Product Review

Active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and reserve, veterans, military families, and health professionals all are provided unique resources for ongoing support when they visit the Real Warriors Campaign at http://www.realwarriors.net, launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The public awareness campaign is intended “to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery, and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans, and their families.”

The Active Duty menu addresses broad topics, such as Signs and Symptoms of Combat Stress, Building Resilience, and After Deployment. Additional topics are drilled down for active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

National Guard and reserve members are provided advice to assist in preparation for deployment, a reintegration guide for communicating with employers and family members, and coping and support.

The Veterans page directs users to resources provided through the VA; meanwhile, health care professionals are directed to TRICARE information, evidence-based treatment guidelines for PTSD and TBI, and original presentations of tools and tips, many of which can be ordered online at no cost.

Active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and reserve, veterans, military families, and health professionals all are provided unique resources for ongoing support when they visit the Real Warriors Campaign at http://www.realwarriors.net, launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The public awareness campaign is intended “to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery, and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans, and their families.”

The Active Duty menu addresses broad topics, such as Signs and Symptoms of Combat Stress, Building Resilience, and After Deployment. Additional topics are drilled down for active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

National Guard and reserve members are provided advice to assist in preparation for deployment, a reintegration guide for communicating with employers and family members, and coping and support.

The Veterans page directs users to resources provided through the VA; meanwhile, health care professionals are directed to TRICARE information, evidence-based treatment guidelines for PTSD and TBI, and original presentations of tools and tips, many of which can be ordered online at no cost.

Active-duty military personnel, members of the National Guard and reserve, veterans, military families, and health professionals all are provided unique resources for ongoing support when they visit the Real Warriors Campaign at http://www.realwarriors.net, launched by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. The public awareness campaign is intended “to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery, and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans, and their families.”

The Active Duty menu addresses broad topics, such as Signs and Symptoms of Combat Stress, Building Resilience, and After Deployment. Additional topics are drilled down for active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.

National Guard and reserve members are provided advice to assist in preparation for deployment, a reintegration guide for communicating with employers and family members, and coping and support.

The Veterans page directs users to resources provided through the VA; meanwhile, health care professionals are directed to TRICARE information, evidence-based treatment guidelines for PTSD and TBI, and original presentations of tools and tips, many of which can be ordered online at no cost.

Merz Licensing Agreement

Merz North America announces a licensing agreement with Brickell Biotech, Inc, for the development of a retinoid compound (BBI-3000) for the treatment of skin conditions known to be responsive to retinoid agents, such as acne and psoriasis. Under the terms of the agreement, Merz North America will assume the full cost and responsibility for future development and commercialization, initially for North America. The development of this new clinical entity demonstrates Merz’s commitment to medical dermatology. For more information, visit www.merzusa.com.

Regenica

Suneva Medical unveils a rebranded Regenica product line consisting of 3 products: Renew SPF 15 to protect skin from harmful UV rays while signaling skin’s natural repair, Replenishing Crème to hydrate skin and reverse the signs of aging, and Repair Complex to accelerate skin renewal. The rebranded line will help physicians attract patients to Multipotent Resignaling Complex (MRCx) growth factor technology. The physician-dispensed antiaging skin care line is ideal for patients looking to better target the signs of aging to see improvement in skin texture, tone, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, visit www.regenica.com.

RetrinAL

Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique USA introduces Avène RetrinAL 0.05 Cream and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream to visibly reduce the signs of aging. Both products deliver 4 antiaging benefits: wrinkle reduction, radiance, skin elasticity, and skin quality (skin texture and tone). Retinaldehyde delivers a powerful and nonirritating form of vitamin A directly to the skin, boosting cell metabolism and producing an immediate corrective effect. These hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products also contain Relastide, a patented lipopeptide that helps keep collagen and elastin from becoming stiff and rigid while boosting retinaldehyde. RetrinAL 0.05 Cream treats the first signs of aging and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream delivers a higher concentration of retinaldehyde. Both RetrinAL products will be available October 2014, exclusively in physicians’ offices. For more information, visit www.aveneusa.com.

Rosaliac CC Cream

La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique launches Rosaliac CC Cream, a daily complete tone-correcting cream with broad-spectrum sun protection factor 30 for patients with rosacea-prone skin. Rosaliac CC Cream consists of a unique blend of red, white, yellow, and black pigments to camouflage redness. The texture has been engineered to provide an optimal balance between coverage and care, providing the hydration and lightweight texture of a BB cream while delivering coverage that is comparable to a foundation. Key ingredients including Ambophenol help reduce visible redness over time. Rosaliac CC Cream is available over-the-counter at various retailers. For more information, visit www.laroche-posay.us.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

Merz Licensing Agreement

Merz North America announces a licensing agreement with Brickell Biotech, Inc, for the development of a retinoid compound (BBI-3000) for the treatment of skin conditions known to be responsive to retinoid agents, such as acne and psoriasis. Under the terms of the agreement, Merz North America will assume the full cost and responsibility for future development and commercialization, initially for North America. The development of this new clinical entity demonstrates Merz’s commitment to medical dermatology. For more information, visit www.merzusa.com.

Regenica

Suneva Medical unveils a rebranded Regenica product line consisting of 3 products: Renew SPF 15 to protect skin from harmful UV rays while signaling skin’s natural repair, Replenishing Crème to hydrate skin and reverse the signs of aging, and Repair Complex to accelerate skin renewal. The rebranded line will help physicians attract patients to Multipotent Resignaling Complex (MRCx) growth factor technology. The physician-dispensed antiaging skin care line is ideal for patients looking to better target the signs of aging to see improvement in skin texture, tone, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, visit www.regenica.com.

RetrinAL

Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique USA introduces Avène RetrinAL 0.05 Cream and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream to visibly reduce the signs of aging. Both products deliver 4 antiaging benefits: wrinkle reduction, radiance, skin elasticity, and skin quality (skin texture and tone). Retinaldehyde delivers a powerful and nonirritating form of vitamin A directly to the skin, boosting cell metabolism and producing an immediate corrective effect. These hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products also contain Relastide, a patented lipopeptide that helps keep collagen and elastin from becoming stiff and rigid while boosting retinaldehyde. RetrinAL 0.05 Cream treats the first signs of aging and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream delivers a higher concentration of retinaldehyde. Both RetrinAL products will be available October 2014, exclusively in physicians’ offices. For more information, visit www.aveneusa.com.

