Is isotretinoin safe for treating acne?
Isotretinoin is effective for selected cases of severe acne but requires prescribing and monitoring. Dryness is common, and blood lipids or liver tests may change. It can seriously harm a fetus and must not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.
Details
What is assessed before treatment?
The clinician considers acne severity, scarring, previous treatments, other medicines and medical and mental-health history. Liver and lipid tests and follow-up are tailored to the patient. Do not share the medicine or combine it with vitamin A supplements or certain antibiotics without medical advice.
Pregnancy prevention is essential
Anyone who could become pregnant must follow the locally required prevention and testing programme. Guidance includes avoiding pregnancy for a month before treatment, throughout treatment and for a month after stopping. If pregnancy occurs or is suspected, stop isotretinoin and contact the prescriber immediately.
Report important symptoms
Ask about moisturisers and suitable care for dryness. Report mood changes, sexual-function problems or other troublesome effects. Severe abdominal pain or serious mental-health symptoms need urgent assessment; thoughts of self-harm require immediate support. Do not wait for a routine review when concerning symptoms appear.
Related reading: What are the types of acne, and how do they differ in severity?.