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ACNE


And you thought you were done with pimples

And you thought you were done with pimples!  Unfortunately, acne is a side effect of a small number of chemotherapy agents.

Some of the chemo agents that can cause acne in varying degrees are: 

  • Methotrexate, which is used in the treatment of breast, head and neck, lung, blood, bone, and lymph, and tumors in the uterus, is one of those agents.
  • Androgens are prescribed for some breast cancer patients.
  • Progestins (brand names: Amen, Aygestin, Crinone, Curretab, Cycrin, Depo-Provera, Gesterol 50,  Gesterol LA 250, Hy/Gestrone, Hylutin, Megace, Prodrox, Prometrium, Pro-Span. Provera)  are prescribed for cancer of the kidney, breast and uterus.
  • Diclofinac (brand name: Solaraz) is a lotion used to treat actinic keratosis, a pre-cancerous skin condition.

Acne is just a transient side effect that should clear up as the drugs clear from your body.

This page was last edited on 06/26/2008
Written by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com
Reviewed by Katie Mullaly, RN, MSN and Jane Quigley, RN, BSN

Disclaimer - The medical information on this website is presented as an educational resource and should not take the place of advice and recommendations of your personal physician. This information may help you to communicate with the physician and other health care professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your disease. Support groups and cancer organizations also can be an important source of assistance and support for cancer patients, their families, and their friends.
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