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Will Isotretinoin affect my HIV and syphilis tests?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I was taking Isotretinoin tablet from four months, and I stopped taking it. I had dry mouth, sores, thick line inside cheeks, some rough patches inside cheeks and lips also. But even after stopping Isotretinoin, I still have these problems. I have a lot of hair loss, nearly 300 to 400 per day. I also have a bump in the vaginal region. Whenever I search these symptoms online, it shows HIV or herpes. I am very scared. But, I took an HIV and syphilis tests after one month of possible exposure, which was negative. I again took the test after three months, which was also negative. Last month, that is after four months of exposure, the test was negative. But, most experts say that chemotherapy can affect HIV test. So, I think Isotretinoin can affect my HIV test to show a false negative. I am very scared of HIV, syphilis, and herpes. I am just 24 years old and planning to get pregnant. Please clear my doubts. What can I do?

Answered by Dr. Rajesh Deshwal

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajesh Deshwal is a General Practitioner and HIV or AIDS specialist with 29 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, and then did his MD in Internal Medicine from Delhi University. He is currently working as Director and Chief Consultant at Shiv Ram Hospital in Pataudi, Gurugram, Haryana.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

All the best. Best wishes.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At August 19, 2017
Reviewed At April 22, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajesh Deshwal is a General Practitioner and HIV or AIDS specialist with 29 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, and then did his MD in Internal Medicine from Delhi University. He is currently working as Director and Chief Consultant at Shiv Ram Hospital in Pataudi, Gurugram, Haryana.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rajesh Deshwal is a General Practitioner and HIV or AIDS specialist with 29 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS from Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, and then did his MD in Internal Medicine from Delhi University. He is currently working as Director and Chief Consultant at Shiv Ram Hospital in Pataudi, Gurugram, Haryana.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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