Accutane also known as isotretinoin or Roaccutane is the only drug that can be used as a cure for acne. However, it is also commonly associated with some of the most serious side effects of any medication including malformations in fetuses, depression and suicide.

Accutane is derived from Vitamin A and it is taken in oral form. While Vitamin A is necessary for a persons health, too much of it will cause a buildup of toxicity in your body. This is where most of the side effects of Accutane begin.

Accutane Side effect

Typical Side Effects

Accutane is most known for keeping a patients skin clear for a long period after the initial prescription dose is complete. The most common side effect is a condition called hypervitaminosis A which is a condition associated with high toxic levels of Vitamin A. This condition can lead to dry and irritated skin, dry eyes and dry or cracked lips. Some people have experienced loss of hair or headaches. Others have muscle aches and pain along with join pain. Therefore, it is recommend that people on Accutane should avoid vigorous exercise.

Rare Side Effects

Other side effects that have occurred but a less likely to happen are colitis, an inability to see clearly at night, hepatitis and an increase of lipids in the blood. There is also the chance that Accutane may increase the level of blood fats to a risky level. Accutane may also effect the liver by increase the number of liver enzymes. This is why many doctors will require regular blood tests while a person is undergoing treatment with Accutane. If proper measures are taken carefully then the risks of side effects is reduced.

Other less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, changes in mood, severe stomach pains, diarrhea, bowel problems, calcium deposits in the tendons, an increase in cholesterol levels and a yellowing of the skin.

Pregnancy and Accutane

For women who take Accutane the birth defect rate is ninety percent. The best way to reduce the risk of this happening while taking the drug is to abstain from sex altogether. If you are on Accutane then it is best to use a second birth control method at the same time. It is best to consult with your doctor whenever you take Accutane and birth control at the same time. There is also the possibility that a pregnant woman can have a miscarriage.

Depression

There is no specifically clear link between Accutane and depression yet. In studies involving Accutane the portion of those who attempted suicide while taking Accutane in comparison with the total number who took Accutane was not higher than the general percentage of those who attempted suicide out of the entire population. However, depression and suicide are still listed as potential side effects of taking Accutane since it is still a possible consequence.

Skin Vulnerability

An added caution is that those who take Accutane will not heal as quickly. A persons skin will be more prone to scarring even from things as simple as face waxing.

Failure of Accutane

In rare cases after even two or three treatment courses with Accutane a persons acne may return or become worse than it did before treatment started. Most of the time this occurs when the incorrect dose is taken for too short a time, if other medications are being taken at the same time which are counteracting the Accutane and women who have hormonal irregularities.

Whether or not the side effects outweigh the benefits when taking Accutane is a personal decision. Some may feel comfortable with risking the side effects if it will offer relief from severe acne symptoms. However, before taking Accutane it is best to consult with your doctor about the effects of Accutane and whether or not your acne is serious enough to need Accutane.

Accutane for Acne

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