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Have you considered proposing HU withdrawal because of severe cutaneous adverse reactions?

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The latest from Dermquest

RADLA 2010 Interviews

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Clinical Updates

Hydroxyurea: an old drug for new dermatologists

10 August 2010

Sélim Aractingi, MD, PhD

Hydroxyurea, which acts as an antimetabolite and leads to the inhibition of DNA replication, was first launched onto the market in the 1960s. It is now nearly always prescribed for patients with myeloproliferative disease, and rarely those with sickle cell disease or hypereosinophilic syndrome. However, the probability of cutaneous reactions is very high - nearly 100% of HU-treated patients develop such reactions. Although these reactions are usually benign, more severe reactions (eg leg ulcers and skin cancer) can occur, prompting a switch from HU treatment to other drug alternatives. As a result, Dr Aractingi advises that HU-treated patients should have their skin examined yearly after several years of treatment.

Practice Management

e-Prescribing: is it time to take the plunge?

10 August 2010

Joseph Eastern, MD

Several years ago, experts predicted that e-prescribing would by now be the standard operating procedure. However, for many reasons, this did not happen. The equipment was expensive, the obligatory open internet portal was frequently unreliable or not even available, and most pharmacies weren't equipped to receive e-prescriptions. Most providers could see no real benefit that would be worth the significant investment of money, time, and hassle. By the end of 2009, only 10% of prescriptions were written electronically. However, Dr Eastern suggests that 2010 may be the year in which to reconsider. The CMS has simplified the reporting procedure, and offered a 2% bonus on every Medicare Part B claim filed, whether e-prescribing was involved or not. The technology has improved significantly and has been made readily accessible, and free, to anyone who wants it. Therefore, as he states, it "might be time to consider taking the plunge!"