What is a potential side effect of isotretinoin regarding blood levels?

What is a potential side effect of isotretinoin regarding blood levels?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Elevation of triglycerides
• C. Low blood sugar
• D. High blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Isotretinoin, a medication primarily used to treat severe acne, is known to affect lipid profiles in patients. One of the well-documented side effects of isotretinoin is the elevation of triglyceride levels in the blood. The mechanism behind this involves isotretinoin's interference with lipid metabolism, which can lead to hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of lipids in the blood), including increased triglycerides. Monitoring lipid levels is an essential part of patient management while on this medication, as significantly elevated triglycerides can lead to complications such as pancreatitis. Therefore, understanding the impact of isotretinoin on triglycerides is crucial for both patient safety and effective management of their treatment. Other potential side effects, while serious, do not specifically pertain to the elevation of triglycerides in blood levels.

Isotretinoin, a medication primarily used to treat severe acne, is known to affect lipid profiles in patients. One of the well-documented side effects of isotretinoin is the elevation of triglyceride levels in the blood. The mechanism behind this involves isotretinoin's interference with lipid metabolism, which can lead to hyperlipidemia (elevated levels of lipids in the blood), including increased triglycerides.

Monitoring lipid levels is an essential part of patient management while on this medication, as significantly elevated triglycerides can lead to complications such as pancreatitis. Therefore, understanding the impact of isotretinoin on triglycerides is crucial for both patient safety and effective management of their treatment.

Other potential side effects, while serious, do not specifically pertain to the elevation of triglycerides in blood levels.