Galderma drug for common skin condition becomes available

FORT WORTH, Texas — A topical medication made by Galderma Labs for treating melasma of the face is now available in pharmacies, Galderma said.

Tri-Luma (fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%), tretinoin 0.05%) is described as the only Food and Drug Administration-approved triple combination topical product for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe melasma. The chronic skin condition affects more than 7 million people in the United States.

Melasma causes brown to gray-brown patches of skin due to the body producing too much melanin, usually appearing on the face, but also sometimes the forearms and neck. The condition is sometimes referred to as "the mask of pregnancy" because it is so common during pregnancy, but there are many factors associated with it, including birth control pills, hormone therapy, cosmetics, anti-seizure drugs and sun exposure. It is more common among people of Latin, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African descent.

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