What is lindane?

The Need for Second-line Medications like Lindane

Scabies and lice infestations remain common public health problems, despite available treatments. The inherent limitations of first-line medications and the unpredictable and increased incidence of treatment-resistant forms of scabies and lice necessitate the need for a range of treatment alternatives. Second-line therapies, more specifically, provide a valuable “last resort” for patients who have nowhere else to turn.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has repeatedly and consistently maintained its position that lindane medications provide healthcare benefits that outweigh potential risks when used appropriately.1 This position is based on extensive lindane reviews by medical and scientific experts and more than 50 years of clinical experience with lindane medications in healthcare.

: Lindane lotion and lindane shampoo are approved for the second-line treatment of scabies and lice, meaning they are only prescribed for patients who have failed or cannot tolerate first-line medications2,3

Click here for other expert opinions and views on lindane.

Scabies and lice continue to impact public health

Scabies and lice are highly-contagious parasitic infestations of the skin that carry significant health risks if left untreated or treated unsuccessfully. (See Understanding Scabies and Lice)

Scabies and lice remain an ongoing challenge:

Worldwide, there are hundreds of millions of people infested with scabies and lice, reaching epidemic proportions in some areas and settings4–6
Scabies and lice have medical, social, and economic consequences that are estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars each year7

Limitations of First-Line Scabies and Lice Treatments

No treatment for scabies or lice is 100% effective6
Some patients cannot tolerate first-line medications due to allergic reactions or other adverse side effects6
Resistance of scabies and lice to approved medications is on the rise globally, underscoring the need for multiple treatment options4,5

Currently available treatments for scabies and lice have significant limitations. Reducing the number of therapeutic options would be a disservice to patients who have limited options.

Click here for accurate facts about lindane.

Please See Important Safety Information on Lindane

References:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Public health advisory: Safety of topical lindane products for the treatment of scabies and lice. March 28, 2003. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm110845.htm.
Lindane lotion, USP, 1% prescribing information. Updated March 28, 2003. Available at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/006309lotionlbl.pdf.
Lindane shampoo, USP, 1% prescribing information. Updated March 28, 2003. Available at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/006309shampoolbl.pdf.
McCarthy JS, Kemp DJ, Walton SF, et al. Scabies: more than just an irritation. Postgrad Med J. 2004;80:382–387.
Guenther L, Maguiness S, Austin TW. Pediculosis. 2005. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1769.htm.
Wendel K, Rompalo A. Scabies and pediculosis pubis: an update of treatment regimens and general review. Clin Infect Dis. 2002;35:S146–S151.
West DP. Head lice treatment costs and the impact on managed care. Am J Manag Care. 2004;10(9 Suppl):S277–282.