Omega-3 fatty acids with isotretinoin
Several speakers at the meeting, including Steven Daveluy, MD, associate professor and residency program director in the department of dermatology, Wayne State University, Dearborn, Michigan, spoke about the value of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing side effects of isotretinoin. “In the FDA trials [of isotretinoin] they had patients take 50 grams of fat,” he said. “You can use the good fats to help you out.”
Research has shown that 1 gm per day of oral omega-3 reduces dryness of the lips, nose, eyes, and skin, “which are the big side effects we see with isotretinoin,” he said. An impact on triglyceride levels has also been demonstrated, Dr. Daveluy said, pointing to a longitudinal survey study of 39 patients treated with isotretinoin that showed a mean increase in triglyceride levels of 49% during treatment in patients who did not use omega-3 supplementation, compared with a mean increase of 13.9% (P =.04) in patients who used the supplements.“There is also evidence that omega-3 can decrease depression, which may or may not be a side effect of isotretinoin ... but it’s something we consider in our [acne] patients,” Dr. Daveluy said.
During a panel discussion at the meeting, Apple A. Bodemer, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, said she usually prescribes 2 g of docosahexaenoic acid eicosapentaenoic acid combined in patients on isotretinoin because “at that dose, omega-3s have been found to be anti-inflammatory.”
Dr. Keri reported being an investigator and speaker for Galderma, and an advisory board member for Ortho Dermatologics and for Almirall. Dr. Daveluy reported no relevant disclosures.