Veltin Gel, a new topical treatment for acne, was approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of acne. Veltin combines a topical retinoid (tretinoin) with a topical antibiotic (clindamycin) for a more effective acne medication. It joins the ranks of other combination acne medications containing a retinoid, including Epiduo (adapalene + benzoyl peroxide) and Ziana (tretinoin + clindamycin).

The combination of a topical retinoid and an antibiotic are often recommended for the treatment of mild and moderate acne.

“Veltin Gel gives patients and physicians two medicines in one product,” said Guy Webster, M.D., a dermatologist and well known expert on acne and rosacea. Dr. Webster also served as a clinical trial investigator and consultant for Stiefel, the manufacturer of Veltin. “When measuring treatment success in a clinical study, Veltin Gel performed better than tretinoin gel or clindamycin gel alone”, added Dr. Webster.

Although retinoids have been well established as a mainstay of treatment for acne because of their unique ability to open the clogged pores (comedones), they are still underutilized primary care physicians who have historically been concerned about the skin irritation that can be caused by retinoids. However, this combination product may be appealing for the ease of prescribing. (Easier to write one script than two). More importantly, medication adherence (compliance) by teenage acne patients is a primary cause of treatment failure. By providing a more convenient formulation that combines active ingredients compliance may be improved.