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Accutane results and side effects.What are the side effects of Accutane? |
- Accutane results and side effects
Accutane results and side effects
Isotretinoin Accutane is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat severe acne. It is a retinoid, which is a class of drugs similar to vitamin A. Accutane has a range of side effects, including severe ones. This article will examine some of the side effects of Accutane.
Before taking Accutane, and at regular intervals afterward, people will undergo blood tests to check their liver and kidney function, as well as their levels of fats and cholesterol. People taking Accutane may also have increased sensitivity to UV light, so they should use sun protection and avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Current advice says that people taking Accutane should also avoid waxing or other carrying out cosmetic skin procedures while taking the drug and for 6 months afterward.
This is to prevent scarring. However, one review found no evidence to support delaying cosmetic procedures after using Accutane or products containing isotretinoin. That said, people should only perform such procedures with the advice of an experienced physician. People sometimes mention weight gain or weight loss when talking about Accutane. However, the FDA do not currently list weight change as a side effect of this drug.
It is very important that anyone who is pregnant, who is planning to become pregnant, or who may become pregnant accidentally does not take Accutane. These effects are severe and not unusual. Different countries have introduced various regulatory procedures to prevent fetal exposure to this medication, including asking people to use two contraception methods during and after retinoid treatment and to take regular pregnancy tests.
One analysis reported that although the number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and fetal defects in people taking isotretinoin has decreased since then, they do still happen. Accutane may also increase the levels of blood cholesterol and fats in the body. Undergoing regular blood tests allows doctors to monitor these. Taking Accutane may lead to a reduction in the number of red and white blood cells. Anemia may affect more than 1 in 10 people taking Accutane.
The following sections will discuss the potential long-term side effects of Accutane in more detail. Accutane does not appear to affect fertility.
However, scientists have found a link between Accutane and sexual side effects, such as:. These severe but rare side effects may also persist after a person stops taking Accutane, so follow-up care is essential. This could lead to permanent sight loss and, in rare cases, death. Accutane may increase the levels of sugar in the blood and, rarely, lead to diabetes. People may experience a loss of night vision sometimes permanently and other severe eye problems from taking Accutane.
This medication can also make it hard to wear contact lenses, and this difficulty may continue after treatment. As well as the more common, minor skin side effects, people have reported severe skin conditions with the use of Accutane.
Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane. These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage. Some people had sexual side effects appear or become significantly worse after they had stopped treatment, according to one review. Meanwhile, a study found an increased risk of suicide for up to 6 months after Accutane treatment had stopped. However, the risk of attempting suicide was higher before treatment started.
For this reason, it is not possible to confirm any additional risk due to Accutane. People who are about to take Accutane should talk to their doctor about any other medications or herbal supplements they take. Likewise, taking St. People taking Accutane should see a doctor if any of the minor side effects persist and are causing them difficulty. If anyone notices these symptoms while taking Accutane, they should stop taking the medication immediately and call a doctor.
Also, anyone who breaks a bone should tell the doctor treating them that they are taking Accutane. Accutane is an effective treatment for severe acne, but it has some serious side effects, including mental health problems and risks associated with pregnancy. Anyone who is considering taking this medication should have a detailed conversation with their doctor about the risks and how to reduce them.
Accutane, a drug that helps treat severe acne, contains isotretinoin. Isotretinoin may cause side effects, including hair loss. Learn more about why…. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients in acne medications.
Learn about the benefits and side effects of each here. Cystic acne is an uncommon and severe form of acne. The skin condition results from blocked pores in the skin that cause infection and inflammation….
Back acne, or backne, is a common condition that occurs when oil and skin cells block pores. Learn about its treatment and prevention here. The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure New directions in dementia research Can psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain? Medical News Today. Health Conditions Discover Tools Connect. What are the side effects of Accutane? Side effects Long-term After stopping Interactions Seeing a doctor Summary Isotretinoin Accutane is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat severe acne.
Side effects of Accutane. Share on Pinterest Accutane has several potential side effects. Long-term side effects. Side effects after stopping the drug. When to see a doctor. How we vetted this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.
