An Unusual “Side Effect” of an Acne Drug
April 2002
in “
Annals of Internal Medicine
”
TLDR Isotretinoin may increase the risk of high triglycerides and metabolic syndrome, especially in those genetically prone.
The document discussed an unusual side effect of isotretinoin (Accutane), a drug used to treat severe acne. While effective, isotretinoin was known to cause side effects such as birth defects, liver problems, hair loss, and increased triglyceride levels in the blood. The study highlighted a pharmacogenetic link between isotretinoin use and the risk of developing hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome, particularly in individuals with a genetic predisposition to high triglyceride levels. The research aimed to understand the mechanisms behind these side effects, although the exact reasons remained unclear.
