Alera
Alera Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Alera is a topical depigmentating agent that produces a reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibiting enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and suppressing melanocyte metabolic processes.
| Trade Name | Alera |
| Generic | Hydroquinone |
| Hydroquinone Other Names | 1,4-benzenediol, Hydroquinone, Quinol |
| Weight | 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, |
| Type | Topical cream, topical emulsion, topical gel |
| Formula | C6H6O2 |
| Weight | Average: 110.1106 Monoisotopic: 110.036779436 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational |
| Therapeutic Class | Hydroquinone Preparations |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | United States |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Alera is used -
- For the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
- To reduce hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization associated with inflammation or with the use of certain cosmetics.
Alera is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acne Vulgaris, Melasma, Skin hyperpigmentation, Moderate Melasma, Severe Melasma
How Alera works
Alera reduces melanin pigment production through inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the initial step of the melanin pigment biosynthesis pathway. Alera takes several months to take effect.
Dosage
Alera dosage
Apply a thin film of Alera Cream to the effected area once daily, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply Alera Cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal appearing skin surrounding eachlesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin.
Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. During the day, use asunscreenof SPF 30, and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day. Alera Cream is for topical use only. It is not for oral,ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.
Side Effects
No systemic adverse reactions have been reported. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur in which case the medication should be discontinued.
Precaution
Alera is a skin bleaching 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.
Test for skin sensitivity before using by applying a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin to check in 24 hours. Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching or vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response, further treatment is not advised. If no bleaching or lightening effect is noted after 2 months of treatment, the medication should be discontinued.
Contact with the eyes and lips should be avoided. Alera should not be applied to cut or abraded skin.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Lactation: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.
Contraindication
Alera is contraindicated to patients with prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or other ingredients in the preparation.
Acute Overdose
There have been no systemic reactions from the use of topical hydroquinone. Some patients may experience a transient reddening of skin and mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
Storage Condition
Store between 20-25° C. Protect from light.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Alera
Alera contains Hydroquinone see full prescribing information from innovator Alera Monograph, Alera MSDS, Alera FDA label
FAQ
What is Alera used for?
Alera is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, "liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. Alera also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol, is an aromatic organic compound that is a type of phenol, a derivative of benzene, having the chemical formula C₆H₄(OH)₂. It has two hydroxyl groups bonded to a benzene ring in a para position.
How safe is Alera?
Alera is deemed safe in the United States. There isn't any clinical evidence currently to suggest that Alera is harmful to humans. However, minor side effects are still possible. It may cause a temporary uptick in redness or dryness at first, especially if you have sensitive skin.
How does Alera work?
Alera bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present.
What are the common side effects of Alera?
Common side effects of Alera include:
- Mild skin irritation and sensitization (burning, stinging)
- Dermatitis.
- Dryness.
- Redness.
- Inflammatory reaction.
Is Alera safe during pregnancy?
Whitening and brightening solutions with Alera are safe to use during pregnancy and won't harm the foetus.
Is Alera safe during breastfeeding?
Alera is not contraindicated during breastfeeding and if Alera is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, some experts feel that long-term use of Alera is difficult to justify in a nursing mother.
Can Alera make me blind?
Inhaling Alera can irritate the nose and throat.
Is Alera hazardous?
Alera is also a skin irritant in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to Alera dust can result in eye irritation, corneal effects, and impaired vision.
Can I leave Alera on overnight?
Apply Alera cream once daily to clean, dry skin, preferably at bedtime, and leave on overnight.
Can I use Alera everyday?
Alera a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.
How fast does Alera work?
It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect.
How long should I use Alera?
You can use the product for up to four months, and then begin to taper off use.
Can Alera be used in the morning?
Apply Alera in the evening after Retin-A and in the morning for 2 to 6 weeks prior to the procedure.
How often can I use Alera?
Alera a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
How long does Alera take to work?
Alera takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect.
Can I take Alera for long time?
You shouldn't use products with this ingredient for more than five months at a time.
When should I stop taking Alera?
Alera stop application after five months. If your skin lightens, stop using Alera regularly and only use it if the dark spots reappear. Wait two or three months to use it in the same areas.
Who should not take Alera?
Do not use Alera topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 months, or if your condition gets worse.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose of Alera?
An overdose of Alera topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What happen If I stop taking Alera?
Prolonged regular use of Alera may lead to exogenous ochronosis, which can cause blue-black pigmentation and papules, red bumps on the skin.
Is Alera hard on my heart?
Alera can cause dangerous effects on your heart, especially if you also use certain other medicines. Seek emergency medical attention if you have fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness
Can Alera affect my kidneys?
Alera produce significant histological alterations that might affect the liver and kidney.
Can Alera affects my liver?
Alera can remove the top layer of skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer and cause fatal liver and kidney damage.
