Efficacy of Fluocinolone Acetonide in The Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus : A 5 • Year Follow Up Study

Abstract

Thirteen patients with atrophic or erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) failed to respond to other medications were selected for the treatment with fluocinolone acetonide 0.1% in orabase (FAO). The drug was applied to the lesions four times daily in the first month, after which the application frequency was gradually reduced. Examinations of the oral mucosa were carried out at 2 weeks, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years after starting the treatment. At one month, the lesions were satisfactorily in remission in 11 of the 13 patients, but at 5 years, only one patient was completely in remission. Acute pseudomembranous candidiasis was frequently complicated during the FAQ treatment , but was effectively treated with topical antifungal agent in every instances. This study shows that FAO is a useful drug for the short term treatment of refractory OLP but is ineffective for the long term treatment, although serious long term side-effect is negligible.