Isotretinoin safety paradoxes: balancing adverse events with clinical needs

Olkhovskaya K.B., Kruglova L.S., Konstantinovskaya E.E., Keniksfest Yu.V.

1) Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; 2) Ural Research Institute of Dermatovenereology and Immunopathology, Yekaterinburg, Russia

Systemic isotretinoin remains a highly effective standard treatment for severe acne, targeting key pathogenetic pathways. However, its use is associated with a wide range of adverse events, creating a safety paradox. This scientific review analyzes currently available data on the potential side effects of systemic isotretinoin therapy.

For citations: Olkhovskaya K.B., Kruglova L.S., Konstantinovskaya E.E., Keniksfest Yu.V. Isotretinoin safety paradoxes: balancing adverse events with clinical needs. Pharmateca. 2025;32(10):18-24. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2025.10.18-24

Authors’ contribution: All authors participated in developing the article concept and writing the manuscript. The final version of the manuscript was approved by all authors.
Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.

Keywords

About the Authors

K.B. Olkhovskaya, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; olhovskaya_kira@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4920-5288, eLibrary SPIN: 9455-9482 (corresponding author)
Larisa S. Kruglova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Rector, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; kruglovals@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5044-5265
Е.E. Konstantinovskaya, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9044-0672
Yulia V. Keniksfest, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Chronic Dermatoses for Adults, Ural Research Institute of Dermatovenereology and Immunopathology, Yekaterinburg, Russia; keniksfest@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8431-5664

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