Posted by Hellen in Accutane
Accutane is a drug used to treat severe acne that has been considered untreatable by other means, including antibiotics. Accutane must be prescribed by a dermatologist, and requires monthly check ups while on the treatment. You are required to sign a waiver form indicating you have read and understand all of the major possible side effects of the drug before a dermatologist will even write the prescription. Doctors will not prescribe Accutane if there is a history of depression or mental health problems in your family.
Side Effects
One of the major risks when taking Accutane is the possibility of liver failure. Accutane is prescribed in one month doses, and you are required to get a monthly blood test to prove that the drug is not damaging your liver before your doctor will further prescribe the treatment. It is mandatory for women taking Accutane to also be on a form of oral contraception, as there is a major risk of birth defects (deformed babies), premature births, and death in babies if the person becomes pregnant anytime during treatment, or within 6 months of completing treatment. Another major risk when taking Accutane is the possibility of developing serious mental health problems. Some patients have been known to develop depression, including thoughts of suicide, during treatment or soon after completing treatment.
Some of the most common side effects include dry, chafing skin, severely chapped lips, dry eye syndrome, dry nasal passageways, hair loss, extreme fatigue, and headaches. While most of these side effects will subside once treatment is completed, others may not, such as hair loss.
Some of the more severe side effects include serious brain problems, stomach problems, bone and muscle problems, hearing and vision problems, lipid (fats and cholesterol in blood) problems, and other serious problems.
Serious Health Warning
There are several things you simply CANNOT do when you are taking Accutane or within 6 months of completing treatment. You cannot become pregnant, breastfeed a child, take a Vitamin A supplement, use birth control pills that do not contain estrogen, and you absolutely cannot give blood. You must avoid sunlight and ultraviolet light, and cannot share your Accutane with any other person.
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