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Calcium hydroxylapatite
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Brand Name: Radiesse  Audio
Drug Class: Opportunistic Infection and Other Drugs
Calcium hydroxylapatite, also known as CaHA, is the main ingredient of Radiesse. Radiesse is a water-based material that is injected into the skin. Radiesse belongs to the class of medicines called dermal fillers. Injecting Radiesse into facial skin may give it a firmer, fuller appearance.
CaHA is used in many medical applications, such as dental ridge augmentation and tissue marking. CaHA products are used worldwide for facial and plastic reconstructive surgery.

HIV/AIDS-Related Uses
Radiesse was approved by the FDA on December 22, 2006, for the treatment of facial fat loss (also called facial lipoatrophy). It continues to be studied for this use. Facial lipoatrophy is a condition in which people lose fat in their faces, especially in their cheeks and around their eyes and temples. People with HIV who take anti-HIV drugs may develop lipoatrophy.
Radiesse is injected into the skin in areas where fat has been lost. It improves the appearance of folds and sunken areas and hides the fat loss. The effects of treatment appear to last at least a year after the first treatment session.
Radiesse does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.

Dosage Form/Administration
Radiesse comes in liquid form that is injected under the skin. Radiesse is available in a single-use, sterilized syringe containing 0.3, 1, or 1.3 ml of solution. In each syringe, CaHA particles are suspended in a water-based solution that is injected into the skin. Only a health care provider with special training should inject Radiesse.

Contraindications
Individuals should tell a doctor about any medical problems before using this medicine.
Radiesse should not be used for short-term treatment and should not be used by people allergic to any of the carrier ingredients.

Possible Side Effects
Along with its desired effects, Radiesse can cause some unwanted effects; not all of these effects are known at this time.

In most studies, side effects were mild and included redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Individuals should tell a doctor if they have any of these side effects.

Drug and Food Interactions
A doctor should be notified of any other medications being taken, including prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter), or herbal medications.

Clinical Trials
Click here to search ClinicalTrials.gov for trials that use Calcium hydroxylapatite.

Manufacturer Information
Calcium hydroxylapatite
  BioForm Medical, Inc.
  1875 South Grant St. Suite, #110
  San Mateo,  CA  94103
  (650) 286-4000
    

Radiesse
  BioForm Medical, Inc.
  1875 South Grant St. Suite, #110
  San Mateo,  CA  94103
  (650) 286-4000
    
Updated January 23, 2007