You have to be Beautiful!

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The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received encouraging results of UK testing on the silicone gel breast implants manufactured by the French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP).

The tests found no evidence of genotoxicity (potential for cancer) or chemical toxicity of the filler material in the implants.

The tests are not as extensive as those being carried out in France, but they have provided initial information as to whether there is a safety issue with the filler material.

MHRA Director of Devices Clinical, Dr Susanne Ludgate said, “It’s reassuring that our test results have shown no evidence of any associated risks with the filler material.

“We are however waiting for the results of the French tests which are more extensive and include mechanical testing of the implant shell because there maybe a suggestion of an increased rupture rate compared with other breast implants. We will update clinicians and women once these test results are available and provide further advice on patient management as necessary.

“If women have any concerns, they should speak to their implanting surgeon.

“Implanting surgeons should report any clinical and radiological problems associated with these implants to the MHRA Adverse Incident Centre.

“Further advice and information can be obtained from the Association of Breast Surgery and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).”

Notes

1. As these products have been widely used in the UK, the MHRA was keen to identify as early as possible any potential toxicity associated with the implant filler. It therefore commissioned independent UK testing.

2. The previous press release about this issue can be seen on the MHRA website: Advice issued to breast implant surgeons

4. In general, a medical device cannot be marketed in the UK without carrying a CE Mark of Conformity. A CE mark is applied by the manufacturer to denote that the device meets the relevant regulatory requirements and performs as intended. For all but the very lowest risk devices, such as unmedicated bandages, an EC Certificate of Conformity must be obtained from an independent certification organisation, called a Notified Body, before the CE marking can be affixed. The MHRA is responsible for designating UK Notified Bodies and regularly audits them to ensure that they continue to perform to the required standards.

Source:

MHRA

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The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announces the release of new Clinical Practice Guidelines covering the management of Grown-up Congenital Heart Disease (GUCH). More than two million adults in Europe are assumed to be affected by the condition, and the numbers are growing as a consequence of sharply increased survival rates due to advances in paediatric cardiology and heart surgery. The new guidelines enhance and update the recommendations contained in an earlier version issued in 2003, and will be presented at the ESC Congress in Stockholm on 29 August during the Clinical Practice Guidelines session in lecture room Stockholm, Zone K, starting at 0910hrs.

GUCH is a condition that requires a complex and demanding management regime. The Chair of the Task Force responsible for drafting and issuing the guidelines is Professor Helmut Baumgartner of University Hospital, Muenster in Germany. He has a great deal of experience in the treatment and care of patients with GUCH, and is a former Chair of the ESC Working Group that is focused on that condition. Professor Baumgartner says, “The document describes the many ongoing problems encountered in adults with congenital heart disease. These patients frequently face great difficulties as adults in the management of their condition, and what we expect to achieve with these guidelines is a series of detailed recommendations that will help improve their quality of life.”

The new guidelines build on the knowledge gained when compiling the 2003 version. Since randomised controlled trials are the exception in this field, its recommendations are mainly based on expert consensus, observational studies and registries. It expands previously tabulated content into a full and detailed description of the 18 most common sub-sets of the condition, detailing the most effective management for each, including:

– The use of echocardiography, computer topography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), catheterisation and other diagnostic techniques

– Decision-making on the timing of surgical or catheter intervention and re-intervention

– Ongoing monitoring and medical treatments

Successful management of GUCH requires a multi-disciplinary approach. As well as drawing in experts in the condition itself and in general cardiology, the Task Force was represented by the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology (AEPC) and the following ESC entities:

– Associations: European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), Heart Failure Association (HFA), and the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE)

– Councils: Cardiology Practice, Council on Primary Care, Cardiovascular Imaging, and Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions

– Working Groups: Grown-up Congenital Heart Disease, Pulmonary Circulation and Right Ventricle Function, Valvular Heart Disease, Cardiovascular Surgery, Thrombosis, and Acute Cardiac Care

Professor Baumgartner is pleased to have led the Task Force that developed the new guidelines. “These patients are very demanding, and there is no doubt that there are a wide range of special needs in their care and treatment,” he says. “We do hope that this document can help to improve the quality of GUCH care.”

Practitioners that will be using the new guidelines, as well as journalists, are offered the opportunity to have an open discussion and Q&A with Professor Baumgartner and two members of the Task Force. A ‘Meet the Guidelines Task Force’ session takes place on Monday 30 August in lecture room Moscow, Zone A starting at 1245.

Sources: European Society of Cardiology (ESC), AlphaGalileo Foundation.

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For the second year in a row, Hospital for Special Surgery is the only hospital in New York State with an infection rate that is significantly lower than the state average for hip replacement or revision surgeries, according to the 2009 report on hospital infection rates released today by the State Department of Health.

“At Hospital for Special Surgery, we perform more joint replacement surgery than any other hospital in the country, and infection prevention is a critical component of our best practices,” said surgeon-in-chief Thomas P. Sculco, M.D. “We are vigilant about infection prevention at every level, from washing hands to maintaining a clean environment for our patients in the operating room and the entire hospital.”

Surgeons at Hospital for Special Surgery performed 15 percent of the nearly 26,000 hip replacement or revision procedures in New York State in 2009. Special Surgery was the only hospital of the 169 hospitals included in the report that had a statistically lower surgical site infection rate than the state average of 1.1 percent for that particular procedure. Hospitals that performed the highest number of hip replacement procedures had the lowest infection rates, according to the report.

“When patients select a hospital, a low infection rate should be one of the items at the top of their list,” said Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO. “At Hospital for Special Surgery, we believe that infection prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Success can only be achieved with contributions from our entire staff, from surgeons and nurses to technicians and housekeepers.

Numerous best practices contribute to the low infection rate for hip replacement at Hospital for Special Surgery. All joint replacement procedures are performed quickly, in an average of one to two hours, and with regional anesthesia to reduce bleeding. The operating room teams remain consistent to speed surgical time, and an infection prevention specialist is dedicated to the operating room. During surgery, patients have minimal exposure to contaminants because they are isolated from the environment by a Plexiglas enclosure. After surgery, the operating rooms and instruments are meticulously cleaned, and the infection control department ensures that heightened standards are maintained.

New York State’s strict regulatory and surveillance systems require hospitals to report certain hospital-acquired infections to the State Department of Health. Today’s publication is the third annual report of hospital-acquired infections in New York State, but the second annual report to include hip replacement procedures. The report states that the data are made publically available each year to give people information about hospital performance that could help them make informed medical decisions.

