Open AccessThe rational use of systemic isotretinoin: A call for moderation
Author(s) -
Werner Sinclair
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
samj. south african medical journal/south african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.527
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 2078-5135
pISSN - 0256-9574
DOI - 10.7196/samj.5310
Subject(s) - medicine , isotretinoin , acne , limiting , warrant , safer , moderation , malpractice , intensive care medicine , risk analysis (engineering) , dermatology , computer security , law , mechanical engineering , social psychology , psychology , computer science , financial economics , political science , engineering , economics
Systemic isotretinoin effectively treats all forms of acne vulgaris. However, it has many side-effects, some potentially serious, that warrant limiting its use to serious cases of acne. Inappropriate use in large numbers of patients puts prescribers at risk of malpractice litigation should serious side-effects occur where safer alternative treatments were available. Doctors also risk losing access to the drug should authorities limit its use to reduce the occurrence of side-effects.