The injections are intended to prevent amputation of digits.
The Food and Drug Administration approved a new treatment for severe frostbite this week that is intended to prevent the amputation of fingers or toes. Iloprost, the medicine marketed under the name Aurlumyn for injection, is a vasodilator that opens blood vessels and prevents clotting. It was originally approved in 2004 for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
“This approval provides patients with the first-ever treatment option for severe frostbite,” said FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Division of Cardiology and Nephrology Director Norman Stockbridge. “Having this new option provides physicians with a tool that will help prevent the life-changing amputation of one’s frostbitten fingers or toes.”
Severe frostbite causes damage when the skin and underlying tissue become frozen, and blood flow stops.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Commissioner Califf to be discerning as he oversees the Food and Drug Administration.
- For FDA researchers as they review and approve treatments and interventions for various illnesses and disorders.
Sources: Reuters
