Retinoids can cause serious side effects. Therefore, patients with any of the following conditions should discuss them with their physician prior to starting retinoid therapy:

• Lymphedema (swelling of the arm or leg)
  
  
• Severe liver or kidney disease
  
  
• Heart disease
  
  
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Bone marrow depression (a slowing down of the part of the bone that produces blood cells)
  
  
• Infection
  
  
• Cataracts (a clouding or darkening of the lens of the eye)
  
  
• Herpes zoster virus (shingles)
  
  
• A condition involving phototherapy (therapeutic exposure to light), such as psoriasis
  
  
• Alcoholism

Patients should discuss their complete medical history with their physician, including any drug allergies that may rule out retinoid therapy.