Does isotretinoin change your sense of smell?
Effects of Isotretinoin on Nasal Mucociliary Clearance and Olfactory Function
This will see if taking isotretinoin for acne changes how well adults can smell.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Uşak University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Uşak, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07309341 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective study follows adults who are starting oral isotretinoin for acne and measures their sense of smell before treatment and after at least four weeks on the medication. Olfactory function will be measured using the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) smell test, and participants will complete the NOSE and SNOT-22 nasal symptom questionnaires. The before-and-after design compares standardized smell testing and patient-reported nasal symptoms to identify any change in olfaction related to isotretinoin. Participants with smoking, chronic sinonasal disease, or other conditions affecting smell are excluded to isolate the effect of the medication.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 to 45 with acne who are about to begin oral isotretinoin, do not smoke, and have no chronic nasal or sinus disease are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who currently smoke, have chronic sinonasal disease, active upper respiratory infection, preexisting smell disorders, or are outside the 18–45 age range are unlikely to benefit from joining this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify whether isotretinoin affects smell and help clinicians counsel and monitor patients starting the medication.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small studies have reported conflicting results—one showed increased olfactory sensitivity and another showed decreased smell—so evidence is limited and mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with acne and scheduled to start oral isotretinoin as part of routine dermatology care * Willing to participate and able to give informed consent * Not currently smoking * No history of allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or active upper respiratory infection * No medical condition known to affect the sense of smell Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years or older than 45 years * Current cigarette smoking * History of chronic sinonasal disease * Any condition that would prevent completing the smell test * Not willing to continue participation or withdrawal of consent at any time
Where this trial is running
Uşak, Merkez
- Uşak University Faculty of Medicine — Uşak, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Faruk Kadri Bakkal, MD, Asistant Professor
- Email: faruk.bakkal@usak.edu.tr
- Phone: +905059242255
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.