SIDE EFFECTS OF Accutane (Isotretinoin)

FOR THE CONSUMER

Along with its needed effects, isotretinoin (the active ingredient contained in Accutane) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking isotretinoin:

More common:

Bone or joint pain
burning, redness, itching, or other signs of eye inflammation
difficulty moving
nosebleeds
scaling, redness, burning, pain, or other signs of inflammation of the lips
skin infection or rash

Rare:

Abdominal or stomach pain (severe)
attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide (usually stops after medicine is stopped)
back pain
bleeding or inflammation of the gums
blurred vision or other changes in vision
changes in behavior
decreased vision after sunset or before sunrise (sudden or may continue after medicine is stopped)
diarrhea (severe)
headache (severe or continuing)
mental depression
nausea and vomiting
pain or tenderness of the eyes
pain, tenderness, or stiffness in the muscles (longterm treatment)
rectal bleeding
yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known:

Black, tarry stools
bloating
bloody cough
bloody or cloudy urine
bone pain, tenderness, or aching
burning or stinging of the skin
chest pain
confusion
constipation
convulsions
cough or hoarseness
darkcolored urine
decrease in height
difficulty breathing
difficulty speaking
difficulty swallowing
discharge from the eyes
dizziness
double vision
ear pain
excessive tearing
fainting
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
fever with or without chills
fractures and/or delayed healing
heartburn
high blood pressure
hives
inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
inability to speak
indigestion
inflamed tissue from infection
irregular yellow patch or lump on the skin
irritation
joint pain, redness, stiffness, or swelling
lack or slowing of normal growth in children
loosening of the fingernails
loss of appetite
loss of bladder control
loss or change in hearing
muscle cramps, spasms, or weakness
pain in the ribs, arms, or legs
pain or burning in the throat
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
painful or difficult urination
pains in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of the legs
pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pale skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
redness or soreness around the fingernails
redness, soreness, or itching skin
sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
shortness of breath
skin rash
sneezing
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or tongue or inside the mouth
stuffy or runny nose
sudden loss of consciousness
sudden loss of coordination
sudden onset of severe acne on chest and trunk
sudden onset of slurred speech
swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, lower legs, or feet
swollen, painful or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tightness in the chest
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual weight gain or loss
use of extreme physical or emotional force
watery or bloody diarrhea
wheezing

Some side effects of isotretinoin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: