Isotretinoin (Absorica) Side Effects

Possible side effects of isotretinoin are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or if they do not go away in a few days.

• Inflamed or chapped lips
• Dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth
• Dry nose or nosebleeds
• Peeling skin on the palms and soles
• Skin discoloration
• Nail changes
• Slow healing of sores and cuts
• Swelling and bleeding of the gums
• Hair loss or unwanted hair growth
• Flushing
• Sweating
• Voice changes
• Cold symptoms
• Fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased vaginal lubrication

Isotretinoin can also cause more serious side effects. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Convulsions
• Slow speech or trouble with speech
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Chest pain
• Stomach pain
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine
• Painful or difficult swallowing
• New or worsening acid reflux (heartburn) symptoms
• Rectal bleeding
• Back pain, muscle pain, or joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with hearing
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Problems with vision
• Eye pain or dry eyes
• Red, swollen, teary, or itchy eyes
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Fainting
• Fever
• Skin rash, peeling or blistering skin on the face or limbs
• Sores in the eyes, nose, mouth, or throat
• Bruises or red patches on the legs
• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, or limbs

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of isotretinoin. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Isotretinoin (Absorica) Overdose: In case of an overdose of isotretinoin, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center, provincial poison control center, or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or emergency services if a person has collapsed, stopped breathing, had a seizure, or is not responding. Symptoms of an overdose may include flushing, severe chapping of the lips, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and poor coordination.

Source: FDA