You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Pain nerves may help to maintain a healthy gut, study shows. Skin and brain cancers: New discovery may help improve treatment. Will it be possible to treat inherited blindness in adults? Can where you live affect your PCOS symptoms? Related Coverage.
What to know about hair loss and Accutane. Salicylic acid vs. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. Everything you need to know about cystic acne. Medically reviewed by University of Illinois.
❾-50%}Accutane results and side effects -
These severe but rare side effects may also persist after a person stops taking Accutane, so follow-up care is essential. This could lead to permanent sight loss and, in rare cases, death.
Accutane may increase the levels of sugar in the blood and, rarely, lead to diabetes. People may experience a loss of night vision sometimes permanently and other severe eye problems from taking Accutane. This medication can also make it hard to wear contact lenses, and this difficulty may continue after treatment. As well as the more common, minor skin side effects, people have reported severe skin conditions with the use of Accutane.
Some of the long-term side effects may persist after a person has stopped taking Accutane. These may even cause permanent problems, such as scarring, vision loss, or internal organ damage. Some people had sexual side effects appear or become significantly worse after they had stopped treatment, according to one review. Meanwhile, a study found an increased risk of suicide for up to 6 months after Accutane treatment had stopped. However, the risk of attempting suicide was higher before treatment started.
For this reason, it is not possible to confirm any additional risk due to Accutane. People who are about to take Accutane should talk to their doctor about any other medications or herbal supplements they take. Likewise, taking St. People taking Accutane should see a doctor if any of the minor side effects persist and are causing them difficulty.
If anyone notices these symptoms while taking Accutane, they should stop taking the medication immediately and call a doctor. Also, anyone who breaks a bone should tell the doctor treating them that they are taking Accutane. Accutane is an effective treatment for severe acne, but it has some serious side effects, including mental health problems and risks associated with pregnancy. Anyone who is considering taking this medication should have a detailed conversation with their doctor about the risks and how to reduce them.
You may prevent them by taking a pregnancy test monthly and using effective birth control while on the regimen. But as always, the best way to get rid of acne safely and effectively is to consult a board-certified dermatologist. They specialize in a vast array of acne treatments, including Accutane. Acne lesions are more complicated than they look.
At BHSkin Dermatology, our skin doctors have years of experience getting rid of this problem safely and effectively. And Accutane treatment is one of their many specialties. Visit us at our Glendale or Encino office or use our virtual portal for a consultation.
Suite Encino, CA If you'd like to be added to our database to receive emails with news about BHSkin products and services, please enter your email address below. How Does Accutane Work? What Are the Side Effects of Accutane? What Is Accutane Recommended For? Severe Nodular Acne The drug has also been used off-label—or without FDA approval—for the following skin conditions: Darier disease , presenting with greasy, malodorous, wart-like lesions in body areas with plenty of oil sebaceous glands Inflammatory forms of rosacea , especially if accompanied by skin oiliness Pre-surgical treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa or the inflammation of hair follicles in sweat gland-rich areas Some stubborn lupus skin manifestations Treatment-resistant seborrheic eczema , a clinical form of the disease notable for producing greasy scales However, only licensed physicians, such as board-certified dermatologists, can ensure the safety of off-label treatments.
The following are the most important processes leading to acne formation: Abnormal cellular growth inside the hair follicles, clogging the skin pores Excessive production of oil or sebum, which may also have an abnormal composition Increased bacterial activity Inflammation These events may be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, medications, unhealthy eating, poor hygiene, immunologic dysfunction and many others. Common Accutane Side Effects These symptoms stem from the suppression of skin cell growth and oil secretion.
Common Accutane side effects include the following: Skin dryness, redness and tightness Photosensitivity due to skin thinning Skin fragility that may result in cracking and peeling Thinning and other changes in the hair and nails Mucosal dryness, e.
Uncommon and Preventable Accutane Side Effects Isotretinoin penetrates various tissues, so it can potentially cause the following systemic adverse effects: Pregnancy and Fetal Issues Accutane can cross the placenta. Some of the most serious consequences of taking this medication are its detriments to the unborn, which include the following: Severe birth defects, which may result in infant death Miscarriage Premature birth The drug can also remain in sperm.
