Patient Communication Key to Safe Treatments

In an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2025 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, Lindsay Ackerman, MD, a medical dermatologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, discussed the critical role of communication and education when prescribing therapies that carry boxed warnings. Ackerman emphasizes that transparency is essential to fostering patient understanding and trust.

Ackerman explained that when she prescribes a medication with a boxed warning, commonly known as a “black box” warning, her first responsibility is to be transparent with patients or their caregivers. This transparency, she noted, includes explaining both the origin of the boxed warning and the clinical relevance of the safety concerns it describes. She believes that offering this context transforms what can be a daunting regulatory label into a meaningful conversation about risk management and evidence-based care. Boxed warnings are issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to highlight serious or life-threatening risks associated with specific drugs. However, Ackerman emphasized that these warnings can sometimes stem from findings in different patient populations or historical data that may not directly reflect the real-world dermatologic use of the medication today.

She underscored the importance of clinicians interpreting these warnings in light of current safety data, ongoing pharmacovigilance, and individual patient factors. Ackerman also noted that, to date, there have been no significant new safety signals associated with some of the agents carrying boxed warnings in dermatology, particularly regarding the major adverse events listed.

Nonetheless, she cautioned that this does not diminish the importance of ongoing vigilance. Rather, it reinforces the need for clinicians to contextualize risk appropriately while maintaining open dialogue with patients about potential benefits and adverse effects. Ultimately, Ackerman’s approach reflects a patient-centered philosophy grounded in shared decision-making. By demystifying boxed warnings and aligning the discussion with up-to-date safety data, clinicians can empower patients to make informed choices about their care—balancing efficacy, safety, and confidence in treatment decisions.

Click here to see more from Ackerman, and here to watch the rest of her conversation on topical therapies for vitiligo. Want to stay at the forefront of the field? Remember to subscribe to our eNewsletters for the latest and greatest news, regulatory updates, and expert insights.