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Dermatologists Surveyed on Isotretinoin Monitoring

J Drugs Dermatol; 2017 Jun; Hobson, et al

Publish date:: July 5, 2017

There is no consensus on isotretinoin monitoring tests and frequency, though the majority of dermatologists recently surveyed monitor a lipid panel and liver aminotransferases (LFTs), a recent study found. In order to survey US dermatologists regarding laboratory monitoring practices while prescribing isotretinoin, researchers sent an online survey via e-mail to members of the American Academy of Dermatology. They found:

12,396 surveys were sent with a response rate of ~19%.
At baseline, >60% of responders check a complete blood counts (CBC), LFTs, and a lipid panel.
74% check a monthly lipid panel and LFTs, while 57% check a monthly CBC.
75% report stopping isotretinoin when aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) values reach 3 times normal; 89% report stopping at 4 times normal.
When triglycerides reach 4 times normal, 72% stop the medication.

Citation:

Hobson JG, Cunningham MJ, Lesiak K, et al. Isotretinoin monitoring trends: A national survey of dermatologists. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):557-564.

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