title: Topical v systemic agent treatment for papulopustular acne. A cost-effectiveness analysis.
abstract: We used cost-effectiveness analysis to compare the costs, risks, and benefits of two strategies for clearing papulopustular acne; topical therapy alone as initial therapy or a combination of systemic antibiotics and topical agents used at the first visit. Patients treated with combination therapy had fewer weeks of morbidity from acne, and lower dollar costs but have a greater risk of side effects. If the topical therapy alone was chosen to reduce the risk of side effects in a population of patients there would be an additional $764 in costs and 238 weeks of morbidity from acne to avert a single additional instance of side effects. Initial treatment of papulopustular acne with combined oral antibiotics and topical agents thus seems to be cost-effective. After clearing is achieved, maintenance therapy with topical agents should be considered.
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents