Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
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Introduced in 1979, isotretinoin remains a major advance in acne therapy. Both hospital- and community-based dermatologists have experience with this valuable drug, which, owing to its causal principle of action, offers a large proportion of patients the prospect of a cure. Isotretinoin is now in use in more than 80 countries and has been prescribed for some six million patients. ⋯ Experience with the drug also provides a basis for reevaluating its safety profile. Finally, at a time when healthcare resources are limited, it is important to examine the cost-benefit ratio of this acne treatment versus other options. This paper is accordingly intended to provide a critical status report as well as a detailed and balanced set of recommendations for clinical practice.