side affects of accutane

[jennifer]

I WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD HEARD OF ANY SIDE AFFECTS FROM USING THE DRUG ACCUTANE.  I HAVE HAD SERIOUS STOMACH PAINS AND NUMEROUS MEDICAL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.  I DIDN'T KNOW IF THESE PROBLEMS COULD BE LINKED TO USING ACUTANE ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO.  VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE INFORMATION. MY DOCTORS HERE ARE GETTING QUITE FRUSTRATED IN NOT KNOWING WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jennifer:

Accutane does not stay in the body after it is discontinued.  While I don't know the source of your medical problems, I'm quite sure the Accutane is not the cause.

Best.

Dr. R

[danielle]

I have been using 20mg of accutane for 2 weeks now.  Yesterday I broke out with hives everywhere, and immediatly went to the doctor to seek advice.  She told me that it was normal to break out in hives, and said to decrease my dosage to just one tablet a day. I woke up this morning with hives worse then yesterday, and I was just curious if I possibly could be allergic to accutane.  How long will it take to get rid of these hives, and how would I know if I have an allergy to the medicine?

[louiza]

i had couple of sebaceous cystes on my face my dedrmatologist gave me keflex which worked good but not 100%, maybe 70%. so went back tomy dermatologist and he is recommending acutane, i don't have kids, i am 32 we may plan to have in the near future i am seeking advice about beeing on acutane is it true that it gets out of your system 1 month after discontinuing it, because there was a another doc who said to me that it's in your system for 2 years, i heard some much about acutane, but only negative side effets, so who to listen to. thanks :) louiza

[Jonathan]

I have had many serious break-outs on my face from acne.  My doctor says I should try accutane, but I am suspicious.  I have only hear negative things about it.  Will my acne really come back after I stop taking it?  Also all the side effects!  It's seems not worth the trouble.  What should I do?

[DENISE]

Im courious to hear from anyone who has completed a course of Acutane and then gone on to have children.  That packaging with all the warnings and pictures of deformed babies certainly has made me a bit apprehensive.... Feedback please.... Maybe a nice happy ending story....

[Amy]

I took accutane as a teen-ager (maybe 15 - 16 years old).  I have since had two beautiful, perfect children.  Granted, my first was not born until I was 24.  But accutane was a miracle for me.  I have considered taking it again because since I turned 30 the cystic acne has come back more often!  Good luck.

[shannon]

I would really like to try accutane, im ony 15 and my face isnt really that bad, but its bad enough to get sick an tired of scrubbing at. ive tried everything,  and i heard this works. Can you please explain to me exactly what accutane is.

[R HILL]

I WAS WONDERING IF ONE OF THE SIDE AFFECTS FROM TAKING ACCUTANE
COULD BE INCREASE IN BREAST SIZE?

[amanda]

Four years ago, I developed a terrible, painful case of adult acne.  My doctor prescribed acutane right away, and five months later I was cured.  I have an occasional pimple, but that is normal.  I had almost no side effects, none that I could feel.  I went in every month for a blood test to make sure my chemistry was within normal limits.  My cholesteral is typically around 110, and during my treatment it increased to 160, which was no problem.  My cholesterol is back to 110 and I gave birth to an absolutely healthy baby boy one year ago (became preganant about two years after finishing treatment), at the age of 33.
Acutane is a miracle drug.  As long as a person has the permission of his/her physician, I think they shouldn't hesitate in taking this wonderful medicine!

Amanda

[Judy]

My son is 18 and has bad acne.  He is a weight lifter and takes creatine and other supplements.  This fall he will be playing college football.  Should we be concerned about any side affects?

[Sheri]

My daughter is 15 & has been on Accutane for 2 months.  I am just
now beginning to see some results in her skin but am concerned
because she seems to be a bit withdrawn & has complained several
times about stomach upset...Should she continue to use this product?

