Effects of Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin, which is marketed under the brand name Accutane in the United States, is a prescription retinoid medication indicated for the treatment of a severe type of acne called recalcitrant nodular acne. This medication is typically administered orally (capsule) twice daily as prescribed by your doctor. Discuss the beneficial and problematic effects of isotretinoin with your doctor before you begin receiving treatment with this medication.

Reduced Oil Gland Size

One of the effects of isotretinoin is a reduction in the size of your skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), explain health officials at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Acne often develops when the oil glands of your skin produce excess amounts of oil or become clogged or irritated by dirt, oil or skin particles. If this occurs, skin oil and irritants can become trapped within the pores of your skin, causing the redness, inflammation and swelling characteristic of severe acne. By reducing the size of your skin's oil glands, isotretinoin can help regulate the amount of oil your skin produces and can limit the appearance of acne.

Decreased Oil Secretion

A decrease in the amount of oil your skin secretes is another effect of isotretinoin. Excess amounts of oil that are released by your skin can lead to irritation and inflammation, causing pus-filled skin lesions to appear on your face or body. This medication limits the normal function of your oil gland, which can help prevent the development of acne across your skin, explain FDA health officials.

Pregnancy Complications

Females who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take isotretinoin, warns Family Doctor, a health information website established by the American Academy of Family Physicians. This medication can cause severe birth defects that can include problems with fetal organ development or cognitive deficits. Use of isotretinoin is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, fetal death or premature birth. Females who use isotretinoin are instructed to use at least two different methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment with this medication. Your doctor will also require you to have two negative pregnancy tests before you are able to begin taking isotretinoin.

Side Effects

The use of isotretinoin is associated with a high risk of developing specific side effects. These side effects can include dry, flaky skin; itching; abnormal hair growth; hair loss or thinning; sweating; decreased energy; behavioral changes; depression; fatigue; bleeding or swelling of the gums; abnormal skin sensations; nosebleeds or voice changes, warns Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Certain patients also develop dry eyes or become intolerant to using contact lenses. Severe stomach upset, which can include pain, diarrhea or rectal bleeding, can develop as side effects of isotretinoin. These side effects should be thoroughly discussed with your doctor before you begin treatment with this medication.