Matching articles for "acne"
Cabtreo: A Three-Drug Gel for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 15, 2024; (Issue 1700)
The FDA has approved Cabtreo (Bausch Health), a gel
containing the retinoid adapalene, the oxidizing agent
benzoyl peroxide, and the antibiotic clindamycin, for
treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12...
The FDA has approved Cabtreo (Bausch Health), a gel
containing the retinoid adapalene, the oxidizing agent
benzoyl peroxide, and the antibiotic clindamycin, for
treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old.
Cabtreo is the first three-drug topical formulation to
become available in the US for treatment of acne.
Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 5, 2024; (Issue 1695)
Acne is common among adolescents and adults.
Guidelines for treatment of acne were last published
by the American Academy of Dermatology in...
Acne is common among adolescents and adults.
Guidelines for treatment of acne were last published
by the American Academy of Dermatology in 2016.
Tretinoin/Benzoyl Peroxide Cream (Twyneo) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 16, 2022; (Issue 1650)
The FDA has approved Twyneo (Galderma), a cream
containing the retinoid tretinoin and the oxidizing
agent benzoyl peroxide, for once-daily topical
treatment of acne in patients ≥9 years...
The FDA has approved Twyneo (Galderma), a cream
containing the retinoid tretinoin and the oxidizing
agent benzoyl peroxide, for once-daily topical
treatment of acne in patients ≥9 years old.
Clascoterone Cream (Winlevi) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 27, 2021; (Issue 1640)
The FDA has approved Winlevi (Sun), a 1% cream
formulation of the androgen receptor inhibitor
clascoterone, for treatment of acne vulgaris in
patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical...
The FDA has approved Winlevi (Sun), a 1% cream
formulation of the androgen receptor inhibitor
clascoterone, for treatment of acne vulgaris in
patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical androgen
receptor inhibitor to be approved by the FDA.
Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2020; (Issue 1612)
Acne is common among adolescents and young adults,
but its prevalence appears to have increased in people
of all ages due to prolonged wearing of masks during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for treatment...
Acne is common among adolescents and young adults,
but its prevalence appears to have increased in people
of all ages due to prolonged wearing of masks during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines for treatment of
acne were last published in 2016.
Minocycline Foam (Amzeeq) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 4, 2020; (Issue 1597)
The FDA has approved a 4% aerosol foam formulation
of minocycline (Amzeeq – Foamix) for topical
treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular
moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9 years old. It...
The FDA has approved a 4% aerosol foam formulation
of minocycline (Amzeeq – Foamix) for topical
treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular
moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9 years old. It is
the first topical tetracycline formulation to be approved
for use in patients with acne. Oral minocycline
(Minocin, Solodyn, and generics) is
Addendum: Drospirenone (Slynd) - A New Progestin-Only Oral Contraceptive
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 23, 2020; (Issue 1594)
In our article on Slynd (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2020; 62:18),
the drospirenone-only oral contraceptive, we mentioned that
drospirenone has antiandrogenic activity that could improve
acne and...
In our article on Slynd (Med Lett Drugs Ther 2020; 62:18),
the drospirenone-only oral contraceptive, we mentioned that
drospirenone has antiandrogenic activity that could improve
acne and antimineralocorticoid activity that could cause
hyperkalemia. We should have added that concurrent use of
drospirenone with other drugs that increase potassium levels,
such as the anti-androgen aldosterone receptor antagonist
spironolactone (Aldactone, and generics), which is often
used off-label for treatment of acne, can increase the risk of
hyperkalemia.
Trifarotene (Aklief) - A New Topical Retinoid for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 16, 2019; (Issue 1587)
The FDA has approved trifarotene 0.005% cream
(Aklief – Galderma) for topical treatment of acne
vulgaris in patients ≥9 years old. Trifarotene is the
fourth topical retinoid to be approved in the US...
The FDA has approved trifarotene 0.005% cream
(Aklief – Galderma) for topical treatment of acne
vulgaris in patients ≥9 years old. Trifarotene is the
fourth topical retinoid to be approved in the US for
treatment of acne; tretinoin (Retin-A, and others),
adapalene (Differin, and generics), and tazarotene
(Tazorac, and others) have been available by
prescription for decades. Adapalene 0.1% gel has been
available over the counter since 2016 for treatment of
acne in patients ≥12 years old.
