subject: Acne Medications May Lead to Severe Side Effects [print this page] The acne drug Accutane can be very effective in treating severe cystic acne, or a case that has several cysts and not just one or two. However, since it first became available, the drug has been associated with some severe side effects. For this reason, it is important for patients taking it to be carefully monitored and to only resort to this drug after other options have proved ineffective.
The most common side effects of the drug are dry skin, eyes, lips, nasal passages and mucous membranes. It has also been associated with a number of skin conditions that are rare but very serious, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Accutane is a synthetic form of vitamin A, and these side effects are very similar to the effects of taking too high a dose of vitamin A.
In addition to skin problems, serious psychiatric side effects have been connected to the use of this medication. Patients have suffered from symptoms such as depression, suicidal thoughts, suicide, psychosis and violent behaviors. Any patient taking this drug should be carefully monitored not only by their doctor but also by friends and family for any changes in mood or behavior.
Another serious health issue that has been linked to Accutane therapy is the development of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Patients who have no history of this type of disease have been afflicted with it as a side effect of the medication. If someone taking it begins to experience symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, severe diarrhea or abdominal pain, they should stop taking the medication immediately and contact their health care provider.
After several lawsuits, in 2009, a nationwide recall of Accutane was initiated by the manufacturer. The drug has now been recalled in eleven additional countries around the world. If a patient has experienced significant health problems as a result of taking it, they should contact an attorney since they may be entitled to financial compensation.
If someone is thinking about using Accutane to treat their severe cystic acne, they should be sure to discuss all of the possible side effects with their doctor before beginning treatment. It is important that the doctor has the details of their medical history, particularly any history of mental illness or inflammatory bowel problems. If a patient begins to notice anything unusual as far as their health, they should immediately stop taking Accutane and contact their doctor as soon as possible.
