Madison K Cook, Patrick O Perche, Steven R Feldman
BACKGROUND: Changes to the iPLEDGE platform on December 13, 2021 made isotretinoin virtually inaccessible for many patients. Prior to the FDA approval of isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, in 1982, vitamin A was used for severe acne. OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy, safety, affordability, and practicality of vitamin A as a substitute for isotretinoin when the latter is inaccessible. METHODS: A literature review of PubMed was conducted using the key words: oral vitamin A, retinol, isotretinoin, Accutane, acne, iPLEDGE, hypervitaminosis A, and side effects...
October 15, 2022: Dermatology Online Journal