Premature birth is a severe side effect of Accutane. Patients can prevent it by using contraceptives during therapy Musculoskeletal Problems Accutane patients may experience muscle cramps, joint pain and bone pain. They include the following: Depression Hallucinations Suicidal thoughts Aggressive behavior However, large-scale studies have not been able to establish a clear link between isotretinoin intake and mental health issues.
Effects on the Digestive System Intestinal disturbances during isotretinoin therapy are uncommon, but nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, severe diarrhea and rectal bleeding can occur. Effects on the Blood Accutane may cause clotting disturbance and decrease platelet counts, making patients prone to bleeding, bruising or stroke formation. Allergic Reaction Isotretinoin by itself has a low chance of inducing hypersensitivity.
Abnormalities of the Senses Hearing impairment is a possible side effect of Accutane treatment, the reasons for which are unclear. Respiratory Issues People on isotretinoin therapy may experience breathing problems, vocal disturbances or respiratory infections.
Menstrual Problems Female patients on Accutane may experience menstrual irregularities, particularly amenorrhea or the absence of menstruation. Get superior skincare from LA's finest dermatologists Book the type of an appointment that suits you best. Book Appointment Virtual Consultation. Share content in Facebook Share content in Twitter. Glendale dermatology location details. Encino dermatology location details. Book an Appointment.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter. Email Text Submit. Changes in the skin, hair, nails and mucosal surfaces Dryness Thinning and fragility Susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus infections. Pregnancy and fetal issues Severe birth defects Miscarriage Premature birth. Musculoskeletal problems Muscle, bone or joint pain Muscle, bone or joint abnormalities in both adults and very young children.
Metabolic problems Increased triglyceride or sugar levels in the blood. Effects on the digestive system Nausea Vomiting Stomach pain Severe diarrhea Rectal bleeding Aggravation of inflammatory bowel disease, especially ulcerative colitis Liver damage Pancreatitis.
Apply a moisturiser cream or ointment and lip balm regularly speak to a pharmacist or your doctor about the best type to use.
Avoid using exfoliating products or anti-acne products. Try applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the inside edges of your nose. Ask your pharmacist or optician to recommend some eye drops. If you wear contact lenses and these become uncomfortable, you might have to wear glasses instead while you're taking this medicine. You may notice your skin becoming more fragile and getting redder, and it may be more sensitive to sunlight. Do not have any cosmetic treatments, including hair removal waxing , dermabrasion, or laser treatments while you're taking isotretinoin, and for 6 months after you stop taking it.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible and use a high factor sun cream SPF 15 or above before you go outside, even on cloudy days. Christina Yannello barefacedfemme. I got my first breakout when I was 12 years old, and for the next five years, I was in a constant battle with my skin. I tried everything under the sun to treat it: antibiotics, topical creams, chemical peels, veganism, hormonal pills, spironolactone , cortisone shots, lasers—everything.
I was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disorder that can cause—among other things—persistent acne. I knew then that I had to take the leap and try isotretinoin. A post shared by bare faced femme barefacedfemme. I was on it for eight months total: For the first three months, I took 40mg, then 60mg for the last five months. I had dry everything —face, lips, eyes, scalp, body—and my hair started shedding a bit, too.
It was all an emotional roller coaster for me. About two months after I finished Accutane, I saw the severity of my migraines, dry eyes, and dry scalp decrease. After four months, my emotional health evened out and I felt back to my old self. It sounds weird, but I really think I was meant to get severe acne. My journey taught me so much about myself: to love myself and be confident, no matter the condition of my skin.
And I would percent consider going back on isotretinoin again if I needed to. Belle Hubbard barefacedbelle. I suffered with severe acne for three years before deciding to try isotretinoin. My breakouts were super oily, sore, and red no matter what I put on them, and kids at school would call me Braille face. The first two times, my acne slowly got worse over six months, then came back as bad as before.
My dermatologist even switched up the dosing each time: My first course, I slowly reached 60mg a day; my second course, we took the approach of 10mg a day for a longer period of time; and my third course, I slowly reached 60mg again. But after my third round, my skin was still incredibly oily and broken out. He apologized and said there was nothing else he could offer me.
