A Population-Based Analysis of Laboratory Abnormalities During Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

The incidence of abnormally high serum lipid levels during isotretinoin treatment may be greater than previously estimated. Elevations in transaminase level are generally mild. Normal baseline values of serum lipid and transaminase levels do not preclude the development of new abnormalities during isotretinoin treatment. Routine monitoring of white blood cell count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count during isotretinoin therapy may be of little utility without clinical suspicion of an abnormality. The clinical significance of laboratory abnormalities during isotretinoin therapy remains to be determined.