Cabtreo gel is the first topical triple-therapy combination product for acne

Bausch Health is introducing Cabtreo (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1% topical gel) in a 50 g pump. It is the first topical triple-therapy combination product in Canada for the management of acne and is indicated for use in patients 12 years of age or older.1The three ingredients in Cabtreo have complementary mechanisms of action targeting the pathology of acne vulgaris. Clindamycin is a predominantly bacteriostatic antibiotic that suppresses bacterial protein synthesis. Adapalene is a retinoid-like compound that normalizes the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells resulting in decreased microcomedone formation and reduced inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing agent with bactericidal activity against Cutibacterium acnes. It also has exfoliative and keratolytic activities, and reduces the potential for emergence of organisms resistant to clindamycin.1Dosage Instruct patients to apply a thin layer of gel to the affected area once daily. Before administration, advise patients to wash the affected area, rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry. Then they should dispense a pea-sized amount of gel from the pump onto a fingertip, dot the gel onto the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead, then gently rub over the entire face. Recommend that patients wash their hands thoroughly after application. If needed, they can use a moisturizer before or after applying the gel, while making sure to allow sufficient time for the skin to dry between applications. Caution patients to avoid applying the gel to the eyes, mouth, paranasal creases of the nose, mucous membranes and areas of broken, eczematous or sunburned skin.1 Adverse effects The most common adverse effects are mild to moderate application site reactions, characterized by skin scaling, dryness, erythema and burning/stinging. The gel may bleach and discolour hair and coloured fabrics, so patients should be advised to avoid contact.1 Drug interactions Cabtreo has a low drug interaction potential, since systemic availability is low. However, patients should be advised to avoid concomitant topical acne therapy because of a possible cumulative irritancy effect, especially with peeling, desquamating or abrasive agents. They should also avoid concomitant use of other potentially irritating topical products, such as medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers, soaps and cosmetics with a strong skin-drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol or astringents. Patients should also be cautioned to avoid the use of electrolysis, “waxing” and chemical depilatories for hair removal on skin treated with the gel.1Storage/stability Before dispensing, store Cabtreo gel in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C). After dispensing, store at room temperature (15°C–25°C) and use within 10 weeks after first opening. Recommend that patients store the pump in an upright position, with the container tightly closed, protected from freezing and away from heat.1 Medical Letter consultants note that in a double-blind trial in adolescents and adults with inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions, Cabtreo gel was more effectivethan various combinations containing two of its three active components. They comment that using the three drugs in two or three separate generic formulations would be less convenient, but also less expensive.2 On the other hand, a recent study found that patients applied Cabtreo gel more evenly than separate application of its three active ingredients, which may improve efficacy and adherence to acne treatment.3References:Bausch Health, Canada Inc. Cabtreo (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1% topical gel) product monograph. Laval, QC; August 14, 2024. (accessed October 22, 2024).Anon. Cabtreo: a three-drug gel for acne. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2024;66:59-60.Draelos ZD. Application characteristics and patient preference of triple-combination vs layered topicals for acne: split-face study. J Drugs Dermatol 2024;23(10):857-61. (accessed October 22, 2024).

Cabtreo gel is the first topical triple-therapy combination product for acne

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics