Low-Dosage oral isotretinoin safe and Efficacious in Patients with Acne, reaffirms study

A recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology validated the efficacy and safety of low-dosage isotretinoin as a treatment for acne in Chinese patients, shedding light on a relatively unexplored facet of dermatological care.

Acne vulgaris, a prevalent skin condition worldwide, often poses challenges for patients seeking effective and side-effect-minimized treatments. The study, involving 388 participants undergoing low-dosage isotretinoin therapy, aimed to assess the impact of this approach on Chinese acne patients.

The results revealed a remarkable success rate, with an impressive 90.2% of patients achieving complete remission. The treatment course, spanning an average of 13.5 months, showcased its efficacy across a spectrum of acne severities. Interestingly, the study found that the time to resolution varied among severity groups, indicating nuanced responses to low-dosage isotretinoin.

Post-treatment, a 10.6% relapse rate was observed, emphasizing the need for long-term monitoring. Despite concerns surrounding isotretinoin's side effects, the study provided reassuring findings. Only a minority of patients experienced adverse events, such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and liver function tests remained within acceptable ranges for the majority.