Efficacy and adverse effects of systemic isotretinoin therapy

Objective To determine the efficacy and frequency of adverse effects of systemic isotretinoin therapy in patients of acne vulgaris.Patients and methods All acne patients attending OPD from January, 2007 to December, 2009 at WAPDA Hospital Complex, Lahore fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled and treated with isotretinoin 1mg/kg after baseline investigations. Patients were followed up fortnightly for clinical improvement and side effects.Results Out of 250 patients, there were 112 (44-8%) males and 138 (55.2%) females; age range 18¬30 years. Two patients discontinued therapy due to drug-related side effects so that 248 patients were evaluable. Clinical improvement was 100% at end of 16 weeks. Similarly, all patients (100%) had suffered from some adverse effects.Conclusion Isotretinoin is a very effective therapy for moderate to severe acne; however, treated patients suffer from bearable side effects