Where Can I Get HQ 8%?

Question

Thanks a million Dr Kaplan, your response gives Me hope of having a treatment possibility. I wish you were in Houston so I can rush for treatment, there seems to be no scar Dr in Houston. Where can I get the HQ (at 6% OR 8%) so I can try it; am dark skin, will it work for me? My former dermatologist tried some kind of laser with only made things worst and added hyperpigmentation on my legs and so we did not even try my arms anymore, but I will be grateful if you can tell my were to get HQ 8%.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Although some physicians prefer higher dose hydroquinone, others like myself believe that hydroquinone is not better when used in higher concentrations. With this belief, I advocate tyrosinase inhibition by multiple active ingredients rather than high dose hydroquinone. There are many combination tyrosinase inhibitors, including my preference which is Melarase AM and Melarase PM.

Brian S. Biesman, MD · Answer

4% hydroquinone is the highest concentration that may be obtained through pharmeceutical companies. 8% hydroquinone is the highest strength that can be prepared (due to chemical properties of the drug) and many compounding pharmacies will prepare it with a physician's order. If you live in Houston and need treatment of hyperpigmentation, you may wish to consult with Dr. Paul Friedman.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

8% hydroquinone can only be obtained form a compounding pharmacy.  You must get a prescription for a physician. 

	Dr. ES

Leyda Elizabeth Bowes, MD · Answer

Hydroquinone 8% is Prescription Strength and should be applied to dark patches or hyperpigmented scars after proper examination by a board-certified physician.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

The highest percentage of hydroquinone (HQ) in topical medications that are produced in the US is 4%. To get a higher percentage, your doctor would need to have the medication made by a compounding pharmacy. Care must be taken with higher percentage HQ creams, as there are numerous reports of paradoxical hyperpigmentation, called exogenous ochronosis, that can occur with prolonged use of higher percentage HQ creams. Please have your treatment monitored by a board certified dermatologist.

Where Can I Get HQ 8%?

Answers (6)