What Causes Hot Flashes While On Isotretinoin?

Posted on Wed, 21 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 Answered on

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Good morning Dr. I have a 19 year old son who is complaining of hot flashes.I have three sons.My oldest during a stage in puberty had painful and hard nipples.( which i thought was weird) it passed and i chucked it up to puberty. The 19 yr old in XXXXXXX just finished a treatment for severe acne.(isotrtinoin)our last blood test was end of august,all his blood work came back perfect. what I am wondering could this be residual side effects from drug?or the later stage in puberty?Otherwise a healthy boy who just started college.Any thoughts would be helpful. Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No worries, unlikely as drug side effect. Flashes probably pubert

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks for the query,

I understand this can be very disturbing. However, I think you really need not bother that much for I think its transitory.

Isotrtinoin has not been described to be associated with flashes. Though he stopped the, no clear or serious withdrawal effects have been described with this drug.

I think the hot flushes are simply due to hormonal changes associated with puberty. He simple needs some comfort and these should get clear with time.

For, no real worries as i wish him the very best of health.

Dr Bain

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar