title: The rational use of systemic isotretinoin: a call for moderation.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. sinclairw@ufs.ac.za
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sinclair
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013019:South Africa; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin