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Performing a word search of the
words "benzoyl peroxide cancer" in
PubMed in the National Library of
Medicine produces 102 articles from
medical publications dealing with
research aspects of benzoyl peroxide
and cancer. About two-thirds
of the research supports linkage
between benzoyl peroxide and skin
cancer. |
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"In 1995 the FDA changed benzoyl
peroxide from a Category I (safe) to
a Category III (safety is uncertain)
ingredient and stated this action
(56 FR 37622) was based on new
information that raised a safety
concern regarding benzoyl peroxide
as a tumor promoter in mice ..."
Additionally the FDA charged
manufacturers with the
responsibility of providing this
information to consumers so they
could make educated decisions.
A more complete FDA statement
appears below for your reference. |
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FDA / BENZOYL PEROXIDE ACTION:
FEBRUARY 17, 1995*
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Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) / Department of Health and
Human Services
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"Topical Drug Products
Containing Benzoyl Peroxide:
Required Labeling"
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"The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) is proposing
additional labeling (warning and
directions) for all
topically-applied acne treatment
drug products containing benzoyl
peroxide. The warning advises
consumers to avoid unnecessary sun
exposure and to use a sunscreen when
using a benzoyl peroxide product to
treat acne ..." |
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"The agency classified benzoyl
peroxide from its previous status
Category I to Category III status.
This action
(56 FR 37622) was based on new
information that raised a safety
concern regarding benzoyl peroxide
as a tumor promoter in mice and a
study that reported that benzoyl
peroxide has tumor initiation
potential." |
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"FDA evaluated these data and
information and determined that the
studies show that benzoyl peroxide
is a skin tumor promoter in more
than one strain of mice as well as
in hamsters. To date, topical
studies (which have shown only tumor
promotion) have been of short
duration (about 52 weeks). |
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Although animal data and human
epidemiology data are available, the
agency has determined that further
studies are necessary to adequately
assess the tumorigenic potential of
benzoyl peroxide. These
studies are currently being
conducted. |
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The agency acknowledges that it
may take several years for these
studies to be completed and
analyzed, and for the final
determination to be made on benzoyl
peroxide's safety." |
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