Monitoring for major side effects of systemic drugs in dermatology

This review focuses on the major and important minor side effects of some of the systemic drugs used in dermatology. Suggestions for laboratory monitoring, information on record keeping, patient surveillance, and patient education from a nursing perspective are given. Since the majority of major side effects are reversible and easily managed at an early stage, careful laboratory monitoring is a key factor in the successful use of these agents in patients with severe skin diseases.