Frostbite drug reduces amputation risk.

The FDA has approved a drug called iloprost for the treatment of severe frostbite. In a clinical trial, patients who received iloprost alone did not require amputations, while 60% of patients who received a different drug did. Frostbite primarily affects individuals who spend a lot of time outside in the cold, such as construction workers and mountain climbers. Iloprost, which widens blood vessels and improves blood flow, has been used as a frostbite treatment in Europe and other parts of the world for years. The drug is administered intravenously and should ideally be given within 24 hours of the frostbite injury. This approval will benefit climbers and homeless individuals who are at risk of losing limbs due to frostbite. [Extracted from the article]