Isotretinoin: cost-benefit study.

Isotretinoin is a well-established, effective treatment for severe nodulocystic acne. An important consideration which may limit the prescription of isotretinoin is its cost. Based on a literature review, we have compared isotretinoin with the conventional combination of antibiotics and topical therapies for the treatment of severe nodulocystic acne in terms of cost and benefit. Our results show that when duration of treatment is considered, isotretinoin is cheaper and significantly more effective.