Ozenoxacin 1% Cream (Xepi) for Impetigo
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 22, 2019; (Issue 1570)
The FDA has approved a 1% cream formulation
of ozenoxacin (Xepi – Cutanea), a nonfluorinated
quinolone antibiotic, for treatment of impetigo caused
by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
in...
The FDA has approved a 1% cream formulation
of ozenoxacin (Xepi – Cutanea), a nonfluorinated
quinolone antibiotic, for treatment of impetigo caused
by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
in patients ≥2 months old.
Sarecycline (Seysara) - Another Oral Tetracycline for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 25, 2019; (Issue 1568)
Sarecycline (Seysara — Allergan), a new oral
tetracycline antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA
for once-daily treatment of inflammatory lesions of
non-nodular moderate to severe acne in patients...
Sarecycline (Seysara — Allergan), a new oral
tetracycline antibiotic, has been approved by the FDA
for once-daily treatment of inflammatory lesions of
non-nodular moderate to severe acne in patients ≥9
years old.
Choice of Contraceptives
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 8, 2018; (Issue 1557)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel
implant are the most effective reversible contraceptive
methods available. Hormonal oral contraceptives,
patches, rings, and injectables are also highly...
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the etonogestrel
implant are the most effective reversible contraceptive
methods available. Hormonal oral contraceptives,
patches, rings, and injectables are also highly effective
in preventing pregnancy. When used alone, barrier and
fertility-based methods generally have higher failure
rates than other methods.
In Brief: An Over-the-Counter Retinoid for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 26, 2016; (Issue 1504)
Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma), a topical formulation of the retinoid adapalene, will soon be available over the counter (OTC) for once-daily treatment of acne in patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical...
Differin Gel 0.1% (Galderma), a topical formulation of the retinoid adapalene, will soon be available over the counter (OTC) for once-daily treatment of acne in patients ≥12 years old. It is the first topical retinoid to be approved for sale over the counter.
All topical retinoids normalize keratinization and appear to have anti-inflammatory effects; whether any one topical retinoid is more effective than any other is not clear. Many dermatologists now recommend topical retinoids for first-line treatment of acne; they can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics to treat both inflamed and noninflamed acne lesions, or for maintenance treatment. Retinoid/antimicrobial combinations are more effective than either component alone, particularly for patients with inflammatory lesions.1
Adverse effects of topical retinoids include dry skin, scaling, photosensitivity, erythema, burning, and pruritus. Although only small amounts of the drug are absorbed systemically following topical application, adapalene is classified as category C (teratogenic in rats; no adequate studies in pregnant women) for use during pregnancy.
Adapalene (Differin, and generics) is available by prescription in 0.1% gel, cream, and lotion formulations and in a 0.3% gel formulation. It is also available by prescription in combination with the oxidizing agent benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo; Epiduo Forte).
The cost of one 45-gram tube ranges from about $157 for generic adapalene to $580 for Differin.2 The cost of OTC Differin Gel 0.1% was not available at the time of publication.
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All topical retinoids normalize keratinization and appear to have anti-inflammatory effects; whether any one topical retinoid is more effective than any other is not clear. Many dermatologists now recommend topical retinoids for first-line treatment of acne; they can be used alone or in combination with antibiotics to treat both inflamed and noninflamed acne lesions, or for maintenance treatment. Retinoid/antimicrobial combinations are more effective than either component alone, particularly for patients with inflammatory lesions.1
Adverse effects of topical retinoids include dry skin, scaling, photosensitivity, erythema, burning, and pruritus. Although only small amounts of the drug are absorbed systemically following topical application, adapalene is classified as category C (teratogenic in rats; no adequate studies in pregnant women) for use during pregnancy.
Adapalene (Differin, and generics) is available by prescription in 0.1% gel, cream, and lotion formulations and in a 0.3% gel formulation. It is also available by prescription in combination with the oxidizing agent benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo; Epiduo Forte).
The cost of one 45-gram tube ranges from about $157 for generic adapalene to $580 for Differin.2 The cost of OTC Differin Gel 0.1% was not available at the time of publication.
