Acne vulgaris in connection with the use of progestagens in a hormonal IUD or a subcutaneous implant
Cohen, E.B.; Rossen, N.N.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 147(43): 2137-2139
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 14619207 Document Number: 238281
Three women developed severe acne vulgaris within several weeks to a few months after either insertion of a levonorgestrel IUD (two women, 27 and 33 years of age) or subcutaneous implantation of an etonogestrel implant (26-year-old woman). The first woman had had acne previously; her IUD was removed and she was transferred to oral contraception with cyproterone-ethinyloestradiol. The second woman was treated with a peeling cream. The third woman changed to an oral anticonceptive and was treated with isotretinoin. The acne disappeared in all three patients. Progestagens have androgenic activity, even in low doses, and it is well known that androgenic stimulation of the sebaceous glands can cause acne vulgaris. The possibility that acne vulgaris may be an adverse reaction is probably not always considered. When asking the patient about her use of drugs, one should therefore ask specifically about an IUD or a subcutaneous implant.