During discharge teaching about isotretinoin, what should clients be advised regarding their health?

Isotretinoin is a powerful medication used primarily for severe acne and is known for its risk of causing severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Because of this, one of the most critical pieces of advice that clients must receive is to avoid becoming pregnant throughout the duration of the treatment and for a month after discontinuing the medication. Women of childbearing age are often required to participate in a risk management program, which includes effective forms of birth control before, during, and after treatment.

In contrast, the other pieces of information provided are not accurate or relevant to treatment with isotretinoin. While food allergies and interaction with antibiotics might be considerations in general pharmacotherapy, they are not primary concerns for clients taking isotretinoin. Additionally, isotretinoin can be taken with food to enhance absorption, so advising clients to take it on an empty stomach would not be correct.