Source: Hospital for Special Surgery

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Masimo (Nasdaq: MASI) announced that a new randomized controlled trial published in Anesthesia & Analgesia shows that clinicians using Masimo Pleth Variability Index (PVI®) significantly improved fluid management and reduced lactate levels in patients during and after surgery, compared to patients managed by standard care without PVI(1). Multiple previous studies(2,3,4) have shown that PVI predicts fluid responsiveness, defined as a significant increase in cardiac output after fluid administration, but this is the first published study to show that the use of PVI can improve patient management compared to a group of patients not managed with PVI.

Although fluid administration is critical to optimizing patient status and enabling end organ preservation, unnecessary fluid administration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Traditional invasive measurements such as central venous pressure (CVP) are not reliable in predicting whether a patient will benefit from fluid administration, and newer methods of predicting fluid responsiveness are invasive and/or costly. Masimo PVI provides clinicians with a noninvasive, continuous, and cost-effective measure in assessing whether patients will benefit from fluid administration to enable more personalized and targeted fluid therapy.

In the current study, researchers from the University Catholique de Louvain, St. Luc Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, randomized 82 patients undergoing abdominal surgery into two groups, a control group where fluid management was guided by standard care through CVP and clinician assessment, and the PVI group where fluid management was guided by standard care and PVI values from a Masimo Radical-7® Pulse CO-Oximeter®. In the PVI group, 500mL of crystalloids were infused at induction, followed by 2mL per kg per hour continuous infusion. A 250mL bolus of colloid was added if the PVI exceeded 13% for more than 5 minutes. In the control group, 500mL of crystalloids were infused at induction, followed by continuous infusion of crystalloids (4 to 8mL per kg per hour) and a 250mL bolus of colloids was given to compensate acute blood losses (>50mL), maintain mean arterial pressure above 65mmHg and the central venous pressure above 6mmHg.

The results showed that the PVI group received significantly lower amounts of intraoperative crystalloids (P=0.004) and total volume infused (P=0.049), and lactate levels were significantly lower during surgery (1.2 mmol/L +/- 0.6 vs 1.6 +/- 1.2, P=0.04), 24-hours post-operatively (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs 1.8 +/- 1.0, P=0.02), and 48-hour post-operatively (1.2 +/- 0.3 vs 1.4 +/- 0.4, P=0.03). The researchers concluded that “PVI-based goal directed fluid management reduced the volume of intraoperative fluid infused and reduced both intraoperative and postoperative lactate levels.” Study authors also noted that the reduction in lactate levels for PVI-guided patients suggests that “PVI-guided fluid management may lead to fluid administration that is tailored to each individual patient’s needs.”

PVI is available as part of Masimo rainbow® SET platform the first-and-only technology to noninvasively and continuously measure total hemoglobin (SpHb®), oxygen content (SpOC™), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO®), methemoglobin (SpMet®), Pleth Variability Index (PVI®), perfusion index (PI), and acoustic respiration rate (RRa™), in addition to the ‘gold standard’ Measure-Through Motion and Low Perfusion performance of Masimo SET® oxyhemoglobin (SpO2), and pulse rate (PR).

“The clinical merit of using a dynamic index like PVI to guide fluid administration relates to a timing issue,” stated William E. Johnston, MD, Professor and Associate Chair, Vice Chair of Academic Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas. “What’s so unique about PVI is that it allows the medical team to rapidly fine tune fluid administration using a Masimo Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter in the operating room before global hypovolemia and hypoperfusion occur. Consequently, an appropriate amount of fluid can be administered at the most opportune time.”

Masimo, SET, Signal Extraction Technology, Improving Patient Outcome and Reducing Cost of Care… by Taking Noninvasive Monitoring to New Sites and Applications, rainbow, SpHb, SpOC, SpCO, SpMet, PVI, rainbow Acoustic Monitoring, RRa, Radical-7, Rad-87, Rad-57,Rad-8, Rad-5,Pulse CO-Oximetry, Pulse CO-Oximeter, and SEDLine are trademarks or registered trademarks of Masimo Corporation.

References

(1) Forget, Patrice; Lois, Fernande; De Kock, Marc. “Goal-Directed Fluid Management Based on the Pulse Oximeter-Derived Pleth Variability Index Reduces Lactate Levels and Improves Fluid Management.” Anesthesia & Analgesia. August 2010. Published online ahead of print here.

(2) Cannesson M, Desebbe O, Rosamel P, Delannoy B, Robin J, Bastien O, Lehot JJ. “Pleth variability Index to Monitor the Respiratory Variations in the Pulse Oximeter Plethysmographic Waveform Amplitude and Predict Fluid Responsiveness in the Operating Theatre.” British Journal of Anaesthesia August 2008; 101(2):200-6. Available online here.

(3) Markus Zimmerman, Thomas Feibicke, Cornelius Keyl, Christopher Prasser, Stefan Moritz, Bernhard M. Graf, and Christoph Wiesenack. “Accuracy of Stroke Volume Variation Compared with Pleth Variability Index to Predict Fluid Responsiveness in Mechanically-ventilated Patients Undergoing Major Surgery.” European Journal of Anaesthesiology June 2010; 27(6):555-61.

(4) M. Feissel, R. Kalakhy, J. Badie, G. Robles, J. Faller, JL. Teboul. “Plethysmography Variability Index: A New Fluid Responsiveness Parameter.” Presented at the 29th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (ISICEM) Annual Meeting, March 25, 2009, Brussels, Belgium.

Source: Masimo Corporation

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The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announces the release of new Clinical Practice Guidelines covering Myocardial Revascularisation. These guidelines were developed following pioneering and extensive co-operation between the ESC and the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (EACTS). Myocardial Revascularisation simply, the restoration of adequate blood and oxygen supplies to the heart is the collective term for the response to the symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD), including heart attacks and angina. The new guidelines will be presented at the ESC Congress in Stockholm on 29 August during the Clinical Practice Guidelines session in lecture room Stockholm, Zone K, starting at 0845hrs.

These guidelines reflect the fact that there are many options available to physicians to treat the many forms of CAD, both acute and non-acute. These include surgery, stent implantation and drug therapies, and the options cross traditional boundaries of medicine such as cardiology and surgery. “Our intention in writing these guidelines was to give patient-centred recommendations that lead to the most appropriate treatment regime for the different types of CAD,” said Doctor William Wijns of the ESC and Co-Chair of the Task Force. “We also wanted to provide reference materials based on best practice but not conditioned by the skill and preferences of individual physicians. The major challenge faced by physicians is not how to treat the CAD patient, but which of the many treatment options to select.”