I cried the whole way home. But then, strangely, my skin began to clear up a few months later, almost like a delayed effect. A post shared by Belle all things positivity barefacedbelle. I honestly had almost every side effect in the book: dryness, eczema, rashes, body soreness, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, nosebleeds, stomach problems, hair loss, irritability, and brain fog. Even my vision was still a little blurry until this past summer.
If you do decide to go on isotretinoin, I have two words of advice: 1 Take progress pictures! I tried to push myself over and over again, and I ended up worse off in the end. Use this 2 percent salicylic acid serum all over or as a spot treatment to keep pores clear of acne-causing sebum and dead skin cells.
This retinoid gel treats acne in two ways: 1. It boosts cell turnover to keep pores clear and 2. It reduces inflammation associated with breakouts.
It's strong though, so use it only every three days for the first few months. For best results, apply it on clean skin for 10 minutes twice a week. BP is gold when it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria. It's used here in a 2.
But, hey, I get it—you want details. Which is why I chatted with nine women about their before-and-after experiences with isotretinoin, from a few who finished their doses just a year ago, to some who finished theirs a decade ago, along with expert commentary from dermatologists. Isotretinoin, commonly referred to as Accutane note: Accutane was a brand name for isotretinoin and is no longer manufacturedis a vitamin-A derivative that, when taken orally, minimizes the oil production in your skin.
Basically, isotretinoin slowly shuts down the party in your pores, so acne has a hard time setting up shop on your face. That being said, many patients tend to take mg of Accutane a day for six months —though, again, how many milligrams you take each day and for how long is based on your weight and health. For people with adult female acne AFAi. Again, it all super depends. Ideally, yes, Accutane is a permanent fix to major acne breakouts.
But in reality, even the best-adhering patients can still get the occasional tiny zit because we're all human, and humans sometimes accidentally sleep in their makeupor stress out too much, or partake in a bit too many cocktailsthough they'll rarely experience acne as severely as before. But does isotretinoin deserve the scary reputation you see on the internet? Definitely not except, of course, when we talk about its known risk of causing birth defectswhich is why regular blood tests, pregnancy tests, and birth control is required while taking the drug.
But in terms of the other out-there side effects you hear about, I once polled a handful of dermatologists who, collectively, had written more than 2, isotretinoin prescriptions in their careers. They said out of all their patients, fewer than 15 of them had serious problems while taking Accutane—the effects of which were resolved with a lower dose or stopping treatment altogether.
Now, ready to get into those before-and-after photos and first-person stories? Thought so. Let's get into it:. Mariah Pearson mariah. A few months before I decided to start isotretinoin, I developed a very rare, very severe type of acne called acne conglobatawhich left my face covered in deep, itchy, leaky, and incredibly painful cysts. It affected every aspect of my life, and I honestly felt like a victim to my own skin. I ended up going on isotretinoin for a little over eight months, and for the majority of that time, I was on 30mg: a lower dose than the usual mg, but the perfect dose for me.
Thankfully, all of my side effects started to subside a month after I finished Accutaneand I noticed my energy levels rising after about two weeks. I still have dry eyes nine months later, and I still break out before my period. Still, all of the side effects were so worth it to me, because isotretinoin saved my skin—it genuinely changed my life.
Another common, yet annoying side effect. My dermatologist ended up starting my Accutane dosage at 20mg the first month, then bumped me up to 40mg for three months, then had me on 60mg for the last two months. The only remaining side effect I have nine months after stopping Accutane is the eczema.
As for my acne, I do get the occasional cyst or whitehead now, though nowhere near as severely as before. I do feel really proud of myself for going on it despite my fears, though, and if I needed to, I would probably do it all over again. Infused with hyaluronic acid a humectant that draws moisture to the skinthis non-stripping face wash helps hydrate skin while you cleanse. Slather on this moisturizing cream both morning and night to minimize dryness and flaking.
The gentle formula is free from potential irritants, like synthetic fragrance and dyes. Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen, but if your skin is red or sensitive, opt for a broad-spectrum mineral formula made with zinc like this one —it's less likely to irritate your skin. When your lips are chapped and cracking, only Aquaphor will do. The combo of petroleum jelly, shea butter, and chamomile is intensely moisturizing and soothing.
