13 Jun 2025 • In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, acne emerged as the most common and prevalent adverse event.

A study involving 2,183 patients found 12% developed acne, most frequently with upadacitinib (15.9%), followed by tofacitinib (4.3%) and filgotinib (1.9%).

Acne typically affected adults aged 30-50 years and was usually mild to moderate.

However, a history of acne vulgaris had quadrupled the risk of severe JAK inhibitor–related acne (OR 4.88) and related skin issues (OR 3.92).

One in three patients reported psychosocial distress, and 40% required anti-acne treatment. Notably, 18% of patients underwent dose reduction or discontinuation due to acne, despite not experiencing severe acne.

Proactive counseling and early dermatological intervention may help reduce the impact of this side effect.

Source: CGH Journal | Read Full Story