- Drugs for acne. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2016; 58:13.
- Approximate WAC. WAC = wholesaler acquisition cost or manufacturer's published price to wholesalers; WAC represents a published catalogue or list price and may not represent an actual transactional price. Source: AnalySource® Monthly. September 5, 2016. Reprinted with permission by First Databank, Inc. All rights reserved. ©2016. www.fdbhealth.com/policies/drug-pricing-policy.
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Addendum: Depression and Suicidality with Isotretinoin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2016; (Issue 1500)
Our article earlier this year on Drugs for Acne1 stated that the oral retinoid isotretinoin (Accutane, and others) is the most effective drug available for patients with severe nodulocystic acne, but warned...
Our article earlier this year on Drugs for Acne1 stated that the oral retinoid isotretinoin (Accutane, and others) is the most effective drug available for patients with severe nodulocystic acne, but warned that depression, suicidality, myalgia, hypertriglyceridemia, and other adverse effects can occur. One of our readers objected to our listing depression and suicidality, which are the subject of a prominent warning in the package insert, in the same sentence as indisputable side effects such as hyperlipidemia and myalgia.
Depression and suicidal ideation have been reported in patients with severe acne after starting treatment with isotretinoin, including some cases in which symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the drug and reappeared after rechallenge.2 A cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, however, and acne itself is associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Two large population-based cohort studies conducted in Canada and the UK found no evidence that treatment of acne with isotretinoin was associated with an increased risk of depression, suicide, or other psychiatric adverse effects.3 In a small US cohort study in 132 patients 12-19 years old with moderate to severe acne, use of isotretinoin did not increase depressive symptoms compared to use of topical drugs and oral antibiotics, and treatment of acne appeared to decrease symptoms of depression.4 A prospective, observational study in 346 patients ≥16 years old with moderate acne found that treatment with isotretinoin for 30 weeks reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.5 Other studies have reached similar conclusions.
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Depression and suicidal ideation have been reported in patients with severe acne after starting treatment with isotretinoin, including some cases in which symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the drug and reappeared after rechallenge.2 A cause-and-effect relationship has not been established, however, and acne itself is associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Two large population-based cohort studies conducted in Canada and the UK found no evidence that treatment of acne with isotretinoin was associated with an increased risk of depression, suicide, or other psychiatric adverse effects.3 In a small US cohort study in 132 patients 12-19 years old with moderate to severe acne, use of isotretinoin did not increase depressive symptoms compared to use of topical drugs and oral antibiotics, and treatment of acne appeared to decrease symptoms of depression.4 A prospective, observational study in 346 patients ≥16 years old with moderate acne found that treatment with isotretinoin for 30 weeks reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.5 Other studies have reached similar conclusions.
- Drugs for acne. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2016; 58:13.
- JD Bremner et al. Retinoic acid and affective disorders: the evidence for an association. J Clin Psychiatry 2012; 73:37.
- SS Jick et al. Isotretinoin use and risk of depression, psychotic symptoms, suicide, and attempted suicide. Arch Dermatol 2000; 136:1231.
- CY Chia et al. Isotretinoin therapy and mood changes in adolescents with moderate to severe acne: a cohort study. Arch Dermatol 2005; 141:557.
- SE Marron et al. Anxiety, depression, quality of life and patient satisfaction in acne patients treated with oral isotretinoin. Acta Derm Venereol 2013; 93:701.
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Drugs for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2016; (Issue 1487)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes promotes development of acne lesions by
secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes
to the follicle, causing inflammation.
Onexton Gel for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 31, 2015; (Issue 1476)
The FDA has approved another fixed combination of
the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate and the oxidizing
agent benzoyl peroxide (Onexton Gel 1.2%/3.75% –
Valeant) for topical treatment of acne in patients...
The FDA has approved another fixed combination of
the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate and the oxidizing
agent benzoyl peroxide (Onexton Gel 1.2%/3.75% –
Valeant) for topical treatment of acne in patients ≥12
years old. Topical products containing the same drugs
have been available for many years. Onexton Gel
contains a new strength of benzoyl peroxide.
Bellafill for Acne Scars
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 22, 2015; (Issue 1471)
Bellafill (Suneva), a dermal filler approved earlier for
correction of nasolabial folds, has now also been
approved by the FDA for correction of moderate to
severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on...