Christina Yannello barefacedfemme. I got my first breakout when I was 12 years old, and for the next five years, I was in a constant battle with my skin. I tried everything under the sun to treat it: antibiotics, topical creams, chemical peels, veganism, hormonal pills, spironolactonecortisone shots, lasers—everything. I was eventually diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal disorder that can cause—among other things—persistent acne.
I knew then that I had to take the leap and try isotretinoin. A post shared by bare faced femme barefacedfemme. I was on it for eight months total: For the first three months, I took 40mg, then 60mg for the last five months. I had dry everything —face, lips, eyes, scalp, body—and my hair started shedding a bit, too. It was all an emotional roller coaster for me.
About two months after I finished Accutane, I saw the severity of my migraines, dry eyes, and dry scalp decrease. After four months, my emotional health evened out and I felt back to my old self.
It sounds weird, but I really think I was meant to get severe acne. My journey taught me so much about myself: to love myself and be confident, no matter the condition of my skin. And I would percent consider going back on isotretinoin again if I needed to. Belle Hubbard barefacedbelle.
I suffered with severe acne for three years before deciding to try isotretinoin. My breakouts were super oily, sore, and red no matter what I put on them, and kids at school would call me Braille face. The first two times, my acne slowly got worse over six months, then came back as bad as before. My dermatologist even switched up the dosing each time: My first course, I slowly reached 60mg a day; my second course, we took the approach of 10mg a day for a longer period of time; and my third course, I slowly reached 60mg again.
But after my third round, my skin was still incredibly oily and broken out. He apologized and said there was nothing else he could offer me.
I cried the whole way home. But then, strangely, my skin began to clear up a few months later, almost like a delayed effect. A post shared by Belle all things positivity barefacedbelle. I honestly had almost every side effect in the book: dryness, eczema, rashes, body soreness, fatigue, blurred vision, headaches, nosebleeds, stomach problems, hair loss, irritability, and brain fog. Even my vision was still a little blurry until this past summer.
If you do decide to go on isotretinoin, I have two words of advice: 1 Take progress pictures! I tried to push myself over and over again, and I ended up worse off in the end.
Use this 2 percent salicylic acid serum all over or as a spot treatment to keep pores clear of acne-causing sebum and dead skin cells. This retinoid gel treats acne in two ways: 1. It boosts cell turnover to keep pores clear and 2. It reduces inflammation associated with breakouts. It's strong though, so use it only every three days for the first few months.
For best results, apply it on clean skin for 10 minutes twice a week. BP is gold when it comes to killing acne-causing bacteria. It's used here in a 2.
Sofia Grahn isotretinoinwiths. Before Accutane, I used to have severe acne—mostly concentrated on my cheeks and forehead, but also along my neck, chest, and back. For the first month of treatment, my skin also went through the initial purging period, meaning my acne got significantly worse like, it doubled in severity before it started to calm down again.
Those first few months were percent the hardest to endure, but I look back at it all with gratitude. When my acne was at its peak severity, my mental health truly suffered in all ways imaginable. So if my skin ever came to affect me the way it did prior to isotretinoin, I would probably go on it again. Before isotretinoin, I had severe cystic acne on my face, chest, arms, and back. Every time my skin bumped against something, it felt like somebody had poked the most sensitive blister.
My acne would then form keloid scarswhich I still have all over my shoulders and back. I decided to go on Accutane in the fall of I started with a low dosage twice a day, then was upped to a stronger dose once a day after a few months. The strongest side effect I had was dry skin: My scalp and nose were always dry and itchy, and my lips were constantly cracked.
The second side effect was a lower alcohol tolerance. I remember going out with friends early on in my Accutane journey, drinking just a few drinks, and getting a terrible hangover and headache that lasted way longer than my usual hangovers. Thankfully, these were my only two big side effects, and they went away on their own within two months after treatment. Because my body tolerated Accutane so well and the results were so excellent, I finished after six months rather than the anticipated nine.
