Part Two of Accutane Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of isotretinoin?

  • Stop taking isotretinoin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • changes in vision, blurred vision, or decreased vision (especially at night);
    • painful or constant dryness of the eyes;
    • depression including feelings of sadness, crying spells, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, unusual tiredness, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite, and/or suicidal thoughts or other mental problems;
    • stomach, chest, or bowel pain;
    • rectal bleeding, or severe or bloody diarrhea;
    • difficulty or pain when swallowing;
    • new or worsening heartburn;
    • yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine;
    • severe headache or dizziness;
    • seizures;
    • nausea and vomiting;
    • joint or muscle pain or bone problems;
    • hearing problems or hearing loss;
    • trouble breathing;
    • fainting;
    • increased thirst or urination;
    • slurred speech or problems moving;
    • leg swelling;
    • increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride (types of fat) in your blood (detected by blood tests).
  • Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur. Continue to take isotretinoin and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • inflammation, dryness, or cracking of the lips;
    • dry skin, dry mouth, dry or bleeding nose, dryness of the eyes and/or difficulty wearing contact lenses;
    • itching; or
    • increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect isotretinoin?

  • Do not take any of the following medicines while taking isotretinoin:
    • vitamin supplements containing vitamin A; or
    • a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin, Panmycin, Robitet, others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, Vectrin), doxycycline (Doryx, Monodox, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs), demeclocycline (Declomycin), or troleandomycin (TAO).
  • Taking any of the drugs listed above during treatment with isotretinoin may be dangerous.
  • Before taking isotretinoin, tell your doctor if you are taking carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol). You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
  • Do not use other acne medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor. They may interfere with the treatment or increase irritation of the skin.
  • Do not take birth control pills that do not contain estrogen ("minipills") during treatment with isotretinoin. They may not work while taking isotretinoin.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with isotretinoin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about isotretinoin written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.03. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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