Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid used in the treatment of severe acne. Two-thirds of patients have a long term remission or cure following a course of oral isotretinoin

Adverse effects

• teratogenicity: females should ideally be using two forms of contraception (e.g. Combined oral contraceptive pill and condoms)
• dry skin, eyes and lips: the most common side-effect of isotretinoin
• low mood*
• raised triglycerides
• hair thinning
• nose bleeds (caused by dryness of the nasal mucosa)
• benign intracranial hypertension: isotretinoin treatment should not be combined with tetracyclines for this reason
• photosensitivity

*whilst this is a controversial topic, depression and other psychiatric problems are listed in the BNF