FAQ
Frequently asked questions about ARESTIN®
The following questions and answers should help you better understand treating periodontal disease with ARESTIN® (minocycline hydrochloride) Microspheres, 1 mg plus scaling and root planing (SRP). If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to email us.
Q. What is ARESTIN®?
A. ARESTIN® is a prescription product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is used together with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures performed by a trained dental professional for the treatment of adult periodontitis.
^back to top^
Q. What is the active ingredient in ARESTIN®?
A. The active ingredient in ARESTIN® is an antibiotic called minocycline. It is available as a powder-like substance that uses Microsphere technology.
^back to top^
Q. What are ARESTIN® Microspheres?
A. Although the Microspheres are not visible, if you could see them, they would look like tiny, round, dry powder beads of different sizes, which contain the antibiotic, minocycline. This technology allows extended release of the antibiotic, so that it works to kill the bacteria that cause periodontal disease for up to 21 days.
^back to top^
Q. When is ARESTIN® used?
A. ARESTIN® is used together with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures performed by a trained dental professional. Treating periodontal disease with ARESTIN® and SRP may help you manage adult periodontitis more effectively than SRP alone.
^back to top^
Q. How does ARESTIN® work?
A. ARESTIN® uses Microsphere technology to deliver minocycline, a potent antibiotic in a low dose that kills the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The active agent, minocycline, is placed painlessly under the gums, directly in the infected site.
^back to top^
Q. Who can benefit from treatment with ARESTIN®?
A. Many patients with periodontal disease can benefit from ARESTIN®. However, ARESTIN® should not be used in any patient who has a known allergy or sensitivity to minocycline or tetracycline. In addition, ARESTIN® should not be used in children or in patients who are pregnant or nursing a baby.
The use of ARESTIN® in an acutely abscessed periodontal pocket has not been studied and is not recommended. While no overgrowth by opportunistic microorganisms, such as yeast, were noted during clinical studies, as with other antimicrobials, the use of ARESTIN® may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible microorganisms including fungi. The effects of treatment for greater than 6 months has not been studied. ARESTIN® should be used with caution in patients having a history of predisposition to oral candidiasis. ARESTIN® has not been clinically tested in immunocompromised patients (such as those immunocompromised by diabetes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or infection with HIV). If superinfection is suspected, appropriate measures should be taken.
ARESTIN® has not been clinically tested for use in the regeneration of alveolar bone, either in preparation for or in conjunction with the placement of endosseous (dental) implants or in the treatment of failing implants.
^back to top^
Q. How do I achieve the best results from my treatment with ARESTIN®?
A. To achieve the best results, follow the instructions given by your dental professional.
You'll also find these important guidelines useful after treatment with ARESTIN®:
- Avoid touching areas of your gums that your dental professional has treated
- Wait 12 hours after treatment before brushing your teeth
- Wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks, or other devices designed to clean between teeth in the areas that were treated with ARESTIN®
- Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods (such as popcorn, caramel, etc.) for 1 week after treatment
- Be sure to return for your follow-up appointments, since gum disease can recur and gums need to be checked regularly
^back to top^
Q. Is treatment with ARESTIN® a new procedure?
A. The use of a locally administered antibiotic (LAA) is not a new concept. For years, dental professionals have used antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures. However, ARESTIN® is the first LAA with Microspheres that has been proven to be more effective than SRP alone.
^back to top^
Q. What kind of side effects were observed in ARESTIN® clinical trials?
A. Minimal side effects were reported in clinical studies, and those that were reported were similar to placebo (no treatment at all). In key clinical trials, the most common adverse events associated with treatment were headache (9.0%), infection (7.6%), flu syndrome (5.0%), and pain (4.3%).
^back to top^
Q. If my dental professional is already using scaling and root planing to treat my periodontal disease, can ARESTIN® help?
A. Yes. ARESTIN® used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) is more effective at fighting periodontal disease than SRP alone. ARESTIN® is placed directly into the infected site and can stop the bacteria, which cause the disease.
^back to top^
Q. Was ARESTIN® tested in clinical studies?
A. ARESTIN® was studied in more than 400 adult patients with periodontal disease in three multicenter clinical research trials in the United States. These clinical research studies allowed for the collection of data establishing the safety and effectiveness of ARESTIN®. TIN® is placed directly into the infected site and can stop the bacteria, which cause the disease.
^back to top^
Q. How can ARESTIN® help periodontal disease?
A. When used together with SRP, ARESTIN® can significantly reduce the depth of the infected pockets that can form around teeth and help prevent disease progression. The combination of ARESTIN® and SRP is more effective at fighting periodontal disease than SRP alone. In addition, ARESTIN® has been shown to be particularly effective in patients who are smokers.
