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Hydroquinone Side Effects
The most troublesome side effect of hydroquinone cream is its link to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a cancer that affects the bone marrow and white blood cells.
Hydroquinone is a byproduct of the metabolism of benzene, a known carcinogen or cancer-producing agent. Hydroquinone is used to lighten dark areas of the skin such as freckles and age spots. It comes in two strengths:
- 2% cream sold over the counter
- 4% cream sold by prescription only
More mild side effects include the following skin problems:
- Redness
- Itching
- Stinging
- Burning
- Inflammation of the treated area of the skin
If any of the above become severe, you should stop using the Hydroquinone cream and consult your doctor.
Much more serious side effects would include an allergic reaction to the product. These symptoms would include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. These reactions require emergency medical care and you should seek treatment at once.
If any of the above side effects occur, including the mild ones, you should stop using the cream and see your doctor.
Hydroquinone and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Hydroquinone comes from the metabolic breakdown of benzene, and benzene has long been known as a carcinogen or cancer-causing agent. It is classified as a category A human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The cancer caused by hydroquinone is acute myelogenous leukemia. AML begins in the bone marrow or the inner soft tissue of bones where blood cells are formed. The cancer affects the formation of the white blood cells, which are part of the body’s immune system for fighting disease. The cancer is called acute because it develops quickly.
The cells affected grow very fast and quickly replace healthy blood cells. People with AML tend to bleed more easily and are prone to infections.
Symptoms of AML include:
- Nose bleeds
- Bleeding from the gums
- Bruising
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Paleness
- Shortness of breath, especially with exercise
- Skin rash or lesion
- Weight loss
- Swollen gums (rare)
Contact a Hydroquinone AML Attorney
If you have been using hydroquinone to lighten your skin and been diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, you should contact a Hydroquinone attorney to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the cream. You should be compensated for your suffering — we would like to help you. Contact us for an evaluation of your case.