Isotretinoin Side Effects

Isotretinoin is a medication used primarily to treat severe acne, but it is associated with a range of side effects, both common and serious.

Common side effects include:

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Serious side effects requiring immediate medical attention may include:

Unexplained bruising or bleeding (can signal blood clotting disorders)
Frequent or prolonged infections, weakness, or dizziness (may indicate blood disorders)
Severe mood changes, depression, anxiety, aggression, or thoughts of self-harm
Hallucinations or delusions
Severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea with blood (may indicate pancreatitis or gastrointestinal bleeding)
Pain or trouble moving limbs, painful swelling or bruising, dark urine (may indicate rare muscle breakdown)
Yellowing of the eyes or skin (signs of liver problems)
Difficulty urinating or extreme tiredness (may signal kidney problems)
Persistent headaches, vision changes, or sudden night blindness (can indicate increased intracranial pressure)

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Other potential risks and considerations:

Development or worsening of psychiatric symptoms (depression, anxiety) during or after isotretinoin use has been reported. Some long-term users report psychiatric, sexual, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal symptoms persisting or emerging after treatment, but a direct causal link remains uncertain^[2].
Possible increase in triglyceride (blood fat) levels and effects on blood sugar^[5]^[7].
The medication may change bone growth in adolescents, causing bones to stop growing earlier^[5].
Rare reports of inflammatory bowel disease, but research results are mixed regarding a definitive connection^[4]^[7].
Allergic reactions are possible, including hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties. Any suspected allergic response should prompt immediate medical attention^[3]^[7].
Long-term side effects may include dryness of skin and eyes, joint pain, irritable bowel syndrome, vision problems, neurologic symptoms (such as brain fog), and sexual dysfunction^[2]^[6]^[8].