Rosaliac CC Cream

La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique launches Rosaliac CC Cream, a daily complete tone-correcting cream with broad-spectrum sun protection factor 30 for patients with rosacea-prone skin. Rosaliac CC Cream consists of a unique blend of red, white, yellow, and black pigments to camouflage redness. The texture has been engineered to provide an optimal balance between coverage and care, providing the hydration and lightweight texture of a BB cream while delivering coverage that is comparable to a foundation. Key ingredients including Ambophenol help reduce visible redness over time. Rosaliac CC Cream is available over-the-counter at various retailers. For more information, visit www.laroche-posay.us.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

Merz Licensing Agreement

Merz North America announces a licensing agreement with Brickell Biotech, Inc, for the development of a retinoid compound (BBI-3000) for the treatment of skin conditions known to be responsive to retinoid agents, such as acne and psoriasis. Under the terms of the agreement, Merz North America will assume the full cost and responsibility for future development and commercialization, initially for North America. The development of this new clinical entity demonstrates Merz’s commitment to medical dermatology. For more information, visit www.merzusa.com.

Regenica

Suneva Medical unveils a rebranded Regenica product line consisting of 3 products: Renew SPF 15 to protect skin from harmful UV rays while signaling skin’s natural repair, Replenishing Crème to hydrate skin and reverse the signs of aging, and Repair Complex to accelerate skin renewal. The rebranded line will help physicians attract patients to Multipotent Resignaling Complex (MRCx) growth factor technology. The physician-dispensed antiaging skin care line is ideal for patients looking to better target the signs of aging to see improvement in skin texture, tone, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For more information, visit www.regenica.com.

RetrinAL

Pierre Fabre Dermo-Cosmétique USA introduces Avène RetrinAL 0.05 Cream and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream to visibly reduce the signs of aging. Both products deliver 4 antiaging benefits: wrinkle reduction, radiance, skin elasticity, and skin quality (skin texture and tone). Retinaldehyde delivers a powerful and nonirritating form of vitamin A directly to the skin, boosting cell metabolism and producing an immediate corrective effect. These hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products also contain Relastide, a patented lipopeptide that helps keep collagen and elastin from becoming stiff and rigid while boosting retinaldehyde. RetrinAL 0.05 Cream treats the first signs of aging and RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream delivers a higher concentration of retinaldehyde. Both RetrinAL products will be available October 2014, exclusively in physicians’ offices. For more information, visit www.aveneusa.com.

Rosaliac CC Cream

La Roche-Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique launches Rosaliac CC Cream, a daily complete tone-correcting cream with broad-spectrum sun protection factor 30 for patients with rosacea-prone skin. Rosaliac CC Cream consists of a unique blend of red, white, yellow, and black pigments to camouflage redness. The texture has been engineered to provide an optimal balance between coverage and care, providing the hydration and lightweight texture of a BB cream while delivering coverage that is comparable to a foundation. Key ingredients including Ambophenol help reduce visible redness over time. Rosaliac CC Cream is available over-the-counter at various retailers. For more information, visit www.laroche-posay.us.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

Part of self-care is avoiding compassion fatigue, which means avoiding negative feelings toward the ability to complete a job effectively or handle work-related stress. Compassion fatigue has 2 components, according to T2: burnout and secondary traumatic stress. To avoid or combat compassion fatigue, the app gives frontline providers tools to keep themselves productive and emotionally healthy as they help our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.

DASHBOARD

The app’s home screen is a dashboard, which tracks wellbeing across 4 parameters, all based on self-assessments: vacation time, burnout scale, builders and killers checklist, and professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) measures. Each of these 4 assessments calculates the user’s resilience rating, displayed by a colored meter measuring from 0 (low) to 100 (high).

Beneath the resilience rating meter is a prominent vacation clock, running time down to the minute since the user’s last recorded vacation day. To measure burnout, the app offers a survey for 10 measures that should be updated by the user at least once a week. The question asked of users is, “How would you describe yourself as you approach your workday today?” All measures, including happy, trapped, satisfied, and preoccupied, can be rated from “Not at All” to “Very Much So.”  

The professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) quiz is the longest of all—30 questions—but the resilience rating relies on an update only every 30 days. This quiz measures 3 critical components of ProQOL: compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Average scores provide the following output for each section:

1. Compassion Satisfaction: “You’ve scored in the average range of Compassion Satisfaction. … This suggests that you don’t find your work to be consistently satisfying, but that you do derive some degree of satisfaction from your daily work activities."

2. Burnout: “Your Burnout score is in the average range. … This may indicate that you are currently experiencing frustration in your work and may be feeling discouraged or ineffective. It may be worth reviewing your answers to see if you can pin down the source of these feelings and determine how you might improve your experience at work.”

3. Secondary Traumatic Stress: “If you are working with clients or patients who are describing highly traumatic experiences, be sure to focus on self-care, which includes maintaining physical, emotional, social, and spiritual supports.”

The dashboard also tracks how many days until the user needs to update each section, and daily reminders (push notifications) to do so may be modified in Settings.

TOOLS

There are 7 videos currently loaded into the app. Two informational videos (both running under 10 minutes) cover burnout and secondary traumatic stress so that users can gain a richer understanding either of what they are experiencing or what they are trying to avoid. The remaining 5 videos are shorter and  can be found in the “Remind Me Why I Do This” menu. These videos cover important patient characteristics that have been found to lead to compassion fatigue, including alcohol, anger, depression, depression support, and stigma.

Scrolling flashcards can be found in “Physical Exercise” and include an assortment of stretching exercises the user can perform at his or her work desk. And if stretching doesn’t release enough endorphins, the user can raise his or her spirit browsing the cartoons found in “I Need A Laugh.” All of the cartoons are office-related, updated daily, and archived for the user’s pleasure.

Nearly 100 inspirational flashcards are loaded onto the app, each one defining a valuable character trait, associated quote, and affirmations. To scroll through the cards, which are listed alphabetically from “Acceptance” through “Unity,” simply swipe left or right. To flip the card over, swipe up or down on the screen.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Certain luxuries we have grown accustomed to, such as rotating a device to change display orientation, don’t perform on this app, a feature missed greatly when viewing videos and a good reason to use the app on a tablet, not a phone.

