Accutane Side Effects

Accutane Side Effects, Information and Accutane Tidbits

What is Accutane?

Isotretinoin, commonly marketed as Accutane, is a medication that is used for the treatment of severe acne. Accutane is generally only used when other treatments such as topical medication or oral antibiotics fail to produce results. It is generally used as a last resort due to its high cost and higher occurrence or adverse effects than other treatments.

Isotretinoin can also be used as a chemotherapy medication for the treatment and prevention of certain types of skin cancer. Accutane can also be used for the treatment of other serious skin disorders such as xeroderma pigmentosum, keratoses, and hidradenitis supprativa. It can also be used in some cases for the Harlequin type ichthyosis, a rare, usually deadly skin deformation.

It works by limiting the amount of oil produced by the glands in your skin, and allowing it to renew itself more quickly. Isotretinoin has a very high level of lipophilicity, meaning it is best absorbed when taken after a high-fat meal.

Potential for Abuse?

No information available.

Accutane Side Effects

Serious Accutane side effects:

• depressed mood, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, crying spells, aggression or agitation, changes in behavior, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• severe acne flare, raised blood glucose level, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fatigue
• hearing problems, hearing loss, or ringing in your ears
• severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding, black, bloody, or tarry stools
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, purple spots under your skin, easy bruising or bleeding

Stop using Accutane and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Accutane can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even one dose of Accutane can cause major birth defects of the baby's ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain. Never use Accutane if you are pregnant.

Less serious Accutane side effects:

• dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
• cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails
• reduced tolerance to contact lenses
• dryness of the lips, mouth, nose, or skin
• permanent hair thinning

This is not a complete list of Accutane side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.

Interesting Accutane Tidbits

Here are some interesting tidbits on Accutane:

• Accutane has a short half life of approximately 21 hours.
  
• Ryan Gonzalez, a Harlequin type ichthyosis survivor and triathlete, uses Accutane regularly along with lotion to keep his skin supple.
  

Share your Accutane experience