The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Aurlumyn (iloprost) injection for the treatment of severe frostbite in adults. This approval aims to reduce the risk of finger or toe amputation, offering a promising intervention for those grappling with the debilitating consequences of frostbite. Iloprost, the active ingredient in Aurlumyn, was initially sanctioned in 2004 for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, marking a significant expansion of its medical application.

Frostbite manifests in various stages, ranging from mild cases that don't require medical intervention to severe instances where both skin and underlying tissue freeze, potentially leading to amputation. Iloprost functions as a vasodilator, opening blood vessels and preventing blood clotting, thereby addressing the underlying mechanisms of frostbite. This repurposing of iloprost underscores its versatility in tackling critical medical conditions beyond its original indication.

Despite its efficacy, Aurlumyn does pose potential side effects, including headaches, flushing, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and hypotension. Physicians are cautioned about symptomatic hypotension and advised to monitor patients closely. However, the approval of Aurlumyn represents a significant milestone in the medical community's ability to combat severe frostbite and mitigate its life-altering consequences.

Dr. Norman Stockbridge, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Cardiology and Nephrology in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, expressed optimism about the approval's impact. He highlighted the significance of providing patients with the first-ever treatment option for severe frostbite. This breakthrough offers physicians a vital tool to prevent the potentially devastating outcome of amputation, signifying a new era in frostbite management.

Learn more at: FDA Approves First Medication to Treat Severe Frostbite | FDA