Concomitant administration of vitamin E does not change the side effects of isotretinoin as used in acne vulgaris: a randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Isotretinoin treatment is frequently associated with reversible, dose-related side effects. Recent studies claimed that combining vitamin E with high-dose isotretinoin ameliorated isotretinoin-induced side effects.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this double-blind, randomized study was to determine the effects of a fixed dose of vitamin E on the side effects of isotretinoin for treatment-resistant acne vulgaris.


METHODS
One hundred forty subjects were randomly assigned to one of two treatment programs with isotretinoin (1 mg/kg) together with either vitamin E (800 IU/day) or a vitamin E placebo for 20 weeks. The incidence, severity, and duration of the side effects (eg, dry eyes, dry lips) were assessed.


RESULTS
A fixed 800 IU/day dose of vitamin E did not improve the incidence, severity, or duration of side effects associated with isotretinoin (1 mg/kg per day).


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin E did not significantly ameliorate retinoid side effects when combined with 1 mg/kg of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne.
Strauss
J S
JS
Department of Dermatology, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1090, USA.
Gottlieb
A B
AB
Jones
T
T
Koo
J Y
JY
Leyden
J J
JJ
Lucky
A
A
Pappas
A A
AA
McLane
J
J
Leach
E E
EE
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014810:Vitamin E; D015474:Isotretinoin