Retinoids have the potential for serious side effects. To reduce the chance of side effects, patients should avoid using retinoids during pregnancy and avoid direct sunlight and exposure to artificial ultraviolet light. Possible side effects include:

• Decreased HDL (“good”) cholesterol or increased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
  
  
• Dry mouth and chapped lips
  
  
• Runny nose
  
  
• Dry nose or nosebleeds
  
  
• Eye irritation, including inflammation, dry eyes and crusting of the eyelids
  
  
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
  
  
• Intense redness of the skin or skin scaling, peeling and dryness
  
  
• Low thyroid function
  
  
• Severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy
  
  
• Swelling of the arms, feet hands or legs
  
  
• Muscle tightness
  
  
• Joint pain
  
  
• Increased toxicity of insect repellent DEET

Less common side effects of retinoid therapy may include the following impacts to the body:

• Blister formation
  
  
• Bone spurs
  
  
• Changes to the eye, including cataracts (a clouding or darkening of the lens of the eye), vision changes (e.g., decreased night vision, blurred vision) or yellowing of the eyes
  
  
• Hair loss
  
  
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  
  
• Changes to the skin, such as rash, yellowing or peeling of the skin of the fingertips, palms or soles
  
  
• Runny nose
  
  
• Weight gain

Retinoids may also cause the following symptoms on occasion:

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Fever and chills
• Severe headache
• Hoarseness
• Itching (pruritus)
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Loss of appetite, taste or thirst changes
• Nausea or vomiting

Patients taking retinoid medications who experience any of these symptoms should contact their pharmacist or prescribing physician immediately.

There have been reports of patients developing mental health problems while taking retinoids, including depression and psychosis (a condition in which a person suffers from hallucinations and delusions). Suicidal thoughts and actions and violent behavior have also been linked to the drugs.

Patients should contact their physician immediately if experiencing any of the following while taking retinoids:

• Sad mood or crying spells
  
  
• Loss of interest in activities formerly found pleasurable, such as eating, work, sex, hobbies and entertainment
  
  
• Withdrawal from family and friends
  
  
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or having trouble sleeping
  
  
• Becoming more irritable, angry or aggressive than usual
  
  
• Significant change in weight or appetite
  
  
• Fatigue and decreased energy level