Side Effects

Isotretinoin Side Effects

Isotretinoin can cause a range of side effects, some of which are common and others that are more rare but potentially serious. Below are key side effects associated with isotretinoin use, along with information on when to seek medical attention.

  • Common side effects may include:
    • Dry skin and lips (cheilitis)
    • Skin itching and irritation
    • Thinning hair
    • Dry eyes
    • Nosebleeds
    • Skin infections or rash
    • Scaling and redness of the lips
    • Fragile or sensitive skin

    [2][3]

  • Musculoskeletal effects may include:
    • Joint or bone pain
    • Back pain (can be dosage dependent)
    • Muscle pain, stiffness, or myopathy
    • Rhabdomyolysis (rare but potentially serious)

    [2][8]

  • Gastrointestinal and liver effects can include:
    • Severe stomach pain and diarrhea (sometimes with blood)
    • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
    • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice, indicating liver problems)
    • Rectal bleeding
    • Nausea and vomiting

    [1][2][3][5]

  • Mental health effects:
    • Mood changes (e.g., irritability, sadness, depression, anxiety)
    • Emotional outbursts or withdrawal
    • Serious effects can include psychosis, suicidal thoughts or actions
    • Conflicting evidence exists regarding the long-term mental health risks, with some studies suggesting no increased risk of depression
    • Symptoms may persist or appear after stopping the medication in rare cases

    [1][3][7]

  • Vision and hearing changes:
    • Blurred vision or other vision changes (such as decreased night vision)
    • Pain or tenderness of the eyes
    • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

    [2][5]

  • Other significant effects:
    • Blood disorders (such as unexplained bruising or bleeding, frequent infections)
    • High triglyceride levels in the blood
    • Increased pressure around the brain (pseudotumor cerebri), with symptoms like dizziness, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, vision changes
    • Brittle or fragile skin, possible long-term dry skin or eyes
    • Sexual dysfunction and gastrointestinal issues may persist after stopping, but causal links are not fully established

    [1][3][5][7]

When to seek medical advice: Stop taking isotretinoin and contact your doctor or emergency services if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, severe depression, mood changes, hallucinations, severe abdominal pain, persistent headaches, changes in vision or hearing, signs of liver or kidney problems, or muscle weakness.[1]

References

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