[tag-ice]Accutane[/tag-ice] (isoretinoin) is considered the most effective form of acne treatment currently available, with as many as 90% of patients achieving long term remission in their [tag-self]acne[/tag-self] symptoms.

The Archives of Dermatology report that use of isoretinoin may have side-effects impacting the user’s heart, liver, and cholesterol levels. This study examined the frequency of abnormal laboratory tests in a sample of 13,772 patients who had used isoretinoin between 1995 and 2002. The researchers studied medical records for each patient before, during, and after their use of the medication, with particular focus on laboratory measures of triglycerides (fatty acids in the blood), total cholesterol level, liver enzyme levels, platelet, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts.

Patients using [tag-tec]Accutane[/tag-tec] (isoretinoin) demonstrated elevated levels of triglycerides, liver enzymes, and total cholesterol, but did not show elevations in the other blood components. The higher levels of cholesterol, liver enzymes, and triglycerides were generally short-lasting and were reversible; with the majority of patients returning to pre-medication levels once they stopped using isoretinoin.

The researchers are quick to point out that elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes must be considered within the full context of that individual patient’s health- that, by themselves, they may or may not be cause for worry.

However, for those patients at risk for developing coronary artery disease, high triglycerides and high cholesterol, over time, may put them at greater risk for developing heart disease. Blood levels should be monitored and appropriate adjustments made if needed.

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