A safety review of the medications used to treat atopic dermatitis.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease in children and adults which causes severe physical discomfort and psychosocial distress. Recently novel therapies for AD have been FDA approved for use which creates the need to review the safety surrounding current FDA approved AD medications.

Areas Covered: Published clinical studies involving topical and oral FDA approved medications for AD are included in this review. Authors used PubMed research database to search for clinical trials involving AD patients.

Expert Opinion: AD is a common disease which currently has limited FDA approved medications. Given the chronicity of this disease, medications are needed which control disease while minimizing side effects to allow for long term use. Newer approved medications show promise but safety data is limited given their relatively new utilization for AD.