Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): rare reports of erectile dysfunction and decreased libido

Cases of sexual dysfunction, predominantly involving erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, have been reported rarely in patients taking oral isotretinoin for severe acne.

Post-publication note: October 2023

In October 2023 we published new advice to strengthen the safe use of isotretinoin through the introduction of additional oversight of the initiation of isotretinoin in patients under 18 years and through improved assessment and monitoring of mental health and sexual function issues.

The advice in this article is therefore superseded and all healthcare professionals should consult the October 2023 Drug Safety Update when referring patients and when prescribing or dispensing isotretinoin.

Advice to healthcare professionals:

  • be aware of reports of sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, in patients taking oral isotretinoin, indicated for severe acne
  • the exact incidence of these adverse reactions is unknown but considering the number of patients in the UK taking the medicine, reports are understood to be rare
  • report any suspected adverse reactions to isotretinoin or other medicines on a Yellow Card

Sexual dysfunction

A routine EU review showed that some patients taking isotretinoin had reported sexual dysfunction adverse effects, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. One possible mechanism for this effect may be through a reduction in plasma testosterone levels.

The review recommended that sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido should be added to the list of side effects in the product information. The package leaflet for patients will include “Problems getting or maintaining an erection and lower libido” as possible side effects.

In the UK, we have received 14 Yellow Card reports of sexual dysfunction associated isotretinoin between the beginning of 1985 and 7 September 2017. In the same time period, there have been 49 reports of erectile or ejaculation dysfunction, and 23 reports of decreased or loss of libido associated with isotretinoin. We estimate that over the past few years, around 30,000 patients (male and female) per year have been treated with isotretinoin (see 2014 Public Assessment Report).[footnote 1]

Reminder of risk of mood disorders

Be aware of rare reports of depression, exacerbated depression, anxiety, aggressive tendencies, mood alterations, and psychotic symptoms in association with isotretinoin treatment. Very rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and death by suicide have been reported.

Particular care should be taken in patients with a history of depression. Monitor all patients for signs of depression and refer for appropriate treatment if necessary. Further psychiatric or psychological evaluation may be necessary after discontinuation of treatment with isotretinoin.

Call for reporting

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency continually monitors the safety of all medicines. All suspected adverse reactions, including any sexual and psychiatric adverse reactions, should be reported via the Yellow Card Scheme.

Further information

Isotretinoin (oral formulations): CMDh scientific conclusions and grounds for the variation, amendments to the product information and timetable for the implementation. July 2017.

Article citation: Drug Safety Update volume 11, issue 3; October 2017: 3.

  1. The advisory committee of the 2014 report was provided with a breakdown of the sales figures for each manufacturer of isotretinoin, however, the individual data from each manufacturer cannot be released. It is important to remember that these are estimates of usage and that precise figures on the number of patients treated cannot currently be generated due to the individual nature of each patient’s treatment. 

Published 26 October 2017