Bellafill (Suneva), a dermal filler approved earlier for
correction of nasolabial folds, has now also been
approved by the FDA for correction of moderate to
severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the
cheek in adults ≥21 years old. It is the only dermal filler
approved in the US for correction of facial acne scars.
In Brief: Absorica for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 21, 2013; (Issue 1408)
The oral retinoid isotretinoin (Accutane, and others) is the most effective drug available for treatment of acne.1 The FDA has recently approved a new oral isotretinoin product (Absorica – Cipher/Ranbaxy) for...
The oral retinoid isotretinoin (Accutane, and others) is the most effective drug available for treatment of acne.1 The FDA has recently approved a new oral isotretinoin product (Absorica – Cipher/Ranbaxy) for treatment of severe, recalcitrant nodular acne.
Isotretinoin can completely clear severe nodulocystic lesions, in some cases leading to remission that can persist for years after treatment is stopped. Mucocutaneous adverse effects include dry skin, dry eye, epistaxis, nasopharyngitis, cheilitis, alopecia, eczema, skin fragility and photosensitivity. Musculoskeletal symptoms, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatitis, pancreatitis, pseudotumor cerebri, depression and psychosis can occur.
The manufacturer’s package insert states that isotretinoin has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, but a recent population-based cohort study found no significant association.2 The drug is a potent human teratogen (pregnancy category X); the prescriber, the pharmacist, the distributors, and the patient must register with iPLEDGE, a computer-based risk management program (www.ipledgeprogram.com).
The recommended dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in 2 divided doses for 15-20 weeks. Unlike other formulations of isotretinoin, which are highly lipophilic and must be taken with a high-fat meal to achieve therapeutic plasma levels, Absorica can be taken with or without food, but serum concentrations are higher when it is taken with food. It should be taken with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation. Absorica has not been shown to be more effective or better tolerated than generic formulations of isotretinoin.
1. Drugs for acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2013; 11:1.
2. RO Alhusayen et al. Isotretinoin use and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based cohort study. J Invest Dermatol 2012 Oct 25 (epub).
Download complete U.S. English article
Isotretinoin can completely clear severe nodulocystic lesions, in some cases leading to remission that can persist for years after treatment is stopped. Mucocutaneous adverse effects include dry skin, dry eye, epistaxis, nasopharyngitis, cheilitis, alopecia, eczema, skin fragility and photosensitivity. Musculoskeletal symptoms, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatitis, pancreatitis, pseudotumor cerebri, depression and psychosis can occur.
The manufacturer’s package insert states that isotretinoin has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, but a recent population-based cohort study found no significant association.2 The drug is a potent human teratogen (pregnancy category X); the prescriber, the pharmacist, the distributors, and the patient must register with iPLEDGE, a computer-based risk management program (www.ipledgeprogram.com).
The recommended dosage is 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day given in 2 divided doses for 15-20 weeks. Unlike other formulations of isotretinoin, which are highly lipophilic and must be taken with a high-fat meal to achieve therapeutic plasma levels, Absorica can be taken with or without food, but serum concentrations are higher when it is taken with food. It should be taken with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation. Absorica has not been shown to be more effective or better tolerated than generic formulations of isotretinoin.
1. Drugs for acne, rosacea and psoriasis. Treat Guidel Med Lett 2013; 11:1.
2. RO Alhusayen et al. Isotretinoin use and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a population-based cohort study. J Invest Dermatol 2012 Oct 25 (epub).
Download complete U.S. English article
Clindamycin-Tretinoin (Veltin Gel) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 13, 2010; (Issue 1353)
Veltin Gel (Stiefel), a fixed-dose combination of the
antibiotic clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and the retinoid
tretinoin 0.025%, has been approved by the FDA for topical
treatment of acne vulgaris in patients...
Veltin Gel (Stiefel), a fixed-dose combination of the
antibiotic clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and the retinoid
tretinoin 0.025%, has been approved by the FDA for topical
treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old.
Another product containing the same active ingredients
(Ziana) has been on the market since 2006.
Adapalene-Benzoyl Peroxide (Epiduo) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 20, 2009; (Issue 1310)
Epiduo gel (Galderma), a fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% (Differin), a synthetic retinoid analog, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5%, an oxidizing agent, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment...