The Task Force was made up of 24 experts, drawn equally from surgeons, interventional cardiologists and general cardiologists, and representing the ESC and the EACTS. The new guidelines are noteworthy for three main reasons:

– They are an example of strong co-operation between the ESC and the EACTS, and have proved to very successful in meeting the objectives.

– The content addresses the full extent of CAD, and of associated diseases, which was previously covered in separate guidelines, or not at all.

– The guidelines introduce the concept of Heart Teams, essentially a grouping from across disciplines ensuring when practical that the patient is fully informed and takes part in the key decisions. The heart team should include one of each of the following specialists; interventional cardiologist, clinical cardiologist, and cardiac surgeon.

The guidelines encompass the full extent of CAD treatment and expected outcomes, including managing stable and unstable angina, myocardial infarction, diabetes-related symptoms and associated renal failure. Recommendations are made on all treatment options, from the technical aspects of stent implantation to the use of imaging technologies, and from risk management to follow-up activities.

The establishment of Heart Teams is a vital recommendation for medical teams everywhere, and formalises the make-up of the multi-discipline team responsible for patient care following CAD treatment. Co-Chair, Professor Philippe Kolh of the EACTS explains, “It is important that physicians offer patients the opportunity to influence the response to their condition. Clearly, for acute cases, such flexibility can be difficult to accommodate, but for the 30 percent of patients with stable conditions, it is an important factor. Immediate but less durable treatments such as a stent implantation may not be the right choice for some patients. Depending on their lifestyle and responsibilities, some may prefer to elect for a surgical procedure that offers a longer-term result.”

Practitioners that will be using the new guidelines, as well as journalists, are offered the opportunity to have an open discussion and Q&A with Doctor Wijns and Professor Kolh and members of the Task Force. A ‘Meet the Guidelines Task Force’ session takes place on Tuesday 31 August in lecture room Moscow, Zone A starting at 1005hrs.

Sources: European Society of Cardiology (ESC), AlphaGalileo Foundation.

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Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN) announced that it has reached a resolution with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the previously reported Government investigation into Allergan’s past U.S. sales and marketing practices relating to certain therapeutic uses of BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA).

Allergan has been cooperating with the Government in a multi-year investigation in Atlanta, Georgia, regarding the use of BOTOX® for certain therapeutic treatments covering a period that commenced in January of 2000. The parties have resolved all issues involved in the investigation by entering into a global settlement, which includes the following:

Allergan has agreed to plead guilty to a single misdemeanor “misbranding” charge covering the period 2000 through 2005 and pay to the Government $375 million. This misbranding charge is known as a strict liability offense, and does not involve false or deceptive conduct. A prescription drug is deemed misbranded when its labeling does not contain adequate directions for its “intended uses,” and, under the Government’s view, a use that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved (i.e., an “off-label” use) may be deemed “intended” based on written or oral statements made by the manufacturer. As part of its plea, Allergan has agreed that between 2000 through 2005, its marketing of BOTOX® resulted in intended uses for the therapeutic treatment of headache, pain, spasticity and juvenile cerebral palsy. These uses were off-label during the relevant time frame and thus the labeling for BOTOX® did not bear directions for these intended uses, resulting in the product being misbranded. In March 2010, the FDA approved BOTOX® for the treatment of increased muscle stiffness in the elbow, wrist and fingers in adults with upper limb spasticity, the most substantial use during the relevant time period, and thus its label now includes directions for that use. Based on positive Phase III trials announced in September 2008, Allergan has filed for FDA approval of BOTOX® for the treatment of chronic migraine and expects FDA to rule on the application in 2010. Allergan is also in Phase III clinical trials investigating the use of BOTOX® to treat neurogenic and idiopathic overactive bladder. Although BOTOX® is approved in 70 countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong, and recently Japan, to treat symptoms associated with juvenile cerebral palsy, it is currently off-label in the United States. Allergan is in discussions with the FDA regarding additional clinical development for juvenile cerebral palsy in the United States.

In addition, Allergan has agreed to pay $225 million to resolve civil claims assertedby DOJ under the civil False Claims Act. The civil settlement is an element of a global settlement that Allergan believes is in the best interest of its stockholders. However, Allergan denies liability associated with these civil allegations and does not believe there is merit to them factually or legally.

To resolve the criminal and civil investigation, Allergan was required by the Government to dismiss Allergan’s First Amendment lawsuit pending in Washington, D.C., in which Allergan sought a ruling that it could proactively share truthful scientific and medical information with the medical community to assist physicians in evaluating the risks and benefits if they choose to use BOTOX® off-label to treat certain forms of spasticity. Allergan is disappointed that the court was not afforded an opportunity to hear and rule on these important First Amendment issues, as Allergan believes that physicians, patients, manufacturers, payers, and ultimately the quality of evidence-based medicine itself would have benefited from a ruling clarifying the law.

Allergan is committed to conducting its business consistent with high ethical standards and in compliance with all applicable laws. In an effort to meet its compliance goals, Allergan has a robust and regularly reviewed and updated compliance program. Allergan has further enhanced its compliance program by developing additional comprehensive policies and procedures, supported by significant technology investments, including its state-of-the-art Business Execution Automated Compliance Navigator (BEACON) compliance system.

As part of its global settlement, Allergan has entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under the CIA, Allergan will maintain its current compliance program and undertake a series of compliance-related obligations, including additional monitoring, maintenance of specific written standards, auditing, training, education, reporting and disclosure, for five years. The CIA also provides for an independent third-party review organization to assess and report on Allergan’s compliance program.

“This settlement is in the best interest of our stockholders as it resolves all matters at issue in the investigation, avoids substantial costs of litigation, as well as the substantial risks to Allergan associated with Government enforcement action in these matters, and permits us to focus our time and resources on productively developing new treatments for patients and the medical community,” said Douglas S. Ingram, Allergan’s Executive Vice President.

Allergan currently estimates that it will record total non-recurring pre-tax charges of between approximately $610 million and $615 million in its third fiscal quarter in connection with the global settlement with the DOJ. This amount includes estimated interest and certain attorneys’ fees that Allergan is obligated to pay in connection with the global settlement, but excludes Allergan’s ongoing administrative legal fees and other costs. Allergan is presently determining the tax treatment of the global settlement charges. As such, the tax impact of such charges cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. Allergan currently expects to pay the global settlement costs in its fourth fiscal quarter.

The criminal resolution is subject to approval by the federal court in Northern District of Georgia, and the civil settlement is contingent upon such approval.

