Medication adherence among acne patients: a review

Background Acne is a chronic disease often requiring the use of medications for extended periods of time. In general, adherence decreases over time in patients with chronic diseases, and adherence to topical medications is poor compared to adherence to oral medications, placing individuals using topical medications at increased risk for nonadherence and treatment failure. Poor adherence may also be a common cause of treatment failure in teens with acne. Purpose We reviewed the current literature on medication adherence in teenagers with acne to assess adherence levels and predictors of adherence. We hope to provide a foundation for further research into medication adherence in acne patients. Methods A Medline search was conducted using the key words acne and adherence or compliance. Studies reporting adherence were included in the analysis. Results A positive correlation was found between quality of life of patients with acne and medication adherence. Weaker predictors of adherence include increased age, female gender, and employment. The most commonly reported reason for nonadherence was inadequate time to use the treatment medication. Patients taking medications requiring less frequent dosing had better adherence, and medication adherence correlated with better health status among acne patients. A longer duration between office visits may be associated with decreased compliance. Limitations Few studies investigating the prevalence and causes of nonadherence in acne patients were identified. Conclusions Adherence to medications is difficult to measure and rates reported by patients often overestimate actual adherence. Patients cite lack of time as a common reason for nonadherence to topical medications.