skip to main content

Isotretinoin Lipids — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardDermatopharmacologyIsotretinoin LipidsSCE Dermatology

A 35-year-old man has Isotretinoin prescribed. Before starting, his dermatologist checks baseline blood tests. What specific lipid abnormality is most commonly caused by Isotretinoin?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: AHypertriglyceridaemia

The best answer is “Hypertriglyceridaemia”. Systemic and topical dermatological medicines require indication-specific counselling and monitoring; isotretinoin commonly alters serum lipids and carries stringent pregnancy-prevention and mental-health safeguards. The alternatives “Low HDL”, “Hypocholesterolaemia”, “No lipid effects”, “High LDL” are clinically adjacent possibilities, but they do not fit the defining morphology, distribution, histopathology, risk signal or management sequence in this stem.

Reference: MHRA isotretinoin safety measures: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/isotretinoin-for-severe-acne-uses-and-effects