Monitoring
Patients taking isotretinoin require measurements of fasting lipids, liver function tests (LFTs), and complete blood count (CBC) at baseline and then monthly while on therapy. Pregnancy tests for women on isotretinoin are required twice at baseline and then monthly throughout treatment. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of depression during and after treatment with isotretinoin is also recommended although there is conflicting evidence about whether isotretinoin increases the incidence of depression and/or suicidal ideation.[51]
Patients taking acitretin require measurements of fasting lipids, LFTs, serum creatinine, and CBC at baseline; every 2 to 4 weeks until stabilized; and then periodically during treatment. Pregnancy tests for women on acitretin are required twice at baseline and then monthly throughout treatment. Patients on long-term acitretin therapy should also have periodic screening of glucose levels as well as radiography, given acitretin is a rare cause of exostosis (formation of new bony growths).
Patients treated with metformin require serum creatinine measurements at baseline; then at least yearly thereafter; or sooner if the patient is >65 years old or there are risks for renal dysfunction. CBC is also measured at baseline, then yearly.
Patients treated with octreotide require thyroid function tests at baseline and then periodically throughout treatment, as well as glucose tolerance and cyanocobalamin tests, if the treatment is long-term.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer