Tretinoin and isotretinoin are prescription drugs used to treat acne.[1][2][3] They contain types of vitamin A — all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) and 13-cis-retinoic acid (isotretinoin) — and can have serious side effects, particularly in the skin.[4][5] Furthermore, isotretinoin is not advised for use in pregnant or lactating women because it can cause severe birth defects and growth defects.[5] Some evidence also shows that isotretinoin use is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide in people with acne.[6][7][8][9] However, this association is not shown in all studies,[10][11] and the causal link is unclear because acne is independently associated with these mental health conditions,[12][7][8][13][14][15] and because some evidence suggests that other underlying mood disorders in people with acne (e.g., bipolar disorder) may play a role.[13][9][15]
What are the drawbacks of tretinoin and isotretinoin?
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•Last Updated: October 13, 2024