I'm so happy I did it, and I wish I hadn't been so scared in the first place. The best part is that my skin isn't constantly inflamed anymore—I can wear makeup, bras, and whatever clothes I want without being in constant pain. And now, whenever I do get the occasional pimple, I'm not worried that I'm about to face clusters of inflammation for months. Not only does Accutane already put a bunch of stress on your liver which is the same organ responsible for processing all those White Claws you drinkbut it also dries your body out.
I grew up in a beach town and would wear a full face of makeup to the beach, or beg not to go to school because I was having a particularly bad skin day.
I ended up doing two rounds of isotretinoin about four years apart. Over time, though, my acne came back even worse and more painful than before, so I ended up doing a second round of treatment. I have no residual effects from the medication, and all of my deep acne scars have gone away, too. For me, the biggest side effects I dealt with were an extremely dry nose and lips, and I had large patches of cracked and scaly skin. But all of it started to go away within a few weeks after I finished the medication.
As Dr. Gohara said, very few five percent, if she had to guess of her patients go on Accutane a second time, while the vast majority never see a major breakout again. Again, your results will vary, but rest assured most patients see life-changing improvements with a course of isotretinoin.
Miscarriage or infant death. Depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Miscarriage or infant death. Depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Crohn's disease. It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly.Accutane is a brand of oral isotretinoin. Its vitamin A-like actions make it an excellent acne medication. However, the wide range of Accutane side effects makes close medical supervision imperative throughout the regimen. The FDA classifies it as a prescription drug, though some websites sell it illegally, transacting even without a prescription.
What things should you watch out for while on Accutane treatment? What can you and your dermatologist do to control them? What happens when you stop intake? Learning to navigate the downsides of this highly effective acne therapy helps patients make the most out of it.
This article provides information that can help you reach that goal. Nodular acne may bleed or have pus. Oral isotretinoin may also be prescribed to individuals with milder forms of acne vulgaris if the condition is causing severe physical or emotional distress.
Patients must be non-pregnant and 12 years or older when they take the medication. The drug has also been used off-label—or without FDA approval—for the following skin conditions:. However, only licensed physicians, such as board-certified dermatologists, can ensure the safety of off-label treatments. Acne formation is the culmination of several processes triggered by various factors. The main site affected is the pilosebaceous unit, which is made up of the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland attached to it.
These events may be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, medications, unhealthy eating, poor hygiene, immunologic dysfunction and many others. Accutane is one of the most effective acne remedies because it acts at the genetic level to reverse all the processes creating the inflamed lesions. But this is a period when the skin removes the dysfunctional cells in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands and replaces them with normal ones.
Expect significant improvement by the third month. Complete clearance occurs from the fourth month onwards. This is a common term found when researching symptoms of Accutane. Oral isotretinoin therapy is typically 15 to 20 weeks long. But in most patients, the skin continues to improve until months after stopping intake.
If you have a good response, your dermatologist may shorten the regimen to limit your side effect risk. You may learn more about how isotretinoin therapy works by checking out our Accutane before-and-after treatment guide. Oral isotretinoin can penetrate cells throughout the body, so it may potentially result in a number of adverse effects.
We discuss them below. These symptoms stem from the suppression of skin cell growth and oil secretion. Skin cells are similar in many ways to mucosal cells, so mucous surfaces are affected, too.
These symptoms are easy to manage, as we shall explain later. Sebum production usually returns to normal months after the regimen and up to a year in rare cases.
Isotretinoin penetrates various tissues, so it can potentially cause the following systemic adverse effects:. Accutane can cross the placenta. Some of the most serious consequences of taking this medication are its detriments to the unborn, which include the following:.
The drug can also remain in sperm. Patients must not be pregnant or considering having children while on isotretinoin treatment and a few months after. Accutane patients may experience muscle cramps, joint pain and bone pain. Osteoporosis and abnormal bone formation have been reported following its use.
Breastfeeding mothers must also be aware that this medication may be excreted in human milk. It can cause bone and cartilage abnormalities in very young children. It is mostly associated with the concomitant use of tetracycline antibiotics. Psychiatric adverse effects have also been reported among patients on oral isotretinoin therapy. They include the following:. However, large-scale studies have not been able to establish a clear link between isotretinoin intake and mental health issues.