[Baker]

I took my first course of Acutane 18 years ago, at the age of 28. I had suddenly developed acne out of nowhere, and went to 5 different dermatologists in 2 years looking for the cure...finally number 6 suggested a ' new ' drug, and I started the course of Acutane. The only side effect that was a problem was the constant dry lips , as I remember. The effect on my skin was unbeliveable!!! And it has remained perfect until 2 years ago, when I began to break out in tiny little bumps on my forehead and around my mouth.( mind you I am now 45,too old for this!!!) Back I went to Dr.6, and he put me on tetracycline for months, which kept it at bay, but not gone. He also got a bit nervous when I mentioned another course of Acutane, an interesting reaction from a former beliver. We left to go on a 3 week trip to Turkey and I didn't take my antibotics. By the time we got back, my acne was in full swing! This time I went straight to my GP, who put me on the Acutane without batting an eye. Now it's been 10 days, and it has gotten somewhat worse, but I do remember it took awhile. I'm hoping this time the effect will take me into my 60's!!

[Baker]

I took my first course of Acutane 18 years ago, at the age of 28. I had suddenly developed acne out of nowhere, and went to 5 different dermatologists in 2 years looking for the cure...finally number 6 suggested a ' new ' drug, and I started the course of Acutane. The only side effect that was a problem was the constant dry lips , as I remember. The effect on my skin was unbeliveable!!! And it has remained perfect until 2 years ago, when I began to break out in tiny little bumps on my forehead and around my mouth.( mind you I am now 45,too old for this!!!) Back I went to Dr.6, and he put me on tetracycline for months, which kept it at bay, but not gone. He also got a bit nervous when I mentioned another course of Acutane, an interesting reaction from a former beliver. We left to go on a 3 week trip to Turkey and I didn't take my antibotics. By the time we got back, my acne was in full swing! This time I went straight to my GP, who put me on the Acutane without batting an eye. Now it's been 10 days, and it has gotten somewhat worse, but I do remember it took awhile. I'm hoping this time the effect will take me into my 60's!!

[Andy]

I took accutane when I was about 16 for four months.  I had a moderate case of cystic acne and my dermatologist was worried about the possibility of severe scarring on my face.  He prescribed accutane.  After 1 month of taking it, my face was totally clear. I'm now 23 and I can probably count the number of pimples I've had since on one hand.  My liver enzymes were high during treatment, but returned to normal when I finished.  Make sure you get your blood monitored closely, but I would highy reccommend accutane.  Also, I like cheese.

[Dana]

A friend of mine took Acutane a couple years ago and underwent severe depression and suicidal thoughts.  Also a friend of mine hung himself in February of 99.  He was also on Acutane.  His suicide was very unexpected eventhough his friends said he seemed depressed prior to his suicide.  Acutane is the alleged cause of his hanging.  I was wondering if anyone else had heard of stories like these.  Both of my friends were very happy-go-lucky, optimistic and christian.

[JOHM]

Christians don't commit suicide??????????

[Joe]

I'm 15 and I went on accutaine, i had some side effects but nothing serious just dry skin and flush face.  I went on accutaine not for my face but for the acne on my chest.  I had a view pimples on my face but not real serious, my face cleared up completly but I still have acne on my chest. It's as severe and not really pimples but red marks were the pimples used to be.

[lisa]

I started taking Roaccutane 1 day ago and I'm still nervous about side affects. Before I started taking it I visited http://AcneSite.wwwpublishing.com/index.html and read some weekly diaries people were writing online while on Accutane. This site helped a lot with deciding to use the drug.

[SCATMAN JON]

I have a friend who used accutane and he experienced very good results..I don't c y theres no reason anyone should worry about using the drug.People that comit suicide are alreadt depressed beore taking the drug...its probably just coincidental, considering it is mainly teens that use the drug, they have mood swings and depressions no matter what they are or arnt taking

[Darny]

To anyone who is taking accutaine or considering.  Isotrentonin is a harmful drug that may cause very noxious effects.  Despite Rosche laboratories and physicians denial of the neurologic peril in taking accutaine, it causes severe neurologic symptoms.  These include, but are not limited to:  
Paranoid subtypes of schitzophrenia, suicide and suicidal ideations, major depression, psychoisis, dementia, tremmors, convulsions, hallucinations, affect change, and long-term psychological illness. There are very extensive reports under the custody of the FDA and Rosche labs with very extensive documentation on the harm accutaine may cause.  Consider carefully the risks involved in taking isotrentonin.

