Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for severe nodulocystic acne. More than 12 million patients have been treated with this life-changing medicine since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1982. The use of isotretinoin for acne remains controversial due to the significant potential for teratogenicity and increasing concerns about its association with depression and suicide. Because isotretinoin is prescribed almost exclusively for adolescents and young adults, pediatricians are likely to encounter patients undergoing treatment. This article discusses the indications for isotretinoin, its teratogenicity, its regulation by the FDA, and its side-effect profile, including possible association with depression and suicide.
<H4>ABOUT THE AUTHORS</H4><P>Bradley Merritt, MD, is with the Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Craig N. Burkhart, MD, is Assistant Professor, and Director of Medical Student Education, Department of Dermatology, UNC Chapel Hill. Dean S. Morrell, MD, is Associate Professor, and Residency Training Program Director, Department of Dermatology, UNC Chapel Hill.
</P><P>Address correspondence to: Bradley Merritt, MD, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Department of Dermatology, 3100 Thurston-Bowles Bldg, CB #7287, Chapel Hill, NC 27599; fax: 919-966-3898; e-mail: <A HREF="MAILTO:BMerritt@unch.unc.edu">BMerritt@unch.unc.edu</a>.
</P><P>Dr. Merritt; Dr. Burkhart; and Dr. Morrell have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
</P><P>doi: 10.3928/00904481-20090512-01
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