The use of isotretinoin in acne

Abstract

Systemic isotretinoin remains the most efficacious treatment for severe acne as well as many cases of more moderate disease that are unresponsive to other treatment modalities. The current chapter outlines the mechanisms behind the excellent efficacy,describes how to optimize treatment,reviews the recommended guidelines for monitoring and summarizes adverse effects.

Figures and Tables

Table 1 Recommendations in the European Directive

Table 2 Prognostic factors which should influence the early use of isotretinoin

Table 3 Isotretinoin dose schedules that may be most appropriate for patients with significant systemic disease

Table 4 Most common mucocutaneous problems that may arise from isotretinoin use

Table 5 Less common but recognized side effects of isotretinoin