And although everyone needs the occasional short break or multiday vacation, tolerance levels differ from person to person. Hence, it is important to use the app over a period of time so that the user can learn what his or her “normal” is and track readings not necessarily against the general population, but against him- or herself on the plotted ProQOL and burnout graphs.

Part of self-care is avoiding compassion fatigue, which means avoiding negative feelings toward the ability to complete a job effectively or handle work-related stress. Compassion fatigue has 2 components, according to T2: burnout and secondary traumatic stress. To avoid or combat compassion fatigue, the app gives frontline providers tools to keep themselves productive and emotionally healthy as they help our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.

DASHBOARD

The app’s home screen is a dashboard, which tracks wellbeing across 4 parameters, all based on self-assessments: vacation time, burnout scale, builders and killers checklist, and professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) measures. Each of these 4 assessments calculates the user’s resilience rating, displayed by a colored meter measuring from 0 (low) to 100 (high).

Beneath the resilience rating meter is a prominent vacation clock, running time down to the minute since the user’s last recorded vacation day. To measure burnout, the app offers a survey for 10 measures that should be updated by the user at least once a week. The question asked of users is, “How would you describe yourself as you approach your workday today?” All measures, including happy, trapped, satisfied, and preoccupied, can be rated from “Not at All” to “Very Much So.”  

The professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) quiz is the longest of all—30 questions—but the resilience rating relies on an update only every 30 days. This quiz measures 3 critical components of ProQOL: compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Average scores provide the following output for each section:

1. Compassion Satisfaction: “You’ve scored in the average range of Compassion Satisfaction. … This suggests that you don’t find your work to be consistently satisfying, but that you do derive some degree of satisfaction from your daily work activities."

2. Burnout: “Your Burnout score is in the average range. … This may indicate that you are currently experiencing frustration in your work and may be feeling discouraged or ineffective. It may be worth reviewing your answers to see if you can pin down the source of these feelings and determine how you might improve your experience at work.”

3. Secondary Traumatic Stress: “If you are working with clients or patients who are describing highly traumatic experiences, be sure to focus on self-care, which includes maintaining physical, emotional, social, and spiritual supports.”

The dashboard also tracks how many days until the user needs to update each section, and daily reminders (push notifications) to do so may be modified in Settings.

TOOLS

There are 7 videos currently loaded into the app. Two informational videos (both running under 10 minutes) cover burnout and secondary traumatic stress so that users can gain a richer understanding either of what they are experiencing or what they are trying to avoid. The remaining 5 videos are shorter and  can be found in the “Remind Me Why I Do This” menu. These videos cover important patient characteristics that have been found to lead to compassion fatigue, including alcohol, anger, depression, depression support, and stigma.

Scrolling flashcards can be found in “Physical Exercise” and include an assortment of stretching exercises the user can perform at his or her work desk. And if stretching doesn’t release enough endorphins, the user can raise his or her spirit browsing the cartoons found in “I Need A Laugh.” All of the cartoons are office-related, updated daily, and archived for the user’s pleasure.

Nearly 100 inspirational flashcards are loaded onto the app, each one defining a valuable character trait, associated quote, and affirmations. To scroll through the cards, which are listed alphabetically from “Acceptance” through “Unity,” simply swipe left or right. To flip the card over, swipe up or down on the screen.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Certain luxuries we have grown accustomed to, such as rotating a device to change display orientation, don’t perform on this app, a feature missed greatly when viewing videos and a good reason to use the app on a tablet, not a phone.

And although everyone needs the occasional short break or multiday vacation, tolerance levels differ from person to person. Hence, it is important to use the app over a period of time so that the user can learn what his or her “normal” is and track readings not necessarily against the general population, but against him- or herself on the plotted ProQOL and burnout graphs.

Part of self-care is avoiding compassion fatigue, which means avoiding negative feelings toward the ability to complete a job effectively or handle work-related stress. Compassion fatigue has 2 components, according to T2: burnout and secondary traumatic stress. To avoid or combat compassion fatigue, the app gives frontline providers tools to keep themselves productive and emotionally healthy as they help our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families.

DASHBOARD

The app’s home screen is a dashboard, which tracks wellbeing across 4 parameters, all based on self-assessments: vacation time, burnout scale, builders and killers checklist, and professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) measures. Each of these 4 assessments calculates the user’s resilience rating, displayed by a colored meter measuring from 0 (low) to 100 (high).

Beneath the resilience rating meter is a prominent vacation clock, running time down to the minute since the user’s last recorded vacation day. To measure burnout, the app offers a survey for 10 measures that should be updated by the user at least once a week. The question asked of users is, “How would you describe yourself as you approach your workday today?” All measures, including happy, trapped, satisfied, and preoccupied, can be rated from “Not at All” to “Very Much So.”  

The professional quality-of-life (ProQOL) quiz is the longest of all—30 questions—but the resilience rating relies on an update only every 30 days. This quiz measures 3 critical components of ProQOL: compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Average scores provide the following output for each section:

1. Compassion Satisfaction: “You’ve scored in the average range of Compassion Satisfaction. … This suggests that you don’t find your work to be consistently satisfying, but that you do derive some degree of satisfaction from your daily work activities."

2. Burnout: “Your Burnout score is in the average range. … This may indicate that you are currently experiencing frustration in your work and may be feeling discouraged or ineffective. It may be worth reviewing your answers to see if you can pin down the source of these feelings and determine how you might improve your experience at work.”

3. Secondary Traumatic Stress: “If you are working with clients or patients who are describing highly traumatic experiences, be sure to focus on self-care, which includes maintaining physical, emotional, social, and spiritual supports.”

The dashboard also tracks how many days until the user needs to update each section, and daily reminders (push notifications) to do so may be modified in Settings.

TOOLS

There are 7 videos currently loaded into the app. Two informational videos (both running under 10 minutes) cover burnout and secondary traumatic stress so that users can gain a richer understanding either of what they are experiencing or what they are trying to avoid. The remaining 5 videos are shorter and  can be found in the “Remind Me Why I Do This” menu. These videos cover important patient characteristics that have been found to lead to compassion fatigue, including alcohol, anger, depression, depression support, and stigma.

