Ulcerative Colitis Flare Post Isotretinoin Use: A Case Report

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation. We present a case of UC flare induced by isotretinoin, a medication commonly used for the treatment of severe acne. A 36-year-old male with a history of UC in remission presented with moderate-severe cystic acne and was started on isotretinoin. After four months of treatment, he developed symptoms of UC flare, including bloody diarrhea. A colonoscopy revealed ulcerative pancolitis, and isotretinoin was discontinued. The patient was subsequently treated with adalimumab and azathioprine, achieving good disease control. This case highlights the potential link between isotretinoin and UC exacerbation, suggesting the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and assess the risk associated with isotretinoin use in patients with UC.