Side Effects Of Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is used to treat acne, other skin problems, and some kinds of cancer. Some of the side effects are skin dryness, photosensitivity, thinning of hair, headaches, tiredness, bleeding gums, blood in stools, and difficulty breathing. It is known to cause miscarriage, death of the fetus, and premature birth if used by pregnant women.

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Can AHA revitalizing lotion 20 be used for body acne?

Query: Hello doctor,I am 25 years old and I weigh 75 kg. To cure my persistent moderate body acne and KP of past 10 years which was not responding well with topical treatment, the dermatologist put me on Isotretinoin course starting with a dose of 5 mg. Along with this, he has also prescribed AHA Revitaliz...  Read Full »


Dr. Sunil Kothiwala

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Regarding the dose of Isotretinoin, it can go up to 20 mg easily. There is no serious side effect except for dry and cracked lips. With regards to Glycolic Acid 20% lotion, I will suggest you use it for short period first then increase it slowly. Concomitant use of Iso...  Read Full »

I have severe acne problem. It is increasing by the day. can you suggest some medicines?

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 30-year-old male. I am facing severe acne problem. I am currently using Doxy-1 L-DR Forte Capsule two times a day since 20 days and Persol-plus gel at night and Ahaglow-S face wash. Also, Aziderm cream 20 % and Cetaphil as a moisturizer. But it is painful and with pus. Sometimes, ...  Read Full »


Dr. Sampada Avinash Thakare

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. All the medications you are on are right. I agree with your treating doctor. Peeling is a procedure where fruit-concentrated extracts are used, such as Glycolic acid and many other (Salicylic acid) which help reduce the activity of the sebaceous glands and in turn red...  Read Full »

How to get my acne scars removed?

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 24 year old female. My height is 158 cm and my weight is 50 kg. I have severe acne scars on my face, back, lower back and below the neck. I have pimples on my face. I am using Benzoyl peroxide for the same. I have attached my photos here. My problems also include hair fall, thinnin...  Read Full »


Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Benzoyl peroxide will not work on your acne as you are having grade 4 acne (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You need to start Isotretinoin immediately. Let me know your marital status, because you should not get pregnant while on Isotretinoin and a...  Read Full »

How to get glowing and healthy skin?

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 20-year-old female. My weight is 48 kg, and my height is 5'2". I have fair skin. I had nodular acne on my face, back and shoulder. I was on Isotretinoin for five months and have gotten over my acne. However, my skin looks lifeless, unmoisturized, and dull on the face, hands, and s...  Read Full »


Dr. Jyotisterna Mittal

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The dull skin is due to the capsule Isotretinoin. It removes the moisturizing sebum and oil from the skin and acts against acne. Unfortunately, the same action causes the side effect of dry and itchy skin. First, you should understand that this effect is temporary and w...  Read Full »

Kindly suggest ways to remove acne without leaving marks.

Query: Hello doctor, I am having acne on my cheeks, forehead, and the back for the past six years. I have red and pus-filled acne. I am using Adapalene gel and Metrogyl gel. But, pimples did not go away and also spreading nearby. I have used Benzoyl peroxide too, but no improvement. I am using Acnestar S f...  Read Full »


Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abdelrahman Abouibrahim

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concerns. I have checked the attached photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity). From what you mentioned, you have severe acne that requires oral Isotretinoin for six months. I suggest: Isotretinoin capsule 20 mg twice a day after m...  Read Full »

I have been suffering from body acne since 10 years.Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I have been suffering from body acne since ten years. It is present on my upper arms, shoulders, back and buttocks. I have been using Benzoyl peroxide 5 % since six months. But there has been no effect at all.  Read Full »


Dr. Atishay Bukharia

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Benzoyl peroxide alone is not going to work. Please send the photographs of the affected area to find out the grade of acne and to prescribe you the proper treatment.   Read Full »

Can Isotretinoin result in menstrual irregularities?

Query: Hi doctor, I have been on Isotretinoin for almost six months now. I did not get my period for almost four months, and I have had them for the last 45 days. I had a similar issue last time I was on Isotretinoin, where I had my period every two to three months for almost two weeks at a time. All my b...  Read Full »


Dr. Richa Agarwal

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your history and understand your concerns. Your menstrual irregularities could be due to hormonal imbalance caused by Isotretinoin. This effect is due to an increase in LH (luteinizing hormone) levels in your body due to the use of Isotretinoin. As i...  Read Full »

Will Accutane help to treat acne breakouts?

Query: Hi doctor,I am currently on Accutane for adult acne. I am 30 years old and have been on low dose birth control since I was 16. I need to go off the pill, but I am so terrified of the post-pill acne. My skin is finally good after 30 years, and I do not want to go back to dealing with horrible skin. ...  Read Full »


Dr. Chaitra. P

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Accutane (Isotretinoin) alone can control your acne well. Birth control pills are given to avoid pregnancy while on Accutane treatment. If there is no sexual activity, contraceptive pills can be safely withheld. However, it is very important to understand that Accutane ca...  Read Full »

Can stopping Accutane cause hair sideefall?

Query: Hello doctor,I have been experiencing hair loss since I stopped Accutane 4 months ago. I feel my hair has reduced in thickness significantly. Will my hair grow back, or is it irreversible.  Read Full »


Dr. Suvina Attavar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Hairfall and hair thinning are two different issues. If you see more than 100 hairs falling per day, then it requires treatment, and this kind of fall is usually reversible. With the right treatment, hair will regrow. The causes for this could be nutritional deficien...  Read Full »

Is there any vitamin supplement that can be used as an alternative to Accutane for treating acne?

Query: Hi doctor, I am on Isotretinoin for around 50 days. My face is now clear and it really improved my skin as I have oily skin. But, I have noticed clay colored stools. I am also having high fever and facing weakness. Now, my veins on hand started to swell. I am also having difficulty in breathing. But...  Read Full »


Dr. Sampada Avinash Thakare

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You should visit your physician as soon as possible. All these can be symptoms of obstructive jaundice. To confirm get your blood tested for complete blood count and liver function test. Also, get a urine routine microscopic test and ultrasound abdomen. Stop oral Isotreti...  Read Full »

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