Scrolling flashcards can be found in “Physical Exercise” and include an assortment of stretching exercises the user can perform at his or her work desk. And if stretching doesn’t release enough endorphins, the user can raise his or her spirit browsing the cartoons found in “I Need A Laugh.” All of the cartoons are office-related, updated daily, and archived for the user’s pleasure.

Nearly 100 inspirational flashcards are loaded onto the app, each one defining a valuable character trait, associated quote, and affirmations. To scroll through the cards, which are listed alphabetically from “Acceptance” through “Unity,” simply swipe left or right. To flip the card over, swipe up or down on the screen.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Certain luxuries we have grown accustomed to, such as rotating a device to change display orientation, don’t perform on this app, a feature missed greatly when viewing videos and a good reason to use the app on a tablet, not a phone.

And although everyone needs the occasional short break or multiday vacation, tolerance levels differ from person to person. Hence, it is important to use the app over a period of time so that the user can learn what his or her “normal” is and track readings not necessarily against the general population, but against him- or herself on the plotted ProQOL and burnout graphs.

Acticlate

Aqua Pharmaceuticals, LLC, announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of the new drug application for Acticlate (doxycycline hyclate) tablets. Acticlate is a tetracycline-class antibacterial indicated for the treatment of a number of infections, including adjunctive therapy in severe acne. Acticlate is available in round 75-mg tablets and oval-shaped, dual-scored 150-mg tablets. Utilizing the latest manufacturing technology, the 150-mg tablets are formulated in a substantially reduced tablet size for Acticlate, allowing for dosing flexibility and making it easier for the patient to swallow. For more information, visit www.aquapharm.com.
ATX-101

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, announces that its new drug application for ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid) has been accepted for filing by the US Food and Drug Administration. ATX-101 is an injectable treatment for the reduction of submental fat. The treatment contours the area under the chin by destroying fat cells while leaving surrounding tissue largely unaffected. The new drug application review should be completed by May 13, 2015. For more information, visit www.kytherabiopharma.com/pipeline/ATX-101.

EpiCeram Airless Pump

PuraCap Pharmaceutical LLC adds the EpiCeram 225-g airless pump to its product line. This airless pump gives patients more EpiCeram to treat any size area of atopic dermatitis with twice-daily application. The convenient and portable pump dispenser gives patients more control in applying EpiCeram. A 90-g tube is already available. The EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion helps to relieve the burning and itching associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. For more information, visit www.epiceram-us.com.
Hair Regrowth System

brandMD Skin Care introduces the Hair Regrowth System, a 3-step daily regimen to prevent and improve signs of hair loss. The regimen includes the Replenish Shampoo, Restorative Conditioning Treatment, and Rapid Growth Serum. By reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone, the system stimulates hair growth and improves hair follicle anchoring. Both men and women can use the Hair Regrowth System. For more information, visit www.brandMDskincare.com.
Rasuvo

Medac Pharma Inc obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Rasuvo, a subcutaneous injectable methotrexate therapy delivered in a single-dose autoinjector for rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriasis. Rasuvo is available in 10 dosage strengths ranging from 7.5 to 30 mg in 2.5-mg increments. Because of the possibility of serious toxic reactions, Rasuvo should be used only in patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis with severe, recalcitrant, disabling disease that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy. For more information, visit www.rasuvo.com.

Restylane Silk

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration marketing clearance for Restylane Silk injectable gel with 0.3% lidocaine, which is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytides in patients older than 21 years. Restylane Silk is composed of hyaluronic acid and is free from animal protein. Allergy pretesting is not necessary. Restylane Silk should not be used in patients with prior hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type, such as lidocaine. For more information, visit www.valeant.com.

Zenatane Provider Portal

Promius Pharma, LLC, launches a Web-based provider portal to follow a patient taking Zenatane (isotretinoin). It is designed to allow any authorized prescriber using the Promius Promise pharmacy program to obtain instant access to secure patient data. This portal is valuable for dermatologists to track patient adherence to guidelines for using isotretinoin. It will provide patient demographics, dates of prescriptions received and shipped, and information on pending prescription shipments. A messaging tool also allows health care providers to send questions and receive answers within the portal itself. It maintains strict privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

Acticlate

Aqua Pharmaceuticals, LLC, announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of the new drug application for Acticlate (doxycycline hyclate) tablets. Acticlate is a tetracycline-class antibacterial indicated for the treatment of a number of infections, including adjunctive therapy in severe acne. Acticlate is available in round 75-mg tablets and oval-shaped, dual-scored 150-mg tablets. Utilizing the latest manufacturing technology, the 150-mg tablets are formulated in a substantially reduced tablet size for Acticlate, allowing for dosing flexibility and making it easier for the patient to swallow. For more information, visit www.aquapharm.com.
ATX-101

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, announces that its new drug application for ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid) has been accepted for filing by the US Food and Drug Administration. ATX-101 is an injectable treatment for the reduction of submental fat. The treatment contours the area under the chin by destroying fat cells while leaving surrounding tissue largely unaffected. The new drug application review should be completed by May 13, 2015. For more information, visit www.kytherabiopharma.com/pipeline/ATX-101.

EpiCeram Airless Pump

PuraCap Pharmaceutical LLC adds the EpiCeram 225-g airless pump to its product line. This airless pump gives patients more EpiCeram to treat any size area of atopic dermatitis with twice-daily application. The convenient and portable pump dispenser gives patients more control in applying EpiCeram. A 90-g tube is already available. The EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion helps to relieve the burning and itching associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. For more information, visit www.epiceram-us.com.
Hair Regrowth System

brandMD Skin Care introduces the Hair Regrowth System, a 3-step daily regimen to prevent and improve signs of hair loss. The regimen includes the Replenish Shampoo, Restorative Conditioning Treatment, and Rapid Growth Serum. By reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone, the system stimulates hair growth and improves hair follicle anchoring. Both men and women can use the Hair Regrowth System. For more information, visit www.brandMDskincare.com.
Rasuvo

Medac Pharma Inc obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Rasuvo, a subcutaneous injectable methotrexate therapy delivered in a single-dose autoinjector for rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriasis. Rasuvo is available in 10 dosage strengths ranging from 7.5 to 30 mg in 2.5-mg increments. Because of the possibility of serious toxic reactions, Rasuvo should be used only in patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis with severe, recalcitrant, disabling disease that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy. For more information, visit www.rasuvo.com.

