title: Isotretinoin for the treatment of acne vulgaris: which factors may predict the need for more than one course?
abstract: We investigated 299 patients treated 5-10 years ago with isotretinoin, and followed them for 5 years post-treatment. Of the 299 patients 22.7% required repeat courses of treatment; 17% had two courses, 5% had three courses and 1% had 4-5 courses. Response to further treatment was predictably successful, was not associated with any additional adverse reactions, and produced no persistent side-effects. Factors contributing to the need for further courses of treatment included lower dose regimens (0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg), the presence of severe acne, being a female over the age of 25 at the onset of therapy, and having a prolonged history of acne.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, General Infirmary at Leeds, U.K.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stainforth
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Layton
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Cunliffe
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D015474:Isotretinoin