| cl | | | | completely effective. What is this drug used to treat? |
| Let's be very clear about the history of this drug which | | | | Acne! This is the most devastating of cosmetic |
| is a form of vitamin A also sold under the generic | | | | conditions imaginable. Although it's not officially an illness |
| name isotretinoin. It's been on the market for some 27 | | | | or disease, it's one of the most consistent causes of |
| years. During this time, it has built up an unbeatable | | | | psychological damage in teens and young adults. No |
| record for the treatment of acne. Usually taken for | | | | matter how parents, schools and authority figures |
| between three and six months, it produces lasting | | | | might try to fight the bullying that often traumatises |
| improvements in 99% of all patients and a complete | | | | people at an early stage in their emotional |
| cure for about 70%. To be absolutely clear about this | | | | development, the abuse continues unchecked. In many |
| record, this is not a snapshot from a single limited | | | | senses, it would be a disaster if anything was to affect |
| period of time. This is the average performance over | | | | the availability of this drug which is just about the only |
| 27 years. For the unlucky 30% who are not cured, a | | | | way in which people can survive the rite of passage. |
| second period of treatment is almost always | | | | |