Treatment of acne with isotretinoin: recommendations based on Australian experience

Australas J Dermatol. 2003 May;44(2):97-105. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-0960.2003.00653.x.

Abstract

Oral isotretinoin revolutionized acne treatment when it was introduced in 1982 in the USA. However, its use was restricted to patients with severe nodulocystic acne. Today its use worldwide has expanded to treat also patients with less severe but scarring acne who are responding unsatisfactorily to conventional therapies. These recommendations assess the potential for use of oral isotretinoin as a safe and effective treatment for severe nodulocystic acne unresponsive to conventional therapy, and acne of any severity that causes scarring or is associated with psychological distress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / diagnosis*
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acute Disease
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Australia
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Health Planning Guidelines
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Prognosis
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Isotretinoin