A 37-year-old member asked:
how severe are the side effects of using isotretinoin?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Cheryl Levin answered
Dermatology 16 years experience
Depends: Common side effects of Isotretinoin for the treatment of acne include dryness of mouth and nose, eye irritation and sun sensitivity. Most people tolerate these side effects okay. However, there is a risk of more severe side effects, such as birth defects, severe muscle pain and a possible link to depression and suicide. See a dermatologist for more complete discussion.
5760 viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Fisher answered
Dermatology 32 years experience
Isotretinoin: The most common side effects are dry mucous membranes, photosensitivity, major birth defects and joint pain. Rare serious side effects include: pseudotumor cerebri, premature epiphyseal closure, pancreatitis, psychosis, anemia, suicidality, visual disturbance, hepatoxicity, aggression and others. Blood work is drawn every month and if side effects occur the med is stopped.
5760 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 22-year-old male asked:
What is all the controversy over claravis?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barbara A Majeroni answered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Birth defects: If a woman accidentally becomes pregnant while taking claravis there is a very high risk of birth defects.
6056 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
A question about the medicine "isotretinoin"?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Roman Bronfenbrener answered
Dermatology 9 years experience
What is it?: What is your question? Please post the question to have it answered.
5754 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Isotretinoin -- any bad side effects?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Carolyn Quist answered
Gynecology 35 years experience
Potentially: Can cause depression, change in sleep or mood, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision, hearing, seizures, pain in stomach, severe diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, joint or bone aches, severe rash. There are other minor side effects. You should discuss this with the doctor before ever taking the medication.
5854 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
What is the use of topical isotretinoin?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ahmad M Hadied answered
Orthopedic Surgery 49 years experience
Acne treatment: Apply this preparation once or twice a day.
It may take 4-6 weeks before you notice an improvement in your skin.
Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and do not use sunbeds.
If you are a woman, you must avoid getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about suitable contraception.
5396 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
CA
A 28-year-old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: isotretinoin?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Arlo Miller answered
Dermatology 15 years experience
Accutane: More commonly known as accutane, Isotretinoin is an oral medication that is incredibly effective for severe acne. It is especially useful to bring a halt to acne that is causing scarring.
Isotretinoin has a variety of side effects including birth defects, liver damage, and problems with cholesterol, and careful monitoring is required during treatment.
5440 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Feb 1, 2015
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