Sistemik İzotretinoin

Abstract

Systemic isotretinoin is the most effective acne treatment recommended for patients with severe papulopustular and nodulocystic acne who did not benefit from other topical and systemic therapies. It is recommended to start isotretinoin without delay in patients suffering from scars even if the severity of acne is mild or moderate. It affects all the factors involved in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease. It proves to be superior to other treatments by preventing relapses in a large majority of patients. Although there is no doubt about its efficacy, debates on its most effective dose and cumulative dose for preventing relapses still continue. Different approaches are recommended in guidelines on the length of cosmetic and surgical procedures and the intervals of laboratory monitoring in relation to isotretinoin. Although many side effects have been reported, most of them are reversible and not life-threatening, but it can cause serious side effects in rare occasions. This paper reviews information on clinical approaches to isotretinoin therapy and its side effects and monitoring of patients including some practical examples from our country.