About BOTOX®

BOTOX® is a prescription-only medical product that contains tiny amounts of highly purified botulinum toxin protein refined from the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. BOTOX® has a unique, protected molecular structure that stabilizes the core toxin in BOTOX® from degradation. When injected at approved and labeled doses into a specific muscle or gland, BOTOX® neurotoxin is expected to diffuse locally and expected to produce a safe and effective result by producing a localized and temporary reduction in the overacting muscle or gland, usually lasting up to approximately 3 to 6.7 months depending on the individual patient and indication.

BOTOX® was first approved by the FDA 20 years ago for the treatment of strabismus and blepharospasm, two eye muscle disorders, making it the first botulinum toxin type A product approved in the world. Since its first approval, BOTOX® has been recognized by regulatory authorities worldwide as an effective treatment for 21 different indications in approximately 80 countries, benefiting patients worldwide. In the United States, BOTOX® is also approved to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in adults, symptoms of severe underarm sweating (severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis) when medicines used on the skin (topical) do not work well enough, and increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist and finger muscles in adults with upper limb spasticity.

In addition to its therapeutic uses, the same formulation of BOTOX® with dosing specific to glabellar lines was approved by the FDA in 2002 under the trade name BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA).

In addition to 20 years of clinical experience, the safety and efficacy of BOTOX® have been well-established in approximately 50 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials and in approximately 11,000 patients treated with BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic in Allergan’s clinical trials1. Worldwide, approximately 26 million vials of BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic have been distributed and approximately 29 million treatment sessions have been performed over the past 20 years (1989-2009)2. With approximately 2,100 articles on BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic in scientific and medical journals,3 BOTOX® neurotoxin is one of the most widely researched medicines in the world.

BOTOX® is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used:

– to treat increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist, and finger muscles in adults with upper limb spasticity.

– to treat the abnormal head position and neck pain that happens with cervical dystonia (CD) in adults.

– to treat certain types of eye muscle problems (strabismus) or abnormal spasm of the eyelids (blepharospasm) in people 12 years and older.

BOTOX® is also injected into the skin to treat the symptoms of severe underarm sweating (severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis) when medicines used on the skin (topical) do not work well enough.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults younger than 65 years of age for a short period of time (temporary).

It is not known whether BOTOX® is safe or effective in children younger than:

– 18 years of age for treatment of spasticity

– 16 years of age for treatment of cervical dystonia

– 18 years of age for treatment of hyperhidrosis

– 12 years of age for treatment of strabismus or blepharospasm

BOTOX® Cosmetic is not recommended for use in children younger than 18 years of age.

It is not known whether BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic are safe or effective for other types of muscle spasms or for severe sweating anywhere other than your armpits.

Important safety information including boxed warning

BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these problems after treatment with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic:

– Problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing. These problems can happen hours to weeks after an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic usually because the muscles that you use to breathe and swallow can become weak after the injection. Death can happen as a complication if you have severe problems with swallowing or breathing after treatment with BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.

– Swallowing problems may last for several months. People who already have swallowing or breathing problems before receiving BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic have the highest risk of getting these problems.

– Spread of toxin effects. In some cases, the effect of botulinum toxin may affect areas of the body away from the injection site and cause symptoms of a serious condition called botulism. The symptoms of botulism include: loss of strength and muscle weakness all over the body, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), loss of bladder control, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing.

These symptoms can happen hours to weeks after you receive an injection of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic.

There has not been a confirmed serious case of spread of toxin effect away from the injection site when BOTOX® has been used at the recommended dose to treat severe underarm sweating, blepharospasm, or strabismus, or when BOTOX® Cosmetic has been used at the recommended dose to treat frown lines.

Do not take BOTOX® or BOTOX Cosmetic if you: are allergic to any of the ingredients in BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic. See the end of this Medication Guide for a list of ingredients in BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic; had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product such as Myobloc® or Dysport™; have a skin infection at the planned injection site.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you have: a disease that affects your muscles and nerves (such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease], myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome).

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal products.

BOTOX® and BOTOX® Cosmetic may cause loss of strength or general muscle weakness, or vision problems within hours to weeks of taking BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic. If this happens, do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities.

BOTOX® can cause serious side effects. Other side effects of BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic include: dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, and eye problems, double vision, blurred vision, decreased eyesight, drooping eyelids, swelling of your eyelids, and dry eyes. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to BOTOX® or BOTOX® Cosmetic may include: itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you are wheezing or have asthma symptoms, or if you become dizzy or faint.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

1 Allergan data on file; Medical Affairs

2 Allergan data on file; Global Regulatory Affairs

3 Allergan data on file; Global Literature & Information Services

Source:

Allergan, Inc.

Myobloc.

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According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, the Japanese plate and screw market will be driven by strong surgeon acceptance and adoption, driving this market to over $170 million by 2014.

Japanese surgeons are increasingly adopting anatomic, locking plating systems, such as Acumed’s Acu-Loc plates and Synthes’ Locking Compression Plates, in order to manage complex, periarticular fractures. This is because anatomic plates are precontoured to the dimensions of the periarticular space being treated, minimizing soft tissue irritation and promoting accelerated fracture healing. Surgeons in Japan also show a distinct preference for anatomic plates compared to indication-specific intramedullary nails, especially for nonmedial long-bone fractures.

“Anatomic plating represents a real growth opportunity for domestic and multinational companies,” says Arun Jaganathan, Analyst at MRG. “Compared to surgeons in the US and Europe, Japanese surgeons are more accepting of clinical evidence pointing to more stable fixation and improved health outcomes associated with an anatomic plate instead of an intramedullary nail. While there is still some debate among the medical community in this regard, surgeon adoption of anatomic plates will continue to expand in Japan, cannibalizing the noncephalomedullary intramedullary nail market in the process.”

MRG’s Japanese Markets for Trauma Devices 2010 report provides critical insight into emerging trends that will fuel product adoption and market growth for plates and screws, intramedullary nails, compression hip screws, cannulated screws, and external fixation devices in Japan through 2014. Additionally, the report provides a complete breakdown of procedure volumes, unit sales, average selling prices, and revenues by device type. This report includes five-year forecasts, up-to-date market shares, and in-depth qualitative insights.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Source: Millennium Research Group

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One of the most severe complications of brain surgery is a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs called a pulmonary embolism.

But a Loyola University Health System study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery suggests that screening methods hospitals typically use to access the risk of pulmonary embolisms may fall short.

