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Real Truth about Aczone (dapsone 7.5% gel) for Acne

Aczone is one of the lesser-known acne treatment options. Based on an oral drug called dapsone, it has been approved for acne treatment in people aged 12 and older. Dapsone, first synthesized in 1908, is an oral medication known for its use in treating leprosy and one rare skin disorder (dermatitis herpetiform). The oral form of dapsone has a few notable side effects, the most serious being hemolysis. Hemolysis is the most common adverse effect in patients with or without G6PD deficiency. Almost all patients demonstrate the interrelated changes of losing 1-2g of hemoglobin. G6PD-deficient patients have more significant responses.

Does Aczone gel (dapsone 7.5% gel) work for acne?

It is not clear how Aczone works on acne. It is believed that Aczone has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Clinical reports have shown that after 12 weeks of treatment, Aczone reduced acne in 41% of people compared with 33% in the control group with no treatment. These results are inferior to most other prescription and over-the-counter anti-acne medications. Due to these inferior results, Aczone is frequently prescribed together with oral anti-acne treatment such as spironolactone or oral antibiotics.

Who can use שAczone for acne?

Aczone should not be used by people with G6PD deficiency, methemoglobinemia (higher than normal levels of methemoglobin in your blood), and people under 12. It cannot be used together with benzoyl peroxide. Combining the two may cause your skin and facial hair to temporarily turn yellow or orange at the application site.

Aczone gel for acne treatment

The Aczone company suggests users be aware of a possible decrease in blood oxygen by a certain type of abnormal red blood cell (methemoglobinemia). While using the Aczone gel, if you notice that your lips, nail beds, or the inside of your mouth are turning gray or blue, discontinue the Aczone and seek immediate medical attention. A breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia) for some people using Aczone gel with G6PD deficiency can lead to back pain, breathlessness, tiredness/weakness, dark‑brown urine, fever, or yellow or pale skin that requires immediate physician attention.

How does Aczone compare to micronized Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl Peroxide is regarded as the best single anti-acne ingredient (updated acne treatment guidelines of the American Academy of Dermatology). With an outstanding safety profile and high efficacy, it is superior to Aczone for any type of acne. A special form of Benzoyl Peroxide (micronized) significantly increases its effectiveness and decreases the risk of skin dryness during the initial phases of Benzoyl Peroxide treatment.

How does Aczone compare to micronized Differin (Adapalene) and Epiduo?

Differin and Epiduo contain Adapalene, a retinoid. While Adapalene can affect blackheads and active acne, its use is usually limited due to significant skin irritation and sun sensitivity. Although Aczone seems less irritating than Differin and Epiduo, it seems that Differin and Epiduo have fewer potential systemic side effects than Aczone.

The list price of a 60gr tube of Aczone (Dapsone) 7.5% gel is around USD 600.

Can people with G6PD deficiency use Aczone for their acne?

A double-blinded study of 64 subjects, consisting primarily of African Americans, evaluated the risk of hemolysis in acne patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) who were treated with dapsone 5% gel vs. vehicle gel. The data showed a 0.32 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin levels after two weeks without other signs or other laboratory parameters indicative of hemolysis. Thus, the authors concluded that the risk of hemolytic anemia with topical dapsone 5% gel is minimal in patients with G6PD deficiency.

More info on Dapsone tablets

Aczone for people with G6PD deficiency

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