Accutane

Accutane

Accutane is one of the strongest medications in the market for people with severe Acne issues. Accutane also is known as Isotretinoin that is sometimes used to prevent certain skin cancers.

Accutane was approved by the FDA in 1982 until their patent ran out in 2002. The side effects of this drug have been known to be dramatic so please read this article in 2009 by LA Times for more in-depth info.

I personally have seen the results of my clients who have been using Accutane for 3 months or so.  It’s extremely sad to see how their faces get so dry that I could easily see bloody cracks around the earlobe and around the lip area. The dryness after a few months of use looks quite scary to me.

Unfortunately for people who are desperate with severe acne, they would use anything to eliminate dealing with acne on a daily basis and I totally understand. So far there has not been any product developed that can fight acne.

https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-sci-accutane7-2009nov07-story.html

A few side effects of Accutane:
1- It is known that there is a high risk of severe birth defects for women who become pregnant while taking Accutane.
2-allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, legs, tongue, face or hives).
3- blurred vision or decreased vision (especially at night).
4-stomach, chest, or bowel pain; liver damage.
5-rectal bleeding or bloody diarrhea.
6-difficulty or pain when swallowing; new or worsening heartburn.
7-yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine.
8-severe headache or dizziness; seizures; nausea and vomiting.
9-joint or muscle pain or bone problems.
10-hearing problems or hearing loss.
11-fainting; increased thirst or urination.
12-slurred speech or problems moving.
13-increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride.
14-dry skin, dry mouth, dry or bleeding nose, dryness of the eyes.
15-itching or increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun.
16-Depression including feelings of sadness, crying spells, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, unusual tiredness, trouble concentrating, loss of appetite, even suicidal thoughts and other mental problems.

Accutane works only while they are taking it and as soon as they stop taking it, the acne comes back, as a matter of fact, Accutane can be taken only for a limited period of time. For many people, Accutane treatment is a temporary solution while it comes with risks to consider.

There are of course plenty of people who have had success with Accutane, otherwise, dermatologists wouldn’t be subscribing it. The point is to really inform yourself before going for any acne treatment.

I realize that we always look for a quick fix but please keep in mind that Accutane is not the only acne treatment that can help get rid of the acne.

This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of your physician. Consult your doctor regularly about matters concerning your health, particularly regarding symptoms that require diagnosis or immediate medical attention.