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Side effects of isotretinoin are dose related and can be minimized by using low doses over longer period of time (1).
Side-effects include:
- mucocutaneous dryness causing:
- cracked lips
- nose bleeds
- colonization of S. aureus leading to complications like abscesses, conjunctivitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and folliculitis (1)
- headaches
- myalgia
- hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and disordered liver function tests:
- lipid levels and liver function tests are monitored during treatment
- teratogenesis:
- the rate of fetal abnormality is high so contraception must be reliable and termination is usually recommended if pregnancy did occur
- ear defects together with CNS defects or cardiovascular defects or both can be seen (1)
Rare side effects:
- photosensitivity
- diffuse alopecia
- changing of hair character
- anaemia
- leucopenia
- benign intracranial hypertension
- psychiatric disorders e.g. depression, suicide
- hepatitis (2)
Reference:
- 1. James W.D. Acne. NEJM 2005; 352:1463-1472 2.
- 2. British association of dermatologists 2003. Isotretinoin for Acne
Last reviewed 02/2020
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