Isotretinoin not linked to IBD risk

Isotretinoin does not appear to be linked to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease, researchers report.

Investigators with the University of British Columbia analyzed health records of a population of U.S. women, of whom 2,159 had inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 43,180 did not, according to a news release. Only 10 women (0.46 percent) with IBD and 191 (0.44 percent) without IBD had used isotretinoin.

A second study involved comprehensive reviews and analysis of results of published and unpublished studies, researchers noted. There was no evidence that isotretinoin increased the risk of IBD.

The findings were published Feb. 20 in JAMA Dermatology.