34843 Serious adverse events associated with hormonal contraceptive use for acne treatment, based on reporting to the FDA Adverse Events Reporting Database

Abstract

Hormones play a significant role in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. As such, combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) have been used to reduce acne severity. CHCs are not without risk, and more information is needed about serious adverse events (AE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk due to CHC use in acne patients. Using data from FDA Adverse Events Reporting System, we examined the relative risk of AEs and VTE in patients prescribed CHCs for acne versus all other indications. We expected the cohort of women taking CHCs for acne reduction to be younger and have fewer comorbid risk factors for VTE, and thus that it would have a lower risk of AEs and VTE.