What are the side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Isotretinoin, often known by its original brand name, Accutane^®, is an oral medication that doctors sometimes prescribe to patients with severe acne. It is normally taken for 15-20 weeks and results in long-term remission of acne symptoms in up to 2/3 of people who take it.

While results are impressive, the side effects of isotretinoin are numerous and diverse.

Let's have a look at the side effects more closely.

Most Common: Side Effects of the Skin, Mucous Membranes, and Eyes

The most common side effects of isotretinoin involve the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes, and affect almost every person who takes isotretinoin.

Skin and mucous membranes

Side effects of the skin and mucous membranes (membranes that line body cavities and secrete mucous) are common in patients treated with isotretinoin. The most common symptoms are dry lips, dry skin, inflammation of the lips, dry nostrils, and dry mouth.²

Eyes

Side effects related to eye irritation may be short term or long term and include intolerance to contact lenses, increased S. aureus bacteria infections, and light sensitivity.³ Rare side effects include night vision disorders and corneal opacity (scarring or clouding of the cornea, the eye's outermost layer).²

Less Common, but Still Expected: Side Effects of the Skull/Head, Musculoskeletal System, Liver, Blood/Hormones, and Intestines

Other side effects of isotretinoin include headaches, musculoskeletal disorders like joint pain, liver problems, and potentially intestinal conditions.²

Controversial: Psychiatric Side Effects

Some psychiatrists have reported a connection between isotretinoin and psychiatric conditions such as depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide.² However, scientists have found no conclusive proof that isotretinoin causes these conditions, so this issue remains controversial.

Dermatologists argue that acne itself causes depression, pointing out that isotretinoin can have a positive effect on mood because it clears up acne and improves self-image.^9,10

However, psychiatrists suggest a causal relationship between isotretinoin and depression. Psychiatrists argue that dermatologists are unable to identify these conditions correctly. While the evidence that isotretinoin causes adverse psychiatric orders is not definitive, dermatologists are advised to check their patients' medical histories and check their patients' mental well being at each visit.^2,10

Concerning: Long-term Side Effects

The long-term effects of isotretinoin therapy are not well studied. In fact, we have only one study which looks at long-term side effects.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that many people who take isotretinoin tend to use lip balm for decades after taking isotretinoin. Isotretinoin reduces skin oil production long term. What role this plays long term in the health of the skin and in skin aging remains to be studied.

What to Keep an Eye on While Taking Isotretinoin

Doctors should check patients for changes blood parameters, such as blood cell and triglyceride counts, as well as changes in mood and vision while taking isotretinoin.^4,9 Some researchers argue that monthly monitoring of blood parameters is not necessary, suggesting that doctors may check blood parameters every two months to reduce costs.¹⁰

Some skin, mucous membrane, and eye side effects are manageable with complementary therapies such as skin lotions, sunscreen, petroleum jelly, and similar products.

Some eye problems can be decreased by avoiding contact lenses and by eye washing. Visions problems, with the most notable being a rapid decrease in night vision, may require discontinuing isotretinoin therapy.³

Drug Interactions

Isotretinoin can interact with some drugs, and patients taking phenytoin, tetracyclines, vitamin A, low-estrogen oral contraceptives, and oral corticosteroids should not take isotretinoin.²

Who Should Not Take Isotretinoin

Women who are or who may become pregnant: Women cannot take isotretinoin during pregnancy or when there is any possibility whatsoever that they may become pregnant because it greatly increases the risk of birth defects.² Isotretinoin is the most teratogenic (causes birth defects) medication on the market.

Birth defects include malformations of the brain, skull, face, and heart, as well as miscarriage and death.³

Therefore, the FDA and EU have created programs to prevent pregnancy in patients taking isotretinoin. These programs require using two effective birth control methods from one month before isotretinoin treatment to five weeks after treatment, preferably including oral contraceptives.^3,9,12 These programs also test for pregnancy before, during, and after treatment.² In the United States, iPLEDGE is the pregnancy risk management program for isotretinoin administration. Prescribers and patients can access the iPLEDGE registry at www.ipledgeprogram.com.

People with liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, high blood lipids, or alcoholism also should not take isotretinoin.²