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1: Dermatology. 2002;204(3):232-5.Click here to read Links

A proposed set of new guidelines for routine blood tests during isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris.

Altman RS, Altman LJ, Altman JS.

University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, N.J., USA. altmanra@umdnj.edu

BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin has been proven to be an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. The enclosed package insert with isotretinoin suggests weekly/biweekly laboratory testing (hepatic functions and lipid analysis) but fails to recommend the needed action levels for abnormalities. METHODS: We provide a statistical analysis of a retrospective study of 141 individuals' course of therapy on isotretinoin and their laboratory blood analysis results. RESULTS: Very few statistically significant elevations in liver enzymes or lipid profiles occurred. More importantly, in only 1 case did these elevations warrant the discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION: The data presented here support the conclusion that limited blood testing should be performed for most patients and that more complete blood testing be done only for those patients with a significant response in liver enzymes, cholesterol or triglycerides. A set of guidelines is proposed for the practicing physician to interpret blood test results. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

PMID: 12037453 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Isotretinoin (Accutane® , Amnesteem® , Claravis® , ...)

    Isotretinoin is used to treat severe recalcitrant nodular acne (a certain type of severe acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, such as antibiotics. Isotretinoin is in a class of medications called retinoids...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information