Restylane Silk

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration marketing clearance for Restylane Silk injectable gel with 0.3% lidocaine, which is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytides in patients older than 21 years. Restylane Silk is composed of hyaluronic acid and is free from animal protein. Allergy pretesting is not necessary. Restylane Silk should not be used in patients with prior hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type, such as lidocaine. For more information, visit www.valeant.com.

Zenatane Provider Portal

Promius Pharma, LLC, launches a Web-based provider portal to follow a patient taking Zenatane (isotretinoin). It is designed to allow any authorized prescriber using the Promius Promise pharmacy program to obtain instant access to secure patient data. This portal is valuable for dermatologists to track patient adherence to guidelines for using isotretinoin. It will provide patient demographics, dates of prescriptions received and shipped, and information on pending prescription shipments. A messaging tool also allows health care providers to send questions and receive answers within the portal itself. It maintains strict privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

Acticlate

Aqua Pharmaceuticals, LLC, announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of the new drug application for Acticlate (doxycycline hyclate) tablets. Acticlate is a tetracycline-class antibacterial indicated for the treatment of a number of infections, including adjunctive therapy in severe acne. Acticlate is available in round 75-mg tablets and oval-shaped, dual-scored 150-mg tablets. Utilizing the latest manufacturing technology, the 150-mg tablets are formulated in a substantially reduced tablet size for Acticlate, allowing for dosing flexibility and making it easier for the patient to swallow. For more information, visit www.aquapharm.com.
ATX-101

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc, announces that its new drug application for ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid) has been accepted for filing by the US Food and Drug Administration. ATX-101 is an injectable treatment for the reduction of submental fat. The treatment contours the area under the chin by destroying fat cells while leaving surrounding tissue largely unaffected. The new drug application review should be completed by May 13, 2015. For more information, visit www.kytherabiopharma.com/pipeline/ATX-101.

EpiCeram Airless Pump

PuraCap Pharmaceutical LLC adds the EpiCeram 225-g airless pump to its product line. This airless pump gives patients more EpiCeram to treat any size area of atopic dermatitis with twice-daily application. The convenient and portable pump dispenser gives patients more control in applying EpiCeram. A 90-g tube is already available. The EpiCeram Controlled Release Skin Barrier Emulsion helps to relieve the burning and itching associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and eczema. For more information, visit www.epiceram-us.com.
Hair Regrowth System

brandMD Skin Care introduces the Hair Regrowth System, a 3-step daily regimen to prevent and improve signs of hair loss. The regimen includes the Replenish Shampoo, Restorative Conditioning Treatment, and Rapid Growth Serum. By reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone, the system stimulates hair growth and improves hair follicle anchoring. Both men and women can use the Hair Regrowth System. For more information, visit www.brandMDskincare.com.
Rasuvo

Medac Pharma Inc obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Rasuvo, a subcutaneous injectable methotrexate therapy delivered in a single-dose autoinjector for rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriasis. Rasuvo is available in 10 dosage strengths ranging from 7.5 to 30 mg in 2.5-mg increments. Because of the possibility of serious toxic reactions, Rasuvo should be used only in patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis with severe, recalcitrant, disabling disease that is not adequately responsive to other forms of therapy. For more information, visit www.rasuvo.com.

Restylane Silk

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration marketing clearance for Restylane Silk injectable gel with 0.3% lidocaine, which is indicated for submucosal implantation for lip augmentation and dermal implantation for correction of perioral rhytides in patients older than 21 years. Restylane Silk is composed of hyaluronic acid and is free from animal protein. Allergy pretesting is not necessary. Restylane Silk should not be used in patients with prior hypersensitivity to local anesthetics of the amide type, such as lidocaine. For more information, visit www.valeant.com.

Zenatane Provider Portal

Promius Pharma, LLC, launches a Web-based provider portal to follow a patient taking Zenatane (isotretinoin). It is designed to allow any authorized prescriber using the Promius Promise pharmacy program to obtain instant access to secure patient data. This portal is valuable for dermatologists to track patient adherence to guidelines for using isotretinoin. It will provide patient demographics, dates of prescriptions received and shipped, and information on pending prescription shipments. A messaging tool also allows health care providers to send questions and receive answers within the portal itself. It maintains strict privacy in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

CoolSculptingZeltiq Aesthetics, Inc, introduces the CoolSmooth applicator and obtains US Food and Drug Administration clearance for the CoolSculpting procedure to treat the thigh area. The CoolSmooth applicator is designed for fat reduction of the outer thigh. It is a flat applicator that features nonvacuum-based cooling to easily treat nonpinchable fat bulges, offering physicians the ability to optimize patient outcomes and expand CoolSculpting treatment areas. The CoolSculpting procedure previously was cleared for noninvasive fat reduction in the abdomen and flank; now the thigh area (inner and outer thighs) can be treated with the entire suite of applicators. For more information, visit www.coolsculpting.com.

DalvanceDurata Therapeutics, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Dalvance (dalbavan-cin), an intravenous antibiotic for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Dalvance is a second-generation semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide. It is administered in a 2-dose regimen of 1000 mg followed 1 week later by 500 mg. Each dose is administered over 30 minutes. Dalvance provides physicians with a treatment option that moves beyond the standard daily or twice-daily intravenous antibiotic infusions. Exercise caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glycopeptides. For more information, visit www.dalvance.com.

excel HR Laser SystemCutera, Inc, introduces the excel HR laser system for hair removal. excel HR is a dual-wavelength laser system that combines the high-power 755-nm alexandrite and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG with sapphire contact cooling to effectively target deep follicular structures and deliver energy more efficiently. The result is enhanced efficacy using less fluence with improved patient comfort. excel HR has received 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.cutera.com/excelhr.

JubliaValeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Jublia (efinaconazole solution 10%) for the topical treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails due to Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This quick-drying solution is applied daily to the nail with a bottle that has a built-in flow-through brush applicator. There are no concerns for systemic side effects such as drug-drug interactions or acute liver injury. For more information, visit www.jubliarx.com.

