Adapalene Gel Therapy in Patients with Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous units. Topical Adapalene is the most effective despite the availability of various treatments. Abnormalities in plasma lipids are recognized side effects of Adapalene therapy. Minimal reports compare the lipid changes in intermittent and continuous Adapalene treatment. To evaluate the alteration in lipid profile before, during, and after constant/ intermittent topical Adapalene therapy. One hundred patients with moderate to severe acne were randomly assigned to two treatment regimens. Serum levels of lipids were measured at baseline, 4wk, 8wk, 12wk, 16wk, and at the end of the treatment. A significant increase in cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL concentration and a decrease in HDL levels in a continuous regimen beyond the normal range but not requiring any treatment interruption compared to intermittent therapy. In intermittent therapy, the cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL concentration increase was within the normal range. Intermittent Adapalene therapy was clinically equally effective, with lesser effects on serum lipid levels and cost than continuous Adapalene therapy.