Accutane Side Effects

Accutane is a strong prescription medication used to treat the most severe forms of acne, and is part of a family of medications that all contain Isotretinoin, which is derived from Vitamin A. As with any medication, Accutane should only be taken under a doctor's supervision, with a prescription, and in the correct dosage. Accutane capsules should be taken with a large glass of water in order to prevent irritation of the esophagus.
 

Serious Side Effects

There are a large number of serious side effects associated with Accutane, including but not limited to:

- Chrohn's disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Suicidal thoughts and severe depression
- Birth defects
- Liver disease due to allergic reactions
- Liver damage with symptoms of nausea, low appetite, weight loss, and jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin)
- Other various gastrointestinal disorders
 

Common Side Effects

Additional, more common Accutane side effects include:

- Headaches
- Unexpected hair loss or thinning
- Skin problems of the eyes, nostrils, lips, and genitals, potentially becoming skin conditions or infections
- Thinning of the skin
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Brittle nails
- Acne flare ups
- Eczema
- Muscle pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Menstrual problems
 

Complications with Existing Health Conditions

A family history of depression can lead to the onset or worsening of symptoms, and it is advisable for anyone considering Accutane to consult their physician and a licensed psychiatrist in order to determine the level of risk and monitor any changes in symptoms.

A patient should notify their doctor before taking Accutane if they have any of the following:

- Family history of depression or other mental illnesses
- Eating disorders
- Heart disease
- Liver Disease
- Asthma
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes

Blood and liver tests may be required while undergoing treatment to ensure Accutane is not having a negative effect. There are some activities to avoid while taking Accutane.
 

Additional Side Effects

A very common side effect of Accutane is increased skin sensitivity to natural or unnatural UV rays. Exposure to sunlamps and sunlight should be reduced as far as possible while taking Accutane. If going out in bright sunlight is unavoidable, be sure to wear sunscreen, cover as much skin as possible, and wear a hat and UV resistant sunglasses. Accutane can also impair vision, so Accutane users should be especially careful at night.
 

When Taking Accutane

During the course of Accutane treatment and for six months after ending treatment, patients must not use wax based hair removal products, have laser skin treatments, or receive facials involving microdermabrasion. The effects of Accutane on the skin increase the risk of scarring.
 

Additional Information About Accutane

Accutane is derived from Vitamin A, and because large quantities of Vitamin A in the body's tissues can be toxic, Vitamin A supplements should not be taken while using Accutane.

Giving blood should be avoided. Donated blood can be given to a pregnant woman, and the presence of high quantities of Accutane in the blood can result in birth defects just as if the pregnant woman had taken it herself.
 

Accutane and Pregnancy

Accutane should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant because birth defects are likely to result. Accutane cannot be prescribed to women unless they take part in the iPLEDGE program, which requires that women take a pregnancy test prior to being prescribed Accutane, remain on two forms of birth control while taking the drug, take a monthly pregnancy test while on the medication, and file proof of the above to ensure that Accutane is never given to a pregnant woman. A doctor must be notified immediately if a woman unprotected sex while on Accutane. The iPLEDGE program is meant to ensure that Accutane is never prescribed to a pregnant woman, in order to protect the babies who would otherwise be exposed to harm.
 

Legal Options

Accutane lawsuits have been filed by patients after they experienced severe side effects while taking the medication. These lawsuits seek to recover compensatory damages for health care costs as well as pain and suffering brought on by this medication.