Side effects of Cystic Fibrosis patient taking Accutane

[baas]

I have a son with cystic fibrosis. Any data of CF patients on Accutane and any problems they had?  

[kogepan]

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!

[Debbie D.]

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.