Hospitals typically screen for blood clots in legs, which can break free, travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolisms. But in the Loyola study, only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots, while nine embolism patients tested negative for leg clots. A blood clot in the vein is known as a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

“We could not demonstrate a good correlation between lower extremity DVT and pulmonary embolism in our patient population,” senior author Thomas Origitano, MD, PhD and colleagues wrote. Origitano is chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.

One of the major risks of severe complications and deaths in brain surgery patients is venous thromboembolism, which includes DVT and pulmonary embolism. Risk factors for DVTs include tumors, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, strokes, length of surgery and decreased mobility or limb movement.

The study findings suggest there may be a subset of high-risk patients who already are prone to blood clots when they are admitted to the hospital. Or perhaps pulmonary embolisms are triggered by blood clots that break free from arms rather than from legs. Blood clots in arms can be caused by patients’ immobility or the use of central lines (catheters in large veins), researchers wrote.

The study also raises questions about quality assurance measures that watchdog groups use to rate hospitals. These measures typically count a hospital’s combined rate of DVTs and pulmonary embolisms. But the study’s findings indicate that at least among brain surgery patients, there may not be a close correlation between DVTs and pulmonary embolisms. “Are the ratings systems measuring what we really want to measure?” Origitano said.

In the study, researchers reviewed records of all 2,638 neurosurgical patients treated at Loyola between January, 2006 and December, 2008. Among a subset of 555 high-risk patients, 85 percent of the DVTs occurred within one week of surgery. Researchers found the longer the surgery, the higher the risk of DVTs. Giving patients heparin shots either 24 or 48 hours after surgery reduced the rate of DVTs from 16 percent to 9 percent — without bleeding complications.

This findings suggest the possibility that high-risk patients “have a predilection to developing DVT regardless of the timing of administration of [heparin],” researchers wrote. “Perhaps there is a subset of neurosurgical patients who have DVT present on admission.” If so, perhaps patients should be screened for DVTs before surgery as well as after surgery, researchers wrote.

Origitano and colleagues question whether looking for DVTs in the legs following surgery is sufficient for assessing the risk of pulmonary embolisms. They propose a randomized, multicenter study of brain surgery patients that would include administration of heparin before surgery and screening for DVTs in the arms and legs before and after surgery.

Co-authors of the study are first author Dr. Ahmad Khaldi, Stritch medical student Naseem Helo and Dr. Michael Schneck, a professor in the departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery at Stritch School of Medicine.

Source: Loyola University Health System

Comme Des Garcons has launched Wonderwood, a new fragrance with a positive overdose of woods, woody notes and synthetic wood constructions.

WOODS
Oud (Agarwood): Tibetans use it to bring energy to the centre, Sufis use it for ceremonies, worth its weight in gold.
Cedarwood: King of the forest, tree of God.
Sandalwood: Carvings, worship, medical, fragrant.
Cypress wood: The first choice of Iranian gardens.
Gaiacwood: Tree of life bearing blue flowers.

WOODY NOTES
Patchouli: Perfume, medicine, hippies.
Vetiver: The roots are made into mats and hung in doorways to keep cool in India.

SYNTHETIC WOOD COMPOSITIONS
Javanol: The new generation of Sandalwood.
Cashmeran: Pine and Patchouli.
Pachminol: Sandalwood notes with a balsamic touch and Rose.

The structure is very fluid with most of the WOOD IDEAS concentrated in the heart, rather than the base.

AROUND THE HEAD: Madagascan pepper, Bergamot, Somalian Incense, Nutmeg.
IN THE HEART: Cristalon, Cashmeran, Gaiacwood, Cederwood, Carvi Graines.
AT THE END: Javanol, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Oud (Agarwood).

Bewildering in its conception, spectacular in its evolution: mysterious yet perturbing in its application, luxurious but uplifting in its effect. A world of overflowing with wondrous woods, the creation of the ultimate wood fragrance, Wonderwood.

Wonderwood Eau de Parfum Spray 100ml – 64.00
Wonderwood Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml – 48.00

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Men Are Useless, which delivers a letter-boxed sized, high quality, monthly pack of products, found that over three quarters of men (78 per cent) admit to bathroom theft across a range of, sometimes surprising, products. The UKs first male grooming subscription service looks set to rid men of one of their more irritating habits stealing their partners toiletries.

The service, which surveyed hundreds of men across all age ranges, found they frequently run out of toiletries, with the highest proportion (38 per cent) admitting to stealing shampoo, ten per cent their partners razor and another seven per cent owning up to using their partners toothbrush.

Asked to name their most desperate bathroom moments, one in five admitted to washing all over with conditioner, with seven per cent saying theyve resorted to using washing up liquid.

Paul Johnson, Men Are Useless founder, said: The idea behind Men Are Useless is very clear were here to cover the boring, but important, bits of mens lives and were starting with the UKs first monthly male toiletry delivery scheme. Lets face it – men would rather be out there catching baddies or practicing wheelies than browsing the shopping aisles. Our service will bring relief to men and women alike great brands brought together on a monthly basis either as a way of avoiding that last minute dash to the shops or as a gift for someone useless.

Packs start from 9.99 per month (including delivery) and contain everything from shower gel and shampoo through to razors and shave gel. Gift pack subscriptions are also available.

Guy Jeremiah, entrepreneur and Chief Executive of Aquatina, has already joined up. He said: I love taking care of my appearance but I just dont have the time to consider which products I need and I never remember to keep the bathroom cabinet stocked up. I love the Men Are Useless idea it just gives me one less thing to worry about and several less shops to visit.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Hands are a tell tale sign of age so it is important to do whatever you can to battle signs of ageing.

All About Hands Anti-Ageing Night Cream works to heal the signs of ageing with ingredients such as Avocado & Olive Oil.

This super-rich cream delivers intense moisturisation to the skin, maximises cell renewal and contains a natural active ingredient Whitonyl a skin-whitening complex proven to fade age spots and unify skin tone. Best used as an overnight treatment wearing cotton gloves to promote effective penetration of the cream during sleep. This miracle product helps turn back the clock the easy way!

RRP 10.00 / 120ml

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

DMS Ltd the specialist French Organic cosmetics distributor will launch a new premium makeup brand at the Olympia Beauty Show in September.

SLA, a French premium brand makeup with more than 850 references, offers 6 significant assets to its customers and its retail partners. In addition, it is the only brand to offer a full collection that is certified through recognised international standards Ecocert & Cosmebio as truly organic.