Meanwhile, acne vulgaris is a known risk factor for emotional and social distress. Accutane may also cause blood sugar elevation, making it highly risky for people with diabetes mellitus.
Intestinal disturbances during isotretinoin therapy are uncommon, but nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, severe diarrhea and rectal bleeding can occur.
The drug may aggravate abdominal symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, notably ulcerative colitis. The liver is the main metabolic site of isotretinoin and other vitamin A-like drugs.
Susceptible patients may experience a temporary elevation of liver enzymes—a sign of mild liver damage. Overt liver disease—the earliest symptoms of which are yellowing of the skin and darkening of the urine—is rare. Pancreatitis, signified by deep abdominal pain, may occur with or without triglyceride elevation. The manifestations range from mild to severe. Accutane may cause clotting disturbance and decrease platelet counts, making patients prone to bleeding, bruising or stroke formation.
It may also reduce red and white blood cell counts, resulting in anemia and immunosuppression. Isotretinoin by itself has a low chance of inducing hypersensitivity. However, the preservatives used in manufacturing isotretinoin capsules, specifically parabens, are likely to cause allergies. The manifestations include rashes, shortness of breath, kidney problems, etc. Hearing impairment is a possible side effect of Accutane treatment, the reasons for which are unclear.
People on isotretinoin therapy may experience breathing problems, vocal disturbances or respiratory infections. These are thought to be due to mucosal changes in the breathing passageways. Asthmatics are especially vulnerable. Female patients on Accutane may experience menstrual irregularities, particularly amenorrhea or the absence of menstruation.
Changes in the skin, hair, nails and mucosal surfaces. Accutane is very effective. So you should seriously consider it if you want to prevent further breakouts, acne scars and the hassles they could bring. But remember that it is not the first line of acne therapy because of its potential hazards. Doctors recommend it only if the benefits will surely outweigh the risks. Patient screening is essential before recommending Accutane.
Your doctor will take your full medical history and physical examination to look for possible contraindications. A physician can find clues to many pre-existing conditions from the patient consultation alone. Hearing problems, visual impairment and mental disturbances are some examples.
But the doctor may recommend a different acne treatment to those requiring medications that can affect the liver. Blood testing can help detect conditions that are not obvious during consultation. It is particularly important to people at risk, such as overweight individuals, undiagnosed diabetics and those taking liver-metabolized medications. Examples of blood tests are fasting blood sugar, fasting blood lipids and liver enzymes. Birth defects and other fetal problems may be avoided by screening out pregnant patients and keeping eligible ones on birth control.
For female patients of childbearing age, the doctor will order a pregnancy test before starting Accutane. They must use two forms of contraceptives beginning at least one month before the treatment course and until one month after. A monthly pregnancy test is required until one month after completing the therapy. Male patients must also use effective contraception to prevent Accutane transmission through the semen.
Your doctor will start you on the lowest effective dose to minimize your complication risk. But they may advise the following for non-life-threatening side effects:. Most patients respond to these measures and finish the treatment uneventfully. However, you may talk to your doctor about stopping midway if even minor side effects become intolerable. Vigilance is key to preventing severe side effects. So expect frequent doctor visits and, possibly, regular blood testing during Accutane therapy.
A mild blood test abnormality may be addressed by lowering the dose and continuation of monitoring. But the physician may stop the treatment if they find large deviations. Other reasons for discontinuing Accutane therapy include new hearing or visual problems, psychiatric changes, respiratory issues, severe gastrointestinal symptoms, hypersensitivity and other conditions needing emergency treatment.
The physician may also refer the patient to another specialist if needed. These measures can help you ensure the success of your treatment while preventing its serious consequences.
Avoidance of cosmetic procedures, alcohol and blood donation are some examples. We explain them further in our Accutane before-and-after treatment guide. You would also be able to control the minor ones easily.
But once you stop the treatment, it takes days to weeks before the side effects diminish. As previously mentioned, sebum secretion may not normalize until months after therapy for most patients and up to a year for some. You may have to continue treating skin and mucosal symptoms during this time.
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