A-Fil

A-Fil is one of the sunscreen agents available to prevent sunburn. Using sunscreen agents and limiting your exposure to the sun may help prevent premature wrinkling of the skin and skin cancer.

There are two types of sunscreen agents:

• Chemical: Protects you from the sun by absorbing UV (ultraviolet) rays and visible sun rays.
• Physical: Reflects, scatters, absorbs or blocks UV and visible sun rays.

Sunscreen agents usually contain more than one ingredient. For example, these products may contain one ingredient to provide protection against UV-A rays and another ingredient to provide protection against UV-B rays (UV-B rays are more likely to cause sunburn than UV-A rays). Coverage should ideally include protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays.

The sun protection factor (SPF) that is found on the label of sunscreen agents tells you the minimum amount of UV-B sunlight that is needed along with the product to produce redness on sunscreen-protected skin. Higher SPFs will provide more protection against the sun.

Sunscreen agents are available with and without a doctor’s prescription. If you are using this medication without a prescription, read and follow all precautions on the label.

This product is available in the following forms:

• Cream
• Lotion
• Ointment
• Oil
• Spray
• Stick
• Gel/Jelly
• Liquid
• Pad

If you are about to start A-Fil, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservativesor animals.

• Pediatric: Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen agents should not be used on infants under the age of 6 months because it can increase the chance of side effects. Children 6 months of age and older should have limited exposure to the sun.

  Sunscreen agents with an SPF of 15 or higher should be used during sun exposure. Lotion sunscreen products are the preferred form of sunscreen agent in children. Alcohol-based sunscreen products should be avoided in children because they can cause irritation.

• Geriatric: Elderly people who spend little time in the sun and use sunscreen agents frequently may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency (may result in bone disease and fracture). However, this has not been proven. To help you get enough vitamin D, it is recommended that you eat foods rich in vitamin D, such as fortified milk or fatty fish. Your doctor may advise you to take vitamin D supplements.

• Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
• Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
  • Skin conditions or diseases, especially those caused or worsened by exposure to sunlight - Worsening of skin condition may occur.

Sunscreen agents are only for external use. To use A-Fil properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor or read the patient directions provided on the product container.

In choosing a sunscreen product, you may want to consider the following:

• Type of activity - If you are in places of higher elevation or on reflective surfaces, the sun’s rays may increase the likelihood of sun damage to your skin. Use a sunscreen agent with UV-A and UV-B coverage and an SPF of 15 or higher.

  Water activities and activities that cause sweating may remove the sunscreen agent from your skin. Use a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen agent with an SPF of 15 or higher.

  When possible, wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants and UV-opaque sunglasses, as sun rays may cause cataracts.

• Age - Do not use sunscreen agents on infants 6 months of age and younger. For children 6 months of age and older, use a lotion form of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Avoid using alcohol-based sunscreen for this age group.
• Site of application - Use a physical sunscreen for the ears and nose. Use a gel-based sunscreen or lip balm for the lips.
• Skin condition - If you have dry skin, use a cream or lotion form of sunscreen agent. If you have oily skin, use an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen. Do not use alcohol-based sunscreen if you have eczema or inflamed skin.

Use the following skin types and sunscreens to help you choose which product is best for you:

• Very fair; burns easily; rarely tans - Use SPF 20-30
• Fair; burns easily; tans minimally - Use SPF 12-20
• Medium; burns minimully; always tans well (moderate brown) - Use SPF 8-12
• Dark; rarely burns; tans profusely (dark brown) - Use SPF 2-4

Apply a sunscreen product that protects you from UV rays before every exposure to the sun. For maximum sun protection, sunscreens should be applied evenly and thickly to all exposed areas of the skin.

Sunscreen agents containing aminobenzoic acid, lisadimate, padimate O or roxidimate should be applied 1-2 hours before exposure to the sun. Other sunscreen agents should be applied 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, unless otherwise directed.

Lip sunscreens should be applied 45-60 minutes before exposure to the sun. Because many sunscreens are easily removed from the skin, you should reapply these products every 1-2 hours for adequate protection. This is especially important after swimming or heavy perspiration. Lip sunscreens should be applied at least once an hour.

Keep sunscreen agents away from the eyes.

Some sunscreen agents contain alcohol, which makes them flammable. Do not use near heat, open flame or while smoking.

Follow your doctor’s orders, or the directions on the label.

The following information includes only the average dose of sunscreen in the forms of cream, gel, lotion, lip balm, oil, spray and stick:

• Adults, teenagers and children 6 months of age and older - Apply liberally and evenly to exposed areas of the skin.
• Infants younger than 6 months of age - Use is not recommended.

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of medication you are no longer using.

Before using A-Fil, there are some precautions you must take. If a rash or irritation develops, stop using the sunscreen and check with your doctor.

Sunscreen agents containing aminobenzoic acid, lisadimate, padimate O or roxadimate may discolor and stain light-colored fabrics yellow.

In addition to using sunscreen, it is advisable to minimize exposure to the sun from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. (11 A.M. to 3 P.M. during daylight savings time) when the sun is strongest.

Be sure to take extra precautions on cloudy or overcast days and around reflective surfaces such as sand, snow or water, since these surfaces can reflect the sun’s damaging rays. Wear protective clothing whenever possible.

Sunglasses should be worn to avoid sun damage to the eyes (cataracts). Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlors as these can damage the skin and eyes, like direct sunlight.

A-Fil may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of the side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Acne
• Burning, itching or stinging of the skin
• Redness or swelling of the skin
• Rash with or without weeping blisters that become crusted
• Pain in hairy areas
• Pus in the hair follicles

Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment.

Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:

• Drying or tightening of the skin

Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.