Micronised Minerals – a unique process that reduces the size and shape of minerals to about a tenth of usual mineral size providing for less product on the skin with greater comfort for clients and longer lasting use.

Pigmentation – SLA uses a high pigmentation level in the order of 45%, significantly higher than most brands, again leading to less product use and more comfortable feeling for the consumer.

Bio-Collection – a great range of makeup that is organic and certified for its quality and efficacy through Ecocert & Cosmebio and provides for added benefits of skincare with moisturizers and other organic skin care ingredients.

Natural-Collection – extending the Bio Collection with a superb range of natural cosmetics, in many cases the content is already organic and as packaging changes will join the Bio collection.

Pro-Collection – A specific collection that uses the foundation of SLA experience in professional market of stage and TV and completes the full range.

Professional Training – With its own Academy’s in several territories training makeup artists and offering consumer experience and guidance our aim is to build the professional standards for our partners and professionals.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

48 per cent of UK women say they suffer from dry skin on their feet. Scholl has launched a revolutionary new sandal that actually moisturises your feet with every step. The Scholl HydraStep Sandal contains a special built-in gel footbed that slowly releases softening ingredients to the skin on your feet while you go about your daily routine.

This is the perfect footwear for the busy woman who cares about her feet, says Scholl Sr. Brand Manager Caroline Green. With the new Scholl HydraStep Sandal, your feet are gently moisturised with every step!

Thats because the Scholl footbed is comprised of two layers: a gel of gentle natural emollients, Vitamin E and delicate fragrance, and the insole made from a soft and breathable bamboo and charcoal textile.

Your foot sits atop the moisturising layer, says Caroline, to soften and pamper your skin with every step.

In fact, the new HydraStep Sandal is recommended as part of a daily skincare regime for women who care about their feet, as well as those who are too busy to spend time pampering. With its moisturising benefits, the Scholl HydraStep Sandal can help women feel more confident about the skin on their feet – particularly in the lead up to the summer months.

In addition to its moisturising capabilities, the new Scholl HydraStep Sandal is easy to walk in and comfortable, with its anatomically shaped footbed and anti-slip sole. The new sandal is dermatologically tested.

Scholl recommends you wear the HydraStep Sandal from one to two hours a day to fully appreciate its benefits.

Scholl understands and is dedicated to making women feel good about their feet, adds Caroline. The new HydraStep Sandal is just one more example of how Scholl is always innovating and using the latest technology to help women achieve healthy, attractive feet.

The New Scholl HydraStep Sandal:

Contains a moisturising gel infused with gentle natural emollients, Vitamin E and a delicate fragrance
Has a soft and breathable bamboo charcoal textile insole
Has an anatomically shaped footbed and anti-slip sole for comfortable walking
Is dermatologically tested (insole)
Is water resistant

So whether youre jetting away on holiday or heading out to the shops, the new Scholl HydraStep sandal will ensure you return with soft, supple feet.

The New Scholl HydraStep Sandal is available in three colours black, white and fuchsia in sizes 4/5, 6/6.5 and 7/8 and is sold exclusively at select Boots stores and online.

NEW Scholl HydraStep Sandal – RRP 24.99

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Safety concerns have led to products containing hydroquinone to be banned in many European countries. Possible side effects of hydroquinone based skin lighteners include, permanent hyper pigmentation, white patches, uneven patchy skin colour and thinning of the skin.

Unlike most skin lightening products, Super Skin Lightener does not contain Hydroquinone a synthetic skin whitening ingredient, nor harmful chemicals like mercury and steroids.

Super Skin Lightener is formulated using extracts of Arbutin, Liquorice, Scutellaria, and Mulberry, all of which have been clinically tested and documented to be amongst the most effective skin lightening ingredients available to safely lighten skin. Together they work to slow down melanin production through tyrosinase inhibition, which helps prevent darkening of the complexion and encourages fair skin.

For optimal results, two daily applications (morning and night) are recommended and a high SPF sun block cream should be used during the daytime. This will enhance the lightening effect.

Visible results can be seen in as little as two weeks, though every skin is individual and some take longer for results to show. Super Skin Lightener is formulated for all skin types, and for women and men.

Super Skin Lightener can be ordered online worldwide. Prices include shipping and packaging to any destination in the world. Online payment options include RBS Worldpay, Paypal or Google Checkout. Customers have the convenience of choosing to pay in any of the 22 currencies offered in the Paypal option.

Prices in GBP are 10 per 50 ml jar. There is a special offer of 3 jar for the price of two at 20, and another special offer of 10 jars for 60.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Three years after the launch of Infusion d’Iris Eau de Parfum, Prada has announced Infusion d’Iris Eau de Toilette. The new Eau de Toilette is a fresher and more floral interpretation of the original Infusion d’Iris.

The new fragrance is a forward-looking addition to the world of Prada Parfums, casting exceptional quality traditional ingredients in this modern interpretation.

Under the creative direction and inspiration of Miuccia Prada, Infusion d’Iris Eau de Toilette was blended by perfumer Daniela Andrier. “It’s like a new chapter in a favourite book, with the same heroes, but in a different adventure. It’s something very familiar but a new story, and it’s a very beautiful thing.” Daniela Andrier.

The key ingredients are: Iris Pallida Neroli from Tunisia Lily of the Valley, Violet, Heliotrope and Cedar.

The frosted glass flacon echoes the design of vintage perfume bottles. Its understated, yet incredibly refined cut creates a sleek modern edge. The bottle is adorned with a historic Prada crest originally designed in 1913 by Miuccia Prada’s grandfather.

The updated white crest is embossed on the classic and clean presentation boxes, sitting slightly off-centre on iconic pale green, a signature Prada colour. Here is a symbol synonymous with quality craftsmanship and tradition literally pushed to the edge, a reflection of Prada’s passion for innovation, translated in the updated Infusion d’Iris packaging.

On Counter – October 2010

EDT Spray, 50ml 42.00, 100ml 56.00, 200ml 62.00

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Olympia Beauty (Sept 19-20) is offering up to 30 free seminars with live demonstrations, dedicated to beauty and nail education from leading specialists, dedicated to the needs of both the consumer and the professional.

Learn how to achieve that celebrity look everyday, by listening and watching master classes from various top make-up artists. Michael Phillips of CID Cosmetics simplifies the art of make-up by teaching therapists how to become their own make-up artist, replacing those beauty woes and mishaps, with an achievable celebrity look daily.

