Long Term Side Effects of Accutane

There are many different types of Acne and these different types of acne come with different severities.

These severities are usually treated with different type of treatment options. Mild acne can be cured by over the counter products. Moderate acne can be cured with both over the counter products or prescription medication. Severe acne is usually treated with prescription medication. When a person's cystic acne does not respond to other medications then dermatologists usually prescribe Accutane. Due to its severe side effects it is prescribed under strict monitoring. Patient should be monitored by his/her dermatologist regularly.

There are some short term and long term side effects associated with Accutane. These side effects vary from suicidal behaviour, to birth defects of the unborn child to dry lips which is the less severe side effect. Doctors usually prescribe this under strict medical check so that they can discontinue the treatment if complications arise. But in certain cases these side effects continue to plague the patient even after the medication has been stopped.

The most severe side effect of accutane that is reported till now is deformities in unborn fetus which sometimes ends on miscarriage or abortions. To lessen this side effect it is recommended strictly not to to take this medication when you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. You should get yourself checked regularly during consumption of this medication.

The other major reported side effect is severe depression and suicidal behaviour. It is said that accutane can negatively effect brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. Normally while on treatment patients observes following symptoms sad mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure ... mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression which causes severe depression and suicidal thought. If you notice any one of them then you should inform your dermatologist immediately.

Some minor side effects are dry lips and mouth, minor swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, indigestion, or thinning of hair. If these side effects persists for long term or worsen then notify your dermatologist. Mostly doctors stop treatment for sometime and then monitor their patient, if these side effects heal then they start this treatment again. In very minor cases it is reported side effects still persist after completing treatment. Most of the side effects are observed in long term treatments.

To avoid all these side effects it is recommended that you go for a more natural treatment that has no side effects. These natural medication have shown to be effective against acne and other skin disorders.

Comments

presciption acne pill must be on birth control 1 month before treatment and 1 month after!!

by: ACNE PILLS

Ongoing severe treatment resistant depression which started after second round of accutane 8 years ago. Was discontinued immediately. However, ongoing severe depression and dysfunction with only a couple periods of brief improvement, never back to normal. Depression can begin in the months after treatment discontinued. Some subtle symptoms initially occur, followed by severe depression. Problem: MD's, especially dermatologists, lots of psychiatrists, psychologists, etc. often dismiss these symptoms. Patients are not often followed long term and are lost to follow up. Even if they suspect accutane could be the culprit to the depression a majority of patients and families won't pull the alarm and fight the system. The FDA is doing a great injustice to the public by allowing this brain toxic medication to be used by adolescents during this vulnerable time in their lives. I am a clinician and my daughter is severely affected by severe depression from accutane. I have also been dismissed, challenged, disrespected and disregarded, by those who I would otherwise consider my colleagues. I have been able to share evidence to many of my colleagues who have seen me go through tremendous pain with my daughter. They understand the devestating long term effects on the brain. I have interviewed many who have been on accutane. Its amazing that nearly 90% have had adverse depressive effects, many severe. Its is inexcusible that the hundreds of thousands of patients who suffer from isotretinoin's damaging effects on the brain are not getting adequately reimburse and must lead a life of despair an disability. Those patients with IBD also suffer devastating effects. Since biopsy results can show clear evidence of inflammatory responses from Crohns, IBD patients can get reimbursed for their afflictions. And, they should! However, there is great inequity and stigma which continues to exist with mental illness since the legal and medical communities don't stand up for their rights and what is most discrediting is that They don't believe people who have clearly seen the cause and effect of misery from this medication. I do want to take this to the highest level to help those who can't help themselves. However, I for one have been so engulfed in helping my daughter in any possible way to get her life back, that I don't have time to file a law suit, when her life is at risk. I am advocating for her 100%. Medical and psychological costs are so severe and so high. This is unacceptible. Does the FDA succomb Roche Hoffman as lobbyists? Are they listening too much to the medical profession and tainted studies rather than the many vulnerable people who can have no voice since their depression is so severe. Who is going to report them? Again a tragedy.

by: Must inform FDA of Major Problem with Accutane

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