What is the most common side effect of Accutane?

The most common side effect of Accutane is dry skin. Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a potent medication primarily used to treat severe acne. It works by reducing the size and output of the sebaceous glands, which significantly decreases oil production. As a result, one of the hallmark side effects is dryness in various areas of the body, including the skin, lips, and mucous membranes.

While inflammation of the lips is indeed a side effect often experienced by patients taking Accutane, it is typically part of the broader experience of dryness. Many patients report chapped lips, which can lead to inflammation, but this is a manifestation of the overall drying effect of the medication rather than a standalone most common issue. The prevalence of dry skin as a side effect is heightened due to the extent of skin changes it induces.

Headaches and nausea can occur, but they are less frequently reported in comparison to the dryness that patients typically experience. Thus, understanding the primary effects of Accutane helps clarify why dry skin stands out as the most common side effect associated with its use.