Dermatol Clin. 2016 Apr;34(2):175-84. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2015.11.002.

Oral Isotretinoin: New Developments Relevant to Clinical Practice.

Tan J¹, Boyal S², Desai K³, Knezevic S³.

Author information

1: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Windsor Campus, Medical Education Building, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada; Windsor Clinical Research Inc., 2224 Walker Road, Suite 300B, Windsor, Ontario N8W5L7, Canada. Electronic address: jerrytan@wcri.ca.
2: Windsor Clinical Research Inc., 2224 Walker Road, Suite 300B, Windsor, Ontario N8W5L7, Canada.
3: Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Windsor Campus, Medical Education Building, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada.

Abstract

Oral isotretinoin is unrivalled in efficacy and remission capability for treatment of acne. In addition to appropriate monitoring and continued vigilance for safety concerns, appropriate dosing to mitigate avoidable dose-dependent adverse effects is the responsibility of prescribers. Low-dose regimens are better tolerated and effective in inducing acne clearance. Although much progress has been made since the advent of isotretinoin, there remain many unanswered questions regarding optimization to maximize response while minimizing the potential for avoidable adverse events. The ongoing availability of isotretinoin is imperative to patients with acne, their caregivers, and physicians.