Indiscriminate use of isotretinoin in the treatment of severe acne and its adverse effects

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature on the main adverse effects of oral isotretinoin, the health risks of individuals who use it without professional monitoring and discuss the benefits and harms of this drug. Methods: This study is characterized as an integrative literature review with databases of reference books and academic articles published in Pubmed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Academic Google magazines. Results: Depending on the type of acne presented, oral isotretinoin is the best option for the cure and remission of acne in the most persistent and severe forms. However, it poses considerable risks to the patient's health when used indiscriminately and that is why routine examinations and monitoring by qualified professionals are necessary. Final considerations: It is understood that the indiscriminate use of isotretinoin brings serious complications to the patient's life, which can be attributed to the lack of information about the risk of the pharmaceutical drug.