Accutane Side Effects

Did you ever wonder how lethal your friendly, over the counter nodular acne treatment can prove to be? Okay. Is this confusing or a no-brainer? Well, then let me elucidate it. In adolescents, in severe cases of nodular acne, accutane or to be precise isotretinoin is prescribed. Claims of dealing with acne effectively apart, what has got the medicine under the grab of contention and controversy are its supposed side effects on health. In fact, law suits have been filed against accutane on account of personal injury. So let us see what are side effects of accutane which have created such a stir in the medical world.

Accutane (Isotretinoin) Properties

Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in the accutane product was initially developed as a chemotherapy medication, as it has an ability to destroy rapidly dividing cells. That is the main reason it was introduced in the treatment of acne. What it does while treating acne is that it leads to decrease in the size and sebum secretion from sebaceous glands. Isotretinoin's effect on several of acne triggers and impact along with a number of factors combined with this medicine are effective in acne control than using those usual antibiotics.

Side Effects of Accutane

If accutane is consumed in excess or for a long period time, the side effects can range from common or slight to acute side effects.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease
According to experts in this field, inflammatory bowel disease, refers to two things - ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Abdominal pain, arthritis or joint pain, fever, weight loss rash and bloody stools are the prominent symptoms of this disease. In Crohn's disease, there is thickening of the intestinal wall, in last part of the small intestine and first part of the large intestine. In ulcerative colitis, ulcers form on the surface of the lining of the top most layer of the large intestine. Both these diseases have their different set of symptoms revolving around the stomach intestines and things cropping up from that.

Liver Problems
Liver problems can be a part of accutane side effects, and may surface years later. These are -

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss

Effects on the Mental Health
The side effects, long term, that too on the psyche of a person. Psychological long term side effects of accutane can range from mood changes, to feelings of guilt, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, fatigue to even acting on dangerous impulses. Some other side effects are:

• Concentration problems
• Sleep pattern alterations
• Weight or appetite altered
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Restlessness and irritability or either one
• Hallucinations or delusions

These are some of the worst side effects of accutane in men and women.

Some More Side Effects of Accutane

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, dry and fragile skin and lips and mouth and dry nose are some more side effects of this medicine on the body. In addition to these, a person can experience joint pain, itching and nosebleed. Decreased night vision and tolerance to contact lenses and other vision problems, delay in healing of wound, headache, peeling of palms or soles, hair loss, vomiting, fever and a few more side effects are encountered by individuals taking this drug, as per statistics regarding accutane side effects.

Finally if women are on accutane, they should avoid trying to be pregnant. It is not a very good idea for the baby if the woman is taking accutane. To avoid side effects of accutane in women, consult a doctor before you take accutane. Although some of these claims have to be scientifically proved, it is always good to be on the safer side then repent later, right? Take Care!