SitavigInnocutis launches Sitavig (acyclovir) 50-mg buccal tablets for herpes labialis in the United States. Sitavig uses a proprietary Lauriad delivery system that consists of a tablet that sticks to the patient’s gum, above the canine tooth on the side of the lip that is infected with a cold sore, then dissolves to provide sustained release of medicine. The tablet is tasteless and odorless. Sitavig is user-friendly; patients can eat and drink normally once the tablet adheres to the gum, usually within a few minutes. The application once per episode is unique compared to other systemic and topical treatments. Sitavig is licensed from BioAlliance Pharma. For more information, visit www.innocutis.com.

SivextroCubist Pharmaceuticals announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections in adults caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is available as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour or as a 200-mg tablet administered once daily. Both methods offer an effective 6-day course of therapy. Sivextro allows physicians to transition patients from intravenous to oral treatment; oral administration provides the opportunity for outpatient care. For more information, visit www.sivextro.com.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

CoolSculptingZeltiq Aesthetics, Inc, introduces the CoolSmooth applicator and obtains US Food and Drug Administration clearance for the CoolSculpting procedure to treat the thigh area. The CoolSmooth applicator is designed for fat reduction of the outer thigh. It is a flat applicator that features nonvacuum-based cooling to easily treat nonpinchable fat bulges, offering physicians the ability to optimize patient outcomes and expand CoolSculpting treatment areas. The CoolSculpting procedure previously was cleared for noninvasive fat reduction in the abdomen and flank; now the thigh area (inner and outer thighs) can be treated with the entire suite of applicators. For more information, visit www.coolsculpting.com.

DalvanceDurata Therapeutics, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Dalvance (dalbavan-cin), an intravenous antibiotic for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Dalvance is a second-generation semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide. It is administered in a 2-dose regimen of 1000 mg followed 1 week later by 500 mg. Each dose is administered over 30 minutes. Dalvance provides physicians with a treatment option that moves beyond the standard daily or twice-daily intravenous antibiotic infusions. Exercise caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glycopeptides. For more information, visit www.dalvance.com.

excel HR Laser SystemCutera, Inc, introduces the excel HR laser system for hair removal. excel HR is a dual-wavelength laser system that combines the high-power 755-nm alexandrite and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG with sapphire contact cooling to effectively target deep follicular structures and deliver energy more efficiently. The result is enhanced efficacy using less fluence with improved patient comfort. excel HR has received 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.cutera.com/excelhr.

JubliaValeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Jublia (efinaconazole solution 10%) for the topical treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails due to Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This quick-drying solution is applied daily to the nail with a bottle that has a built-in flow-through brush applicator. There are no concerns for systemic side effects such as drug-drug interactions or acute liver injury. For more information, visit www.jubliarx.com.

SitavigInnocutis launches Sitavig (acyclovir) 50-mg buccal tablets for herpes labialis in the United States. Sitavig uses a proprietary Lauriad delivery system that consists of a tablet that sticks to the patient’s gum, above the canine tooth on the side of the lip that is infected with a cold sore, then dissolves to provide sustained release of medicine. The tablet is tasteless and odorless. Sitavig is user-friendly; patients can eat and drink normally once the tablet adheres to the gum, usually within a few minutes. The application once per episode is unique compared to other systemic and topical treatments. Sitavig is licensed from BioAlliance Pharma. For more information, visit www.innocutis.com.

SivextroCubist Pharmaceuticals announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections in adults caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is available as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour or as a 200-mg tablet administered once daily. Both methods offer an effective 6-day course of therapy. Sivextro allows physicians to transition patients from intravenous to oral treatment; oral administration provides the opportunity for outpatient care. For more information, visit www.sivextro.com.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

CoolSculptingZeltiq Aesthetics, Inc, introduces the CoolSmooth applicator and obtains US Food and Drug Administration clearance for the CoolSculpting procedure to treat the thigh area. The CoolSmooth applicator is designed for fat reduction of the outer thigh. It is a flat applicator that features nonvacuum-based cooling to easily treat nonpinchable fat bulges, offering physicians the ability to optimize patient outcomes and expand CoolSculpting treatment areas. The CoolSculpting procedure previously was cleared for noninvasive fat reduction in the abdomen and flank; now the thigh area (inner and outer thighs) can be treated with the entire suite of applicators. For more information, visit www.coolsculpting.com.

DalvanceDurata Therapeutics, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Dalvance (dalbavan-cin), an intravenous antibiotic for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Dalvance is a second-generation semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide. It is administered in a 2-dose regimen of 1000 mg followed 1 week later by 500 mg. Each dose is administered over 30 minutes. Dalvance provides physicians with a treatment option that moves beyond the standard daily or twice-daily intravenous antibiotic infusions. Exercise caution in patients with known hypersensitivity to glycopeptides. For more information, visit www.dalvance.com.

excel HR Laser SystemCutera, Inc, introduces the excel HR laser system for hair removal. excel HR is a dual-wavelength laser system that combines the high-power 755-nm alexandrite and the 1064-nm Nd:YAG with sapphire contact cooling to effectively target deep follicular structures and deliver energy more efficiently. The result is enhanced efficacy using less fluence with improved patient comfort. excel HR has received 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration. For more information, visit www.cutera.com/excelhr.

JubliaValeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc, obtains US Food and Drug Administration approval for Jublia (efinaconazole solution 10%) for the topical treatment of onychomycosis of the toenails due to Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. This quick-drying solution is applied daily to the nail with a bottle that has a built-in flow-through brush applicator. There are no concerns for systemic side effects such as drug-drug interactions or acute liver injury. For more information, visit www.jubliarx.com.

SitavigInnocutis launches Sitavig (acyclovir) 50-mg buccal tablets for herpes labialis in the United States. Sitavig uses a proprietary Lauriad delivery system that consists of a tablet that sticks to the patient’s gum, above the canine tooth on the side of the lip that is infected with a cold sore, then dissolves to provide sustained release of medicine. The tablet is tasteless and odorless. Sitavig is user-friendly; patients can eat and drink normally once the tablet adheres to the gum, usually within a few minutes. The application once per episode is unique compared to other systemic and topical treatments. Sitavig is licensed from BioAlliance Pharma. For more information, visit www.innocutis.com.

SivextroCubist Pharmaceuticals announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections in adults caused by susceptible gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is available as an intravenous infusion over 1 hour or as a 200-mg tablet administered once daily. Both methods offer an effective 6-day course of therapy. Sivextro allows physicians to transition patients from intravenous to oral treatment; oral administration provides the opportunity for outpatient care. For more information, visit www.sivextro.com.

