Effects on acne of two oral contraceptives containing desogestrel and cyproterone acetate.

OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing desogestrel (Marvelon) and an anti-androgenic preparation containing cyproterone acetate (Diane) in Oriental women suffering from acne. METHODS In an open-label, bi-center, randomized study, 32 women using Marvelon and 34 using Diane were followed for 6 treatment cycles. The measured variables were objective and subjective severity of acne, and related biochemical variables such as sex hormone-binding globulin and free and total testosterone. RESULTS In Center A, with both preparations a decrease in mean objective acne score was observed, reaching statistical significance with Diane (P < .05). In addition, there was a significant between group difference at cycle 6 (P < .05). In Center B, a consistent and significant decrease in mean acne score was observed with Marvelon after three and six treatment cycles (P < .05 and P < .01) and with Diane after six treatment cycles (P < .001). There were no significant between-group differences. The decrease in percentage of severe/moderate acne was statistically significant with Marvelon in Center B (P = 0.002) and with Diane in Centers A (P = 0.014) and B (P = 0.004). Both preparations increased plasma levels of sex hormone binding globulin and seemed to decrease those of total and free testosterone, but no statistically significant relationships between acne severity and biochemical variables could be detected. CONCLUSION Both Marvelon and Diane are effective in the treatment of acne in Oriental women who also need reliable contraception, without marked differences between the preparations.