Arestin (minocycline hydrochloride) is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of adult periodontitis following scaling and root planing, which consist of deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. It is painless to apply and is completely resorbed, leaving nothing to be removed. Arestin is highly bioadhesive, not requiring any retention dressings, and will not leak or fall out. The drug has been studied only in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Periodontal disease is a vastly under treated health problem that carries serious risks. It affects more than 50 million people in the United States, though less than one-fifth of these individuals receive treatment. Studies suggest a possible systemic link between periodontal disease and overall health, including conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Clinical trials testing the safety and effectiveness of the product were conducted in over 900 subjects with chronic periodontitis. These landmark trials, conducted in 23 centers across the United States, involved tens of thousands of individual periodontal pockets. Treatment using Arestin following scaling and root planing significantly reduced pocket depth compared with scaling and root planing alone, even for the hardest to treat sites and with the most challenging patients.

Adverse events associated with the general use of minocycline may include (but are not limited to) the following:

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• Nausea or diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to sun
• "Furry" or swollen tongue

Arestin uses patented microsphere technology to deliver minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, beneath the gum, directly into the infected periodontal pocket.

For additional information on Arestin, please visit OraPharma.