Retrospective, observational study on the effects and tolerability of flutamide in a large population of patients with acne and seborrhea over a 15-year period

Gynecol Endocrinol. 2011 Oct;27(10):823-9. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2010.526664. Epub 2010 Nov 30.

Abstract

The long-term effects and tolerability of flutamide (Flu) in women with acne and seborrhea were evaluated. Over the 15-year period, which spans from January 1991 to January 2006, a total of 230 Caucasian women with acne, 211 of which also with seborrhea, received yearly reducing doses (250, 125, and 62.5 mg/day) of Flu alone or combined with oral contraceptive for a period varying from 3 to 6 years and more. Clinical and endocrine evaluations were performed half-yearly and yearly, respectively, in the first 3 years of the study, and yearly in the following years. Liver function evaluations were performed quarterly. Both the groups of patients under Flu therapy showed a similar, marked decrease in acne and seborrhea scores after 6 months of treatment compared with basal values. The maximum drug effect was observed after 1 year, and it was maintained during the following years of treatment. Androgens were strongly suppressed during treatment. During the first year of treatment with 250 mg/day, 4.8% of patients interrupted the study due to hepatic disorders. During the following years on the 125 and 62.5 mg/day doses, no transaminase elevation was observed. The study supports very low-dose Flu as a first-line therapy for women with acne and seborrhea.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / complications
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / physiopathology
  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Androgen Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Androgen Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / physiopathology
  • Contraceptives, Oral / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects
  • Contraceptives, Oral / therapeutic use
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / drug therapy*
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / physiopathology
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / psychology
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Flutamide / administration & dosage
  • Flutamide / adverse effects
  • Flutamide / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Patient Dropouts
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Flutamide