Following the launch of the first ever dedicated seminar programme to educate on the treatment of Black and Asian skin, M.A.C Cosmetics’ Nadine Reid focuses on beauty for black women. Having worked with the likes of Missy Elliott and Alexandra Burke, as well as at events such as the MTV EMA’s, she bases her seminar on editorial, runway trends and music video styling, allowing you to achieve the celebrity trends.

For Asian skin, Olympia Beauty introduces Bollywood make-up artist, Naveeda. She focuses on skin tone, what colours suit Asian skin and the difference of the glamorous Bollywood and bridal makeup to everyday makeup.

The seminars available also focus on products and with the modern, busy lifestyle many are living, consumers are quick to purchase products without being aware of what they really contain. Dermalogica’s Sophie Alcon Miller, breaks down the ingredient ‘jargon’ to help us understand what they really mean and do. As a result of this lifestyle, adult skin problems are on the rise and Christine Letford from Dermalogica brings you ‘Spot Fighting Solutions’. Advising how to ensure healthier and clearer skin, this to-the-point seminar teaches you what to do and what not to do. Finally, some truth to those many myths!

On the nail stage, top nail educator Karou Suzuki and nail artists from Japan, demonstrate their art, styles and techniques. They also bring with them top educator of Japan’s Foot Care Association and Foot & Shoe Institute, Fumiko Taira. He reveals the up and coming Japan Original Foot Care technique, combining German, English and Japanese foot care methods, guaranteeing happy feet!

From the UK, Nail Pro of the Year 2010, Kirsty Meakin demonstrates to those working in the nail industry, her nail sculpting and design techniques to enhance both competition and salon work. A ‘must not miss’ if you want to be a cut above the rest.

With the nail industry being very competitive, Tony Cuccio, the world’s most successful Nail Industry entrepreneur, gives direction and tips on how to market your business, with time allocated for you to ask any questions. A great opportunity for people already in the business or for those just starting out.

Olympia Beauty 2010 allows you to catch a glimpse at what 2011 will have to offer, from leading brands and up-and-coming individuals, as well as what is set to be ‘hot’ in 2010. Improve your business or be the envy of all your friends with new tricks and the know-how – the things we really want to know!

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Manuka Honey is a powerful variety of honey generated from honeybees that pollinate the Manuka trees indigenous to New Zealand. The secret to Manuka Honey was first discovered by Professor Peter Molan at Waikato University, Auckland, New Zealand who published research on the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties that make Manuka Honey such an asset to troubled skin. Manuka Honey is recognized by Doctors, beauty experts and scientists to be a beneficial ingredient for reducing redness and swelling, increasing the skins ability to heal, and treating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and cracked skin.

Apicare, the Original Manuka Honey Skincare Company has the perfect solution to keep your skin gorgeous throughout the holiday season and travel-size essentials ideal for last-minute stocking-fillers. The new First Aid From The Hive range of naturally active Manuka Honey skincare products in travel-size and full size are suitable for the whole family, and promise to repair, protect, calm and moisturise hard-working skin. Apicare use world-renowned UMF 16+ grade honey in all their skincare products guaranteeing you get the best of the buzz.

Hypoallergenic, pH balanced, antioxidant and Vitamin rich, free from Parabens, SLS, Mineral Oils, Glycol and against animal cruelty; Apicare First Aid From The Hive range contains nothing but natural goodness – guaranteed to give you gorgeous skin in no time. With a delicate scent, these everyday essentials lend a subtle sweetness to everything you do.

These full-size products are great as a gift or for yourself, keeping skin healthy, soft and radiant for the holiday season!

Calming Very Hardworkers Soap RRP 6.50

A hardworking soap deserving of the name, this vegetable based natural soap creates an indulgent creamy lather that will thoroughly cleanse dirty hands, gently exfoliating with finely ground pumice. Ideal for use after handling food in the kitchen, Naturally active Manuka Honey hydrates as it cleans and the anti-septic and anti-bacterial content helps to prevent the spread of germs. Gently fragranced with pure essential oils of Lavender and Lime that leave a fresh lingering aroma.

Very Hardworkers Handcreme RRP 15.00

A transformative balm, Very Hardworkers Handcreme is designed for badly damaged and cracked skin. This rich creme contains over 50% plant oils such as Sweet Almond Oil as well as nourishing beeswax and Manuka Honey. A thick formula that conditions cuticles, softens rough skin and helps create a moisture barrier to seal in nourishment resulting in healthy, soft, beautiful hands. This nourishing blend is great for winter skin, and perfect for use after the Very Hardworkers Soap.

Restore Me Honey Nut Body Butter RRP 14.50

A fast-absorbing body butter comprised of Manuka Honey to hydrate, Aloe Vera to soothe, oils of Macadamia, Sweet Almond and Jojoba to nourish and vegetable glycerine to seal in all the natural goodness this body butter will become an instant favourite! Non greasy formula means you can dress quickly and stay soft and smooth all day long without stickiness. Great for wintry days with the family or festive nights out celebrating!

Revive Me Lip Balm RRP 5.00

100% natural, this sweet reviving lip balm contains nothing but the best active healing ingredients and waxes. Healing Propolis and anti-septic Manuka Honey help protect and soothe cracked, chapped lips instantly. The petrolatum-free formula means that powerful extracts such as Sweet Almond Oil, Peppermint Oil, Castor Oil and Tea Tree Oil are delivered to the epidermis without being compromised by chemical nasties! The gorgeous pot is perfect for even the tiniest clutch or ski pocket and the long-lasting silky texture makes an ideal base-coat under lipstick.

For those last-minute stocking fillers or travel-size essentials Apicare First Aid From the Hive has just the thing…!

Cleanse Me 4-in-1 Manuka Honey Wash RRP 8.00

The ultimate in convenience, this multi-tasking wash will leave hair, face, hands and body clean, nourished and balanced and providing defence against environmental stresses. Based in 16+ UMF Manuka Honey and fortified with Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extract this mild formula pampers and refreshes skin with essential oils leaving you radiant and creates lots of extra space in your holiday bag!

Butter Me Ultra Rich Body Butter RRP 8.00

The perfect remedy to travel-weary, dehydrated skin; Butter Me is a rich nourishing formula that combines plant butters such as Cocoa and Shea, plant oils, botanical extracts with the world renowned 16+ UMF Manuka Honey to restore vitality and hydration. Calming ingredients help to soothe irritated skin that can become inflamed from air travel. Designed to quench even the driest, thirstiest skin all over your body easily.

