Systemic Drug Treatment in Dermatology: A Handbook [ Active ]

PREFACE

There has been an increase in use of systemic drug therapy for skin diseases during recent years. This mainly reflects advances in drug development but is also a consequence of reduced access to dermatology in-patient care. Potent drugs with serious or life-threatening adverse effects are frequently prescribed by dermatologists, and general practitioners may be involved in shared care of patients taking these agents. It is hoped that this book will provide an accessible and concise aid which can be consulted in the clinic with regard to prescribing and monitoring of systemic dermatological therapy, with broad details of dermatological uses. Evidence-based data or established guidelines have been included where possible. However, due to the uncommon nature of many of the dermatological diseases for which these treatments are used, controlled trials are lacking and in some cases evidence is little more than anecdotal.

Comments regarding the licensing status of drugs apply to the UK and may differ in other countries. Prescribers should be aware that when using drugs outside their licensed indication, or in unconventional doses, they may be liable for any ensuing harm occurring to the patient. (For licensed uses, this liability rests with the manufacturers.) The prescribing doctor should obtain informed consent from the patient, at least verbally, regarding this issue.

Common or important adverse drug effects are described. For further information, prescribers are advised to consult the drug data sheets or the manufacturers. Some recent advances in drug treatment and/or monitoring have been included, as it is likely that these will become more widely available in the future.

Every effort has been made to eliminate inaccuracies but readers are advised to confirm recommended doses in the drug data sheets before prescribing regimens. Reader's comments, suggestions and a note of any errors will be appreciated.