[Erin]

I took acutane from October 199- April 2000. My skin was ccausing me to lose confidence at work. I was 23 when I began my treatment and now at 24 I am more confident than ever. My skin is finally clear after taking prescriptions for 7 years straight. I can't say that it was not hard, the treatment was brutal. My lips cracked and bled everyday. I had scbs in my nose that lasted until the end of May and my skin was so dry that it would bleed. I also felt depressed. Now, after all of that i still feel that I would do it again. I have to say that now my pores are getting somewhat more oily again but it seems more excessive to me than to anyone else. You have never suffered from dry skin like this before! My side affects started about 3 weeks in and lasted the entire course. BE PREPARED and do not take this lightly!

[juanita]

There seem to be 2 extreme opinions about the side effects of accutaine. I am considering taking it at age 36. I've had acne since I was 16 and have been on varios antibiotics and sulfates ever since. My doc. seems to think it would be a good idea. But I'm concerned about having children - I plan to have children w/in the next 2 years, you know the clock is ticking. Most of all I'm really concerned about the break out before the clear up all the pamphlets talk about. I'm a teacher and can't bear the thought of a severe breakout. Is it worth it?

[Jo]

A lot of you seem worried about the effects of accutaine. Well, I have never tried it, but from the sounds of it, it has had some devastating effects. I am currently using an antibiotic called Minomycin. I recommend it to anyone with acne problems. After a month of taking it, all of my pimples just disappeared. The only problem is that once you stop taking it, the pimples return, although it does not have any side effects. I think its great!!!

[Jim]

I've heard that Accutane causes thinning hair and eventual baldness. Along with this I'm also concerned with the possible damage this drug can have on your liver. I have considered using Accutane for quite some time, but I'm hesitant, to say the very least, in light of these possible side effects. What can you tell me about this?

[hitman]

i have a acne on my *** and took accutaine and it got bigger everytime i take a **** it hurts so bad

[Anon.]

i have had my doc prescribe me different drugs for 3 years now because i have an inherited problem with severe acne.  (thnx dad).  :)  I'm going to my doctor again to see if acutane is the right one to cure my acne...now that I've heard the side effects and possibly having my acne come back is making me have doubts about it.  My acne is worse than it's ever been and I want to get rid of it right away.  i just don't know what I should do..go ahead or not.

[jean]

In regards to Accutane and depression.My 21yr old son was on Accutane for 6mos., 3yrs.ago. Just found out last week that two months after his last treatment with Accutane he became very depressed, he is a good actor because we didn't really notice it and being in the teen years figured it was somewhat normal behavior. He got good grades, carried on with part-time job etc. But he also told me he attempted suicide by taking overdose of Aleve, allergy meds, whatever he could find. He just told us he was sick and we thought he had the flu. Three days later I was in the emergency room with him all night and he was vomiting up blood.The doctors just thought it was a virus and were concerned that his blood count seemed a little weird but that was that. So we never knew until last week. Thank goodness he survived but he is still having mood swings and I have to wonder now if it isn't related to the use of Accutane.

[david]

PLEASE READ!!!!!

I started taking accutane during spring break of 1999, i was on the drug for 6 whole months, i can't remember the mg size but the pill was yellow and i had to take two a day.  Well anyways i experienced all of the common side affects, all of the rare side affects, and even some side affects that my doctor had said had never occured in the 15 years that he had been prescribing it.  When i was at the end of my six months, i started experiencing extreme thirst, extreme urination, extreme hunger, and i was always extrememly weak and tired.  I also experienced extreme harsh burning in my urine.  I went to see the doctor, not a dermatologist, to ask about these symptoms, they were the symptoms of diabetes.  I was diagnosed with diabetes, just about a year ago, but it was a misdiagnoses, thank God.  But the doctors and the scientists said that it all led back to accutane, the drug had inflamed my pