Acne Treatment with Isotretinoin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Introduction to Isotretinoin Therapy

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends isotretinoin as a highly effective treatment for severe acne, but it is associated with several side effects, including mucocutaneous effects, muscle pain, and increased triglycerides and cholesterol levels 1

Omega-3 fatty acids in a dose of 1 g/day effectively reduce the mucocutaneous side effects of isotretinoin in acne treatment and are recommended as an adjunctive therapy, with a significant reduction in mucocutaneous side effects observed in a randomized controlled trial of 118 patients 1
The use of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the severity of cheilitis, xerosis, and dry lips in patients receiving isotretinoin, with cheilitis being the most common side effect (58.3% of patients), followed by dry lips (55%) 1

The recommended dosage of omega-3 fatty acids is 1 g/day throughout the course of isotretinoin treatment, starting simultaneously with isotretinoin therapy and continuing for the entire duration of treatment 1

When adding omega-3 fatty acids to isotretinoin therapy, standard monitoring should continue, including liver function (ALT, AST), lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol), and pregnancy testing for women of childbearing age 1
No additional monitoring is required for omega-3 fatty acids, as they have a good safety profile 1

The use of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the severity of cheilitis, xerosis, and dry lips, and may also reduce the risk of conjunctivitis and xerophthalmia, leading to improved patient adherence to isotretinoin treatment and potentially better acne treatment outcomes 1