Drug-Induced Acne in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Practical Guide for the Gastroenterologist

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Drug-induced acne is a frequent adverse event associated with various medications, including corticosteroids and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi).
• Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are increasingly utilized for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, leading to greater attention on associated acneiform eruptions.
• Acne is a common treatment-emergent adverse event in JAKi therapy, impacting patient quality of life and adherence to IBD treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics of drug-induced acne in patients treated for IBD.
• To provide a practical management guide for gastroenterologists regarding mild-to-moderate acne.
• To delineate when specialist dermatology consultation is necessary for optimal patient care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of randomized controlled trials and real-world studies on JAKi and acne.
• Analysis of the clinical presentation and characteristics of drug-induced acne.
• Development of a management algorithm for gastroenterologists.

Main Results:

• Acne is a prevalent adverse event associated with JAKi in IBD treatment.
• Untreated acne can negatively impact patient self-esteem, quality of life, and treatment adherence.
• Early management strategies can prevent treatment discontinuation or dose reduction.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of drug-induced acne is crucial for maintaining patient adherence and optimizing IBD treatment outcomes.
• Gastroenterologists can manage mild-to-moderate acneiform eruptions with practical guidance.
• Timely referral to dermatology ensures comprehensive care for complex cases of drug-induced acne.