Hand Butter Mega Moisturiser For Hands RRP 8.00

Slightly less concentrated than the body butter, this intensive Hand Butter is designed to sink in instantly, for maximum convenience. The perfect-sized tube fits into any handbag, allowing you to moisturise on the go! The blend of powerful ingredients such as Rosehip Oil, Essential Oil of Bergamot, Geranium, Frangipani, Cinnamon, Rosemary with 16+ UMF Manuka Honey makes for a complex formula that penetrates hands, nails and cuticles for long-lasting hydration the way Nature intended!

Saving Face Skin Balancing Face Moisturiser RRP 8.00

A facial moisturiser that nourishes and protects delicate skin while fighting the environmental factors that lead to premature ageing; this light lotion sinks in immediately and feels refreshing for day and night. 16+ UMF Manuka Honey, anti-ageing vitamins and antioxidants encourage cell renewal for a natural, youthful glow while the blend of pure essential oils guarantee day-long hydration and a balanced, beautiful complexion.

Apicare is available from Fenwicks, Lloyds Pharmacy, Hillier, Van Hage and select Blue Diamond Garden Centres or online.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Ahava UK will be showcasing new product additions at Professional Beauty Manchester this year.

Ahavas New Mineral Makeupcare Range:
For therapists, salons and spa owners, there will be a chance to view Ahavas brand new, skin-friendly, Mineral Makeupcare range; high quality foundations that deliver all the goodness of Dead Sea algae and minerals, to provide a natural, even look, and long-lasting coverage, but products that care for the needs of skin as well. This range includes four different make-up base products in four graduating shades, Rich Foundation, recommended for mature or dry skin, Light Foundation, for young or oily skin, and two powder products, Compact Powder and Loose Powder.

Ahavas 2010 Christmas Collection:
Visitors to Professional Beauty Manchester will be the first to view Ahavas Gifts of Love, new for Christmas 2010. Inspired by the traditional decorations of the festive season, Ahava has packaged a variety of boxed gift sets selecting different Dead Sea mineral skin care products from across the companys eight ranges. Whether for face, body, hands or feet, for men or women, for young or for old, for dry, very dry, combination or oily skin, for relaxing or revitalising, Ahavas special gifts are sure to brighten the hearts of family and friends, this Christmas. Additionally, each gift reflects Ahavas quality, and closeness to nature, at the same time conveying the love and giving of Christmas.

New For Students:
To cater especially for the needs of student therapists, Ahava UK has introduced a Student Facial Starter Pack, which the company will be unveiling at Professional Beauty Manchester. The competitively-priced Starter Pack will provide all those studying beauty therapy at college with the Ahava essentials necessary for conducting professional Dead Sea facial treatments, for different skin types.

All of Ahavas eight Dead Sea mineral skin care ranges will be available to view at Professional Beauty Manchester 2010, as well as some exciting special offers on key Ahava lines, and the companys usual show discount, available to all purchasers at the event.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Due to strong demand for eyeSlices Professional, these handy little slices are now available in four variants designed to target specific needs for even more exceptional results.

NEW eyeSlices Biotanix treatment pads are the latest sensation fresh from South Africa. Formulated with a patented Cryogel technology each slice is fully paraben-free and contains Aloe Ferox; an organic aloe leaf extract with powerful nourishing properties. These powerful botanical infused pads immediately treat eyes for specific complaints:

Happy Eyes Anti-Allergy
Soothe the effects of hay fever this season without pills, drops or nasal spray. Packed full of White Horehound, a strong anti-irritant, these slices relieve and de-puff, itchy, sensitive, streaming eyes within just five minutes. Stored in a handy carry case with no need to be kept in the fridge these are a must for all handbags this summer.

eyeCandy Eyes Anti-Ageing
Soaked with an innovative new formula these slices instantly rejuvenate eyes by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regenerative extracts of English Ribwort Plantain stimulate the production of collagen whilst nutrients firm the skin and provide vital nourishment which helps to leave your eyes looking and feeling years younger.

inVogue Eyes Tiredness & Redness
For those who have had one too many nights out wake yourself up in just five minutes with this instantly refreshing formula. Soothing alpine extracts combat dehydration by quenching the skin leaving you radiantly bright-eyed and ready for another day.

Legendary Eyes Puffiness & dark Circles
For the hard worker under stress, who has the sleepless nights and weary eyes to prove it, these slices guarantee to reenergise you in just five minutes. Concentrated extracts of Suma root, Muira Puama bark and White Lily have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that instantly reduce puffiness around the eyes whilst key nutrients penetrate the skin eliminating dark circles.

eyeSlices Biotanix are available online priced 12.95 per pair for 10 uses with a neat carry case to store and keep your eyeSlices fresh.

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com

Nina Ricci have announced their new fragrance, Nina L’Elixir, Eau de Parfum; a bewitching potion and an intense reinterpretation of Nina Eau de Toilette. The fragrance is created to perfectly capture the mischievous radiance and colourful sensuality of the new Nina Heroine.

The House of Nina Ricci has always worked with numerous artists to express its vision of femininity, dreams and contemporary poetry and the new Nina ambassador embodies all of these ideals. Introducing Florrie; the young singer, songwriter, composer, and drummer and the Nina L’Elixir inspiration. Her musical creativity, innocent elegance and graceful allure all perfectly reflect the profile of the new Nina.

Developed by the perfumer Olivier Crisp, Nina L’Elixir evokes the rare and luxurious essence of a love potion, concentrated in an Eau de Parfum. At its heart is the mouth watering sweetness of the red toffee apple surrounded by the gentle notes of jasmine and red berries. The sparkling freshness of Calabria lemon and Caipirinha lime complement the sweetness of the toffee apple, giving way to the depth of cedar wood, cotton musk and warm amber. Nina L’Elixir is a love potion for modern women who know how to play on their natural nature and have fun with it.

The L’Elixir bottle design emphasizes the sensuality of the original Nina bottle by the use of an intoxicating graduation of tones, from golden transparency through to deep red. The butterfly leaves that adorned the bottle stopper in the 50′s have metamorphosed into mysterious golden leaves, emphasizing the luxurious and sensual fragrance inside.

The advertising campaign for the new Nina perfume makes a commitment to creativity by featuring the music of its new Nina heroine, Florrie. Florrie’s pop cover of the iconic Blondie’s Sunday Girl becomes the score accompanying the musical fairytale of the ‘Nina L’Elixir’ advertising film directed by Nez.

Nina L’Elixir EDP 80ML – 54.00
Nina L’Elixir EDP 50ML – 40.00
Nina L’Elixir EDP 30ML – 30.00

On Counter: October 2010

Source:cosmeticnewsportal.com