Akurza is an anti-inflammatory drug belonging to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The topical form of this drug is used in the treatment of many skin problems like
There is different drug usage and dosing regimen for each of the problems. It is a non-prescription drug which is available in the form of
Soap
Lotion
Liquid
Foam
Ointment
Gel
Jelly
Solution
Cream
Pad
Paste
Shampoo
Dressing
Easy to apply stick
If you are about to start Akurza, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.
The patient is the authoritative figure when it comes to any medical procedure or any drug therapy. It is important for the patient to know all the details about the drug and then start using it. Doctor also has a duty to bring out answers from the patient which play an important role in treatment like history, any allergy or any medical condition the patient has. For this purpose, it is important to have a detailed session between the patient and the physician before starting this drug to sort out all the details.
Detailed history of a patient is extremely important prior to any medical therapy and in this case, it is more likely that a drug be started after it. Allergies or any history of allergy to any drug, food, preservatives, dyes or animal products; history of drug usage, past medical or surgical procedure should also be kept in record to predict any drug interaction.
Physical examination should be done before starting this drug so that any physiological or pathological condition with which this drug may interfere may be ruled out.
Age specific analysis is vital to have information about side effects in different age groups. Certain studies in geriatric population have not demonstrated special effects to limit its usefulness. Older people are prone to have age related vascular diseases which requires caution in its use. There are not enough studies conducted in pregnant and breastfeeding women about its side effects.
Drug interactions are the effects on the therapy or the condition for which the drug is used by other drugs used concomitantly. It is necessary that no drug be started without consulting a physician as other drugs may cause alteration in the effect of this drug or its removal from the body. The use of this drug with Ketorolac is contraindicated and the physician may change one drug or the other, if used together.
There are also some drugs which are associated with an increase in interactions and doctor may consider altering the dose of one or the other.
Such drugs include:
- Monoclonal antibodies
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Anti-depressants
- Heparin
- Warfarin
- Anti-clotting agents
- Anti-psychotics
- Clotting factors
- Calcium channel blockers
- Anti-virals
- Methotrexate
Medical conditions, other than the condition for which this drug is used, may also affect working of the drug and cause harm. It is important for the patient to give detailed history, and important for the doctor to derive such details from the patient to avoid such circumstances.
The conditions which may interact with this drug include:
- Blood vessel disease
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Irritation, or infection of the skin
- Influenza (flu) or Varicella (chicken pox)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
Akurza is an over the counter drug which is available easily for use. Read the instructions manual before its application on skin and use the dose as advised by your doctor.
It is better to use small amount of drug on an area of skin to see if there is any allergic reaction, then use it properly.
Avoid its direct contact on eye and any mucus membrane. An occlusive dressing, like airtight covering or kitchen wrap, can also be used if advised by the doctor to increase drug absorption.
In using Akurza, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Precautions are the part and parcel of any treatment and patient must adhere to these to improve the outcome.
It is the duty of the doctor or any medical care provider to make the patient aware about these tips as an aid to the therapy.
- Regular checkup is necessary to look for the progress of the treatment.
- If the symptoms do not improve much, consult your doctor again.
- Avoid use of abrasive soaps and cleansers.
- Alcohol containing preparations should not be used.
- Do not use any other acne medication unless advised by the doctor.
- Water based cosmetics can be used.
- Salicylate toxicity is an unusual side effect of this drug which occurs more commonly in children and people suffering from kidney or liver disease. Consult your doctor if there is any unusual side effect.
- Do not start any other drug, prescription or non-prescription, without consulting your physician..
- Store it in a dry place at room temperature. Keep it away from the reach of children.
There is no drug in the world which is without its unwanted effects. Some drugs are relatively safe for use while for some drugs, the patient should be cautious as these drugs may cause more harm than good. Make sure you meet with your doctor while using Akurza to avoid unwanted potential side effects.
Patient should always get medical help in case of any adverse effect, no matter how trivial it is. As this drug does not pass through internal systems and reaches the target organ directly, the side effects profile is limited.
It may cause itching and local irritation which is self-limited.
Less common side effects include
- Difficulty in breathing
- Dryness and peeling of skin
- Fainting
- Hives or itching
- Redness of the skin
- Swelling of face and eyes
- Throat tightness
- Unusually warm skin
There are some symptoms which occur as a result of overdose and require urgent medical attention like:
