Which of the following is a common side effect of isotretinoin?

• A. Dry skin
• B. Nausea
• C. Weight gain
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Isotretinoin commonly causes dryness of the skin and mucous membranes because it sharply reduces sebaceous gland activity, lowering sebum production. This leads to very dry skin and lips (cheilitis) as the body loses its natural moisturizing oil. The dryness is a hallmark and one of the most frequent side effects seen with this medication, often requiring regular use of moisturizers and lip balms to manage it.

Nausea, weight gain, and hair loss can occur with various drugs or individual responses, but they are not the typical or most common effects of isotretinoin. The dryness of the skin and lips stands out as the most characteristic and frequent adverse effect.