAM USP, 4%)

NET WT. 2 oz (56.8 g)

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 56.8 g Tube Carton

NDC 51672-1327-3

RX ONLY

LUSTRA-AF®

(HYDROQUINONE CREAM USP, 4%)

NET WT. 2 oz (56.8 g)