^back to top^
Q. What do I need to know after I am treated with ARESTIN®?
A. After treatment, you should avoid touching areas of your gums that your dental professional has treated. You should also wait 12 hours after treatment before brushing your teeth in the affected area, and avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for 1 week. You should also postpone the use of dental floss, dental tape, toothpicks, or any other devices that clean between your teeth in the affected area for at least 10 days. Some mild-to-moderate sensitivity is expected during the first week after SRP and administration of ARESTIN®. You should notify your dental professional promptly if pain, swelling or other problems occur. To maximize the results of your ARESTIN® treatment, speak with your dental professional and follow the above recommendations.
^back to top^
Q. How long does treatment with ARESTIN® take?
A. Treatment time for placement of ARESTIN® depends on the number of affected periodontal pocket sites, but generally the procedure is relatively fast, easy, and comfortable.
^back to top^
Q. Does treatment with ARESTIN® hurt?
A. Treatment with ARESTIN® is easy and doesn't cause discomfort. There is no need for anesthesia or use of needles when ARESTIN® is applied.
^back to top^
Q. What does ARESTIN® taste like?
A. ARESTIN® powder has no taste.
^back to top^
Q. Will I have to return to the dental professional to have ARESTIN® removed?
A. No. ARESTIN® is naturally absorbed into the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed by your dental professional.
^back to top^
Will my dental professional need to cover the treatment area after I receive ARESTIN®?
A. No. ARESTIN® does not require bandages and won't leak or fall out.
^back to top^
Q. Does ARESTIN® have any side effects?
A. Patients treated with ARESTIN® may experience side effects. The most frequent non-dental adverse experiences reported in clinical research trials were headache, infection, flu syndrome, and pain. The most frequent dental treatment-emergent adverse experiences were inflammation of the gums, tooth disorder, tooth caries (cavities), and dental pain. In the clinical trials, ARESTIN® did not alter taste, stain teeth, or cause upset stomach. Some mild-to-moderate sensitivity may occur in the first week after SRP and administration of ARESTIN®. Please notify your dental professional promptly if pain, swelling or other problems occur.
^back to top^
Q. Are there any drug interactions with ARESTIN®?
A. Interactions with ARESTIN® and other drugs have not been studied. We recommend that you consult your physician about any health concerns or conditions you may have, as your physician is familiar with you and your personal medical history.
^back to top^
Q. Can I receive ARESTIN® if I am allergic to minocycline or tetracycline?
A. No. ARESTIN® should not be used in any patient who has a known allergy or sensitivity to minocycline or tetracycline. To follow good medical practice you should talk with your physician about any health concerns or conditions you may have, as your physician is familiar with you and your personal medical history.
^back to top^
Q. Will ARESTIN® interact with the penicillin I take prior to my dental work?
A. An interaction with ARESTIN® and penicillin has not been studied. We recommend that you consult your physician and/or dental professional about any health concerns you may have, as they are familiar with you and your personal medical history.
^back to top^
Q. Can I receive ARESTIN® if I am pregnant or nursing a baby?
A. No. ARESTIN® contains minocycline, an antibiotic of the tetracycline class, and therefore should not be used in children and in pregnant or nursing women. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth.
^back to top^
Q. What if I am pregnant or nursing a baby and was treated with ARESTIN®?
A. The use of ARESTIN® in pregnant or nursing women has not been studied. We recommend you consult your physician about any health concerns or conditions you may have, as your physician is familiar with you and your personal medical history.
^back to top^
Q. If I have an allergic reaction to gluten, nuts, or red or yellow dye, can I still receive ARESTIN®?
A. Yes, ARESTIN® does not contain any gluten, red or yellow dye, nuts or nut by-products.
^back to top^
Q. How much does ARESTIN® cost?
A. The cost of ARESTIN® varies depending on how much treatment you need. After your dental professional has evaluated your oral health and discussed treatment options, he or she can provide you with an estimate of the cost. Keep in mind that treating periodontal disease today is less costly and better for your health than waiting to treat symptoms at a more advanced stage.
^back to top^
Q. Is ARESTIN® covered by my dental insurance?
A. Many insurance plans provide some assistance with costs. You should talk with your dental professional and his or her office staff about payment options and obtaining maximum reimbursement for treatment. In light of recent information linking periodontal disease to overall health, many insurance providers are increasing their coverage for these types of treatments. And, keep in mind that treating periodontal disease today is less costly and better for your health than waiting for the disease to cause tooth loss or lead to a more expensive periodontal or surgical procedure.
^back to top^
