Aklief (ak-LEEF, trifarotene) and Amzeeq (am-ZEEK, minocycline) will be two new once-daily Rx topicals for acne.
Aklief is the first new retinoid in over 20 years.
It will be promoted as a cream in a pump for use on the face, chest, shoulders, and back...for patients as young as age 9.
You'll hear Aklief selectively targets one type of retinoic acid receptor. Other retinoids act on at least two receptors.
But there's no evidence Aklief is more effective or better tolerated than other retinoids...adapalene, tazarotene, or tretinoin.
Plus Aklief costs about $560/45 g...compared to $130 for the same amount of tretinoin 0.05% cream or $30 for OTC Differin gel.
Advise sticking with other topical retinoids for acne. Explain any can be used for facial and truncal acne...AND in kids.
Amzeeq is the first topical minocycline...and comes in a foam.
But there's no proof Amzeeq works better or is more moisturizing than topical clindamycin...and it costs about $490/30 g. Point out that clindamycin solution or lotion costs $50 to $100 for 60 mL.
If a topical antibiotic is needed for acne, recommend clindamycin...plus benzoyl peroxide to possibly limit resistance.
Compare med options in our chart, Pharmacotherapy of Acne.
- J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;80(6):1691-9
- J Am Acad Dermatol Published online Jun 1, 2019; doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.078
- J Am Acad Dermatol 2016;74(5):945-73.e33
- Medication pricing by Elsevier, accessed Jan 2020
- Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Acne
- Patient Education: Acne Treatments
Jennifer Pachick February 6, 2020
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