Accelerated Onset of Action and Increased Tolerability in Treating Acne With a Fixed-Dose Combination Gel

J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Feb;15(2):231-6.

Abstract

Nonadherence to topical acne therapies is a major contributing factor to poor treatment outcomes. Multiple contributing factors have been identified, including a lack of perceived efficacy and fear of side effects. A fixed-dose combination gel of adapalene/benzoyl peroxide gel, 0.1%/2.5% (A-BPO) is an efficacious and safe treatment for a range of acne severities in patients as young as 9 years old. A meta-analysis of 14 clinical studies involving A-BPO was conducted to assess the 4 week efficacy and overall tolerability of this treatment. Over 2,300 subjects were included in the analysis. Mean total, inflammatory, and non-inflammatory lesion counts decreased at 4 weeks by 40.8%, 46.2%, and 37.5%, respectively. Worst post-baseline tolerability scores for stinging/burning, dryness, scaling, and erythema were none or mild for a majority of subjects. The result of this meta-analysis add to the body of literature supporting the use of A-BPO in a variety of acne patients and shows that A-BPO provides meaningful clinical results within 4 weeks and will be well-tolerated for a majority of patients. With a demonstrable quick onset of action and high tolerability, A-BPO may improve adherence, and ultimately treatment outcomes, by addressing factors that contribute to nonadherence.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / diagnosis*
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination / administration & dosage*
  • Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination / adverse effects
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Adapalene, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Combination
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Gels