If you would like your product included in Product News, please e-mail a press release to the Editorial Office at [email protected].

The Breathe2Relax app is centered around the basic concept that breathing into the belly—diaphragmatic breathing—provides deeper relaxation than does breathing into the chest. Designed for use by individuals with PTSD and TBI, the app helps with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. It is a portable stress management tool with breathing exercises documented to decrease the body’s “fight-or-flight” stress response.

Setup

Although you can jump right into the guided breathing exercises, you may find a richer experience by exploring the setup menu of the app before beginning. (TIP: Skip the Personalize button and go straight to Setup.) Setting up the app to your personal preferences will reduce the chances of growing agitated when you begin the breathing exercises.

Almost every element you encounter while using the app can be modified: scenery (eg, mountain meadows or the cosmos), background music (mostly instrumental and earth sounds, plus a choice for no music at all), inhale and exhale lengths set to tenths of a second, whether a breathing metronome and visual prompts will display during the exercise, and whether a voice will prompt breathing instructions. Additional modifications include how many cycles of inhalations/exhalations will be provided, whether you want to track your stress levels (these can be graphed later and tracked over time), and, importantly, whether you want this data to be saved and transmitted to T2 for survey data (there is a choice to remain anonymous) or to disenroll from the study and delete all stored information.

Breathe

Once all of your preferences are set, they will remain saved in the app until you change them. If you already know how to breathe diaphragmatically, click “Breathe” to begin a breathing session. If you are uncertain or need a refresher, click “Show Me How” to watch a 2-minute instructional video. As noted during this instruction, “Be patient. Although breathing sounds like it should be easy to do, diaphragmatic breathing takes practice.” It is recommended that this practice be done every day for maximum benefit, and it is okay to practice when you’re already feeling relaxed.

When you are ready to work through the breathing session, begin by rating your stress level. If you want to skip this step, go ahead and hit “Skip.” If you never want to enter this information when you enter the breathing session portion of the app, click the box that reads “Do Not Show Again” or return to the Setup menu and select “OFF” under Stress Tracking Information. However, by taking just a moment to note stress levels before (and after), you will see over time how you are performing and whether or not this is a beneficial exercise for you. Oftentimes, we don’t accurately perceive our own emotions and reactions, so graphing this output can help limit personal bias.

If you are following the breathing metronome, you will see it rise and fall with each breath until the session is complete. You will then be prompted to record your ending stress level and can click “Finish” to return to the home screen.

Results

The benefit of tracking stress levels during breathing sessions is revealed in a simple line graph. A thin line is produced using starting stress levels and a thick line is produced using ending stress levels. Sometimes the breathing session will result in a dramatic shift in stress level reduction, sometimes an insignificant reduction, and sometimes it may seemingly increase stress levels. If the latter happens, it is possible you were unable to focus on the exercise enough to properly engage in diaphragmatic breathing, or maybe one of the app settings has agitated you and it’s time to update your settings in the Setup menu.

Learning

Read about or watch information on stress by selecting 1 of 3 topics. “Biology of Stress” covers what happens in the body during stress, the consequences of stress on the body, how breathing can help control the stress response, and the resilience of the mind and body after handling a stressful episode. “Diaphragmatic Breathing” explains what the diaphragm is, the difference in oxygen levels supplied to the body during chest breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, and how to determine what kind of a breather you are. Access the Body Scanner under “Effects of Stress on the Body” to learn about the effects of stress on 10 different areas of the body.

Wellness Tips

On the home screen is a button called “Tip.” Tucked away in this little, unsuspecting corner of the app are wellness tips, such as “If you’re feeling guilty about something, remember that self-forgiveness means recognizing mistakes and accepting shortcomings” and “Don’t believe everything you think: Challenge your negative thoughts. Is there evidence to support the way you perceive the situation?” These tips don’t rotate frequently, but it’s a nice surprise when a new one displays.

Final Thoughts

This app can be used in several different ways, serving as a stand-alone stress management tool or in tandem with clinical care directed by a health care provider. As is noted by T2, “Due to its portability, this guided exercise is easily accessible when it is needed most.” And although the app was designed for individuals with PTSD and TBI, anybody who wants to feel more relaxed can access this free tool and reap the many benefits provided through diaphragmatic breathing.

The Breathe2Relax app is centered around the basic concept that breathing into the belly—diaphragmatic breathing—provides deeper relaxation than does breathing into the chest. Designed for use by individuals with PTSD and TBI, the app helps with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. It is a portable stress management tool with breathing exercises documented to decrease the body’s “fight-or-flight” stress response.

Setup

Although you can jump right into the guided breathing exercises, you may find a richer experience by exploring the setup menu of the app before beginning. (TIP: Skip the Personalize button and go straight to Setup.) Setting up the app to your personal preferences will reduce the chances of growing agitated when you begin the breathing exercises.

Almost every element you encounter while using the app can be modified: scenery (eg, mountain meadows or the cosmos), background music (mostly instrumental and earth sounds, plus a choice for no music at all), inhale and exhale lengths set to tenths of a second, whether a breathing metronome and visual prompts will display during the exercise, and whether a voice will prompt breathing instructions. Additional modifications include how many cycles of inhalations/exhalations will be provided, whether you want to track your stress levels (these can be graphed later and tracked over time), and, importantly, whether you want this data to be saved and transmitted to T2 for survey data (there is a choice to remain anonymous) or to disenroll from the study and delete all stored information.

Breathe

Once all of your preferences are set, they will remain saved in the app until you change them. If you already know how to breathe diaphragmatically, click “Breathe” to begin a breathing session. If you are uncertain or need a refresher, click “Show Me How” to watch a 2-minute instructional video. As noted during this instruction, “Be patient. Although breathing sounds like it should be easy to do, diaphragmatic breathing takes practice.” It is recommended that this practice be done every day for maximum benefit, and it is okay to practice when you’re already feeling relaxed.

When you are ready to work through the breathing session, begin by rating your stress level. If you want to skip this step, go ahead and hit “Skip.” If you never want to enter this information when you enter the breathing session portion of the app, click the box that reads “Do Not Show Again” or return to the Setup menu and select “OFF” under Stress Tracking Information. However, by taking just a moment to note stress levels before (and after), you will see over time how you are performing and whether or not this is a beneficial exercise for you. Oftentimes, we don’t accurately perceive our own emotions and reactions, so graphing this output can help limit personal bias.

