Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.

Acne Community

This patient support community is for discussions relating to acne and foods, scars, adult acne, blackheads, rosacea, and pimples.
 | 

Side effects of Cystic Fibrosis patient taking Accutane

by baas, Mar 31, 2007 12:00AM
I have a son with cystic fibrosis. Any data of CF patients on Accutane and any problems they had?  
Member Comments (2)

by kogepan, Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
To: baas
I found two case reports on CF patients who were taking isotretinoin (generic name for Accutane).  In one case, the patient actually had both improvement in his acne and CF.  Isotretinoin usually tends to dry out the skin and mucous membranes.  The drug's side effect helped the patient in drying up some of the secretions, reducing the mucous plugging that contributed to his CF symptoms.  

In the other case, the patient actually developed night blindness after starting on a low dose (20 mg) isotretinoin.  He had CF but liver problems as well.  His vitamin A levels should have been monitored here.

Here are some cases in which you should not use isotretinoin (this list is not comprehensive):

liver problems
high levels of vitamin A in the blood
high lipid (fat) levels in the blood
kidney problems

You also want to weigh the risks and benefits of taking this drug with:

osteoporosis or other bone disorders
anorexia
a family history of diabetes
*depression* (this drug can cause and worsen underlying depression)

Your doctor and pharmacist should know more about this, though.  I hope this helped!

by Debbie D., Apr 05, 2007 12:00AM
I am a 46 year old female with CF and am just finishing my last month on Accutane.  It has totally cleared up my skin.  I experienced muscle aches earlier in the treatment that subsided.  I currently have joing pain that they also tell me will subside after I've finished the treatment.  I know others (non-CF) who did not experience these side effects, but my doctor says it is because I am an "older patient".  
I also just had a check up at the CF clinic and my PFT's have gone up considerably.  I can't say that it is due to the Accutane, but I have to wonder.
Post Comment
To
Comment
Post Comment
Recent Activity
momeluv is so sorry & would just like to say in advance and again...
bella_moritz is a bit achey.
Comment on photo
15 hrs ago by momeluv
Relli uploaded new photo(s)
Jul 24
July 24th
Jul 24 by melo1224
gwhillikers joined this community
Welcome them!
Jul 24
Comment on Thursday 24 July 20...
Jul 24 by Toomanyadvil
Thursday 24 July 2008 @ 7.15pm
Jul 24 by Relli
Expert Activity
Rising Healthcare Costs Dont Equal ...
Jul 24 by Lee Kirksey, MD
Fluoroquinolones increase risk of t...
Jul 08 by Enoch Choi, MD