Epiduo gel (Galderma), a fixed-dose combination of adapalene 0.1% (Differin), a synthetic retinoid analog, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) 2.5%, an oxidizing agent, has been approved by the FDA for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2008; (Issue 75)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.
ThermaClear for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 18, 2007; (Issue 1263)
The FDA has approved ThermaClear (Therative), a battery-powered, handheld device, to treat individual acne lesions with heat. ThermaClear is indicated only for use on mild to moderate inflammatory acne, not...
The FDA has approved ThermaClear (Therative), a battery-powered, handheld device, to treat individual acne lesions with heat. ThermaClear is indicated only for use on mild to moderate inflammatory acne, not severe nodular or severe cystic acne, and it is not meant to be used on blackheads and whiteheads. Two similar devices are already on the market: Zeno, another handheld device that delivers heat to acne lesions, and the Radiancy Clear Touch Lite Acne Clearance System, a larger heat-delivery device.
Extended-Release Minocycline (Solodyn) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 20, 2006; (Issue 1248)
The FDA has approved an extended-release formulation of minocycline (Solodyn - Medicis) for once-daily treatment of non-nodular moderate to severe...
The FDA has approved an extended-release formulation of minocycline (Solodyn - Medicis) for once-daily treatment of non-nodular moderate to severe acne.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 1, 2005; (Issue 35)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation have all been implicated. P. acnes, a gram-positive...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular hyperkeratinization, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, sebum production, androgens and inflammation have all been implicated. P. acnes, a gram-positive microaerophilic bacterium, plays an important role in the development of acne lesions by secreting chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the follicle, causing inflammation.
Blue light (ClearLight) for Acne Vulgaris
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 23, 2003; (Issue 1159)
A high-intensity, narrow-band blue light (ClearLight -Lumenis) approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris has been featured in some stories in fashion magazines. This review...
A high-intensity, narrow-band blue light (ClearLight -Lumenis) approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris has been featured in some stories in fashion magazines. This review describes the etiology and treatment of acne, as well as the mechanism of action, clinical studies, adverse effects, dosage and cost of the drug.
Is Accutane really dangerous?
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 16, 2002; (Issue 1139)
Isotretinoin (Accutane - Roche), an effective oral drug for treatment of acne, will soon be available generically. Concerns about its adverse effects, particularly psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, have been...
Isotretinoin (Accutane - Roche), an effective oral drug for treatment of acne, will soon be available generically. Concerns about its adverse effects, particularly psychiatric symptoms in adolescents, have been widely reported in the media.
Tazarotene (Tazorac) for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 10, 2002; (Issue 1132)
Tazarotene (taz ar' oh teen, Tazorac - Allergan), an acetylinic retinoid marketed for treatment of psoriasis (Medical Letter 1997; 39:105), is also available as a 0.1% gel and cream for treatment of...
Tazarotene (taz ar' oh teen, Tazorac - Allergan), an acetylinic retinoid marketed for treatment of psoriasis (Medical Letter 1997; 39:105), is also available as a 0.1% gel and cream for treatment of acne.
Azelaic Acid - A New Topical Drug for Acne
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 7, 1996; (Issue 976)
Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring heptanedicarboxylic acid, has been marketed in the USA as a 20% cream (Azelex - Allergan) for treatment of acne. The drug has been available in Europe for several...
Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring heptanedicarboxylic acid, has been marketed in the USA as a 20% cream (Azelex - Allergan) for treatment of acne. The drug has been available in Europe for several years.
Tretinoin for Aging Skin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 15, 1988; (Issue 770)
Tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid; Retin-A), a vitamin A metabolite used for years for topical treatment of acne, is now being used (without the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration) to improve...
Tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid; Retin-A), a vitamin A metabolite used for years for topical treatment of acne, is now being used (without the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration) to improve the appearance of aging skin. Available by prescription in various concentrations in cream, gel and liquid formulations, tretinoin is chemically similar to isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid; Accutane), an oral drug used for treatment of severe acne which has recently caused concern because of its teratogenicity (Morbid Mortal Weekly Rep, 37:171, March 25, 1988).