Idiosyncratic Reaction Causing a Rare Side Effect: Isotretenoin-induced Pancreatitis.

ABSTRACT

Isotretinoin is a frequently prescribed medication for severe nodulocystic acne. It is also used in higher doses and other forms to treat some carcinomas. Pancreatitis remains a well-known but rare side effect of this medication. Two proposed mechanisms for pancreatitis are hypertriglyceridemia induced and idiosyncratic reaction. Here, we present a case of a young man who presented for the evaluation of abdominal pain. His blood work showed elevated lipase levels but computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen did not show any pancreatic inflammation.