Accutane Side Effects & Information for Patients

With a consistent growth in medical advancements and technological breakthroughs, we live in a time where products, medicines and treatments are being introduced all the time. The safety and protection of consumers and patients must be the focal point of modern medicine.

Too often than not, drugs are approved for national use, only to be recalled weeks or months later due to adverse side effects and symptoms that went unnoticed or repressed from public knowledge. By providing FDA alerts, drug interactions and up to date information about prescription and over the counter medications, we can ensure an environment where patients have the best knowledge on their medical treatment and health.

Accutane

Accutane is a medication used for the treatment with severe cases of acne, especially those linked to permanent and disfiguring scarring such as acne vulgaris, acne conglobata and acne fulminans.

This drug is related to vitamin A, which makes it classified as a retinoid. Most dermatologists and physicians prescribe Accutane for management of acne. Since there are high risks for developing side effects, it is often not used as the first course of treatment. Deep facial cleansers and topical creams are usually the first round of treatments patients will receive. The medication has also been used sparsely to treat certain types of cancers including pancreatic and brain cancer. However, the drug may work throughout the body in killing cells not related to cancers.

A recall/black box warning information exists on all isotretinoin products, including Accutane. This label warns against the potential side effects and hazards involved with taking the drug.

Side Effects

Accutane Side Effects include: Acne flare ups, severe dry skin on body, hair thinning, headache, eczema, fatigue, brittle nails, menstrual problems, gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea. Some severe side effects which can occur to patients who consistently take Accutane may include: severe depression, suicidal thoughts, birth defects, liver damage, intense nausea and allergic reactions.

Patients with a sensitivity or allergy to paraben should avoid this drug. Accutane should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor and should be taken only in the recommended dosage. Blood and liver tests may be requested while a patient is using Accutane to ensure the body is not responding negatively to the medication.

Patients with a family history of depression are discouraged from taking Accutane, as the risk for depression can be worsened. Certain conditions may warrant an adjustment in the suggested dosage of Accutane for some patients. Accutane should Also not be used by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, as birth defects are likely.

Healthy Tips

By consulting your physician(s) and doing individual research, you can obtain the best method of treatment that is right for you personally. Sometimes, prescription of over the counter medications can provide the best treatment, other times they may not.

Eating a well balanced diet is vital in preventing chronic conditions and other health problems. Medical experts suggest eating simple organic foods; avoid junk foods; fried foods and make sure to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

See Keeping Acne In Check