If you are following the breathing metronome, you will see it rise and fall with each breath until the session is complete. You will then be prompted to record your ending stress level and can click “Finish” to return to the home screen.

Results

The benefit of tracking stress levels during breathing sessions is revealed in a simple line graph. A thin line is produced using starting stress levels and a thick line is produced using ending stress levels. Sometimes the breathing session will result in a dramatic shift in stress level reduction, sometimes an insignificant reduction, and sometimes it may seemingly increase stress levels. If the latter happens, it is possible you were unable to focus on the exercise enough to properly engage in diaphragmatic breathing, or maybe one of the app settings has agitated you and it’s time to update your settings in the Setup menu.

Learning

Read about or watch information on stress by selecting 1 of 3 topics. “Biology of Stress” covers what happens in the body during stress, the consequences of stress on the body, how breathing can help control the stress response, and the resilience of the mind and body after handling a stressful episode. “Diaphragmatic Breathing” explains what the diaphragm is, the difference in oxygen levels supplied to the body during chest breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, and how to determine what kind of a breather you are. Access the Body Scanner under “Effects of Stress on the Body” to learn about the effects of stress on 10 different areas of the body.

Wellness Tips

On the home screen is a button called “Tip.” Tucked away in this little, unsuspecting corner of the app are wellness tips, such as “If you’re feeling guilty about something, remember that self-forgiveness means recognizing mistakes and accepting shortcomings” and “Don’t believe everything you think: Challenge your negative thoughts. Is there evidence to support the way you perceive the situation?” These tips don’t rotate frequently, but it’s a nice surprise when a new one displays.

Final Thoughts

This app can be used in several different ways, serving as a stand-alone stress management tool or in tandem with clinical care directed by a health care provider. As is noted by T2, “Due to its portability, this guided exercise is easily accessible when it is needed most.” And although the app was designed for individuals with PTSD and TBI, anybody who wants to feel more relaxed can access this free tool and reap the many benefits provided through diaphragmatic breathing.

The Breathe2Relax app is centered around the basic concept that breathing into the belly—diaphragmatic breathing—provides deeper relaxation than does breathing into the chest. Designed for use by individuals with PTSD and TBI, the app helps with mood stabilization, anger control, and anxiety management. It is a portable stress management tool with breathing exercises documented to decrease the body’s “fight-or-flight” stress response.

Setup

Although you can jump right into the guided breathing exercises, you may find a richer experience by exploring the setup menu of the app before beginning. (TIP: Skip the Personalize button and go straight to Setup.) Setting up the app to your personal preferences will reduce the chances of growing agitated when you begin the breathing exercises.

Almost every element you encounter while using the app can be modified: scenery (eg, mountain meadows or the cosmos), background music (mostly instrumental and earth sounds, plus a choice for no music at all), inhale and exhale lengths set to tenths of a second, whether a breathing metronome and visual prompts will display during the exercise, and whether a voice will prompt breathing instructions. Additional modifications include how many cycles of inhalations/exhalations will be provided, whether you want to track your stress levels (these can be graphed later and tracked over time), and, importantly, whether you want this data to be saved and transmitted to T2 for survey data (there is a choice to remain anonymous) or to disenroll from the study and delete all stored information.

Breathe

Once all of your preferences are set, they will remain saved in the app until you change them. If you already know how to breathe diaphragmatically, click “Breathe” to begin a breathing session. If you are uncertain or need a refresher, click “Show Me How” to watch a 2-minute instructional video. As noted during this instruction, “Be patient. Although breathing sounds like it should be easy to do, diaphragmatic breathing takes practice.” It is recommended that this practice be done every day for maximum benefit, and it is okay to practice when you’re already feeling relaxed.

When you are ready to work through the breathing session, begin by rating your stress level. If you want to skip this step, go ahead and hit “Skip.” If you never want to enter this information when you enter the breathing session portion of the app, click the box that reads “Do Not Show Again” or return to the Setup menu and select “OFF” under Stress Tracking Information. However, by taking just a moment to note stress levels before (and after), you will see over time how you are performing and whether or not this is a beneficial exercise for you. Oftentimes, we don’t accurately perceive our own emotions and reactions, so graphing this output can help limit personal bias.

If you are following the breathing metronome, you will see it rise and fall with each breath until the session is complete. You will then be prompted to record your ending stress level and can click “Finish” to return to the home screen.

Results

The benefit of tracking stress levels during breathing sessions is revealed in a simple line graph. A thin line is produced using starting stress levels and a thick line is produced using ending stress levels. Sometimes the breathing session will result in a dramatic shift in stress level reduction, sometimes an insignificant reduction, and sometimes it may seemingly increase stress levels. If the latter happens, it is possible you were unable to focus on the exercise enough to properly engage in diaphragmatic breathing, or maybe one of the app settings has agitated you and it’s time to update your settings in the Setup menu.

Learning

Read about or watch information on stress by selecting 1 of 3 topics. “Biology of Stress” covers what happens in the body during stress, the consequences of stress on the body, how breathing can help control the stress response, and the resilience of the mind and body after handling a stressful episode. “Diaphragmatic Breathing” explains what the diaphragm is, the difference in oxygen levels supplied to the body during chest breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, and how to determine what kind of a breather you are. Access the Body Scanner under “Effects of Stress on the Body” to learn about the effects of stress on 10 different areas of the body.

Wellness Tips

On the home screen is a button called “Tip.” Tucked away in this little, unsuspecting corner of the app are wellness tips, such as “If you’re feeling guilty about something, remember that self-forgiveness means recognizing mistakes and accepting shortcomings” and “Don’t believe everything you think: Challenge your negative thoughts. Is there evidence to support the way you perceive the situation?” These tips don’t rotate frequently, but it’s a nice surprise when a new one displays.

Final Thoughts

This app can be used in several different ways, serving as a stand-alone stress management tool or in tandem with clinical care directed by a health care provider. As is noted by T2, “Due to its portability, this guided exercise is easily accessible when it is needed most.” And although the app was designed for individuals with PTSD and TBI, anybody who wants to feel more relaxed can access this free tool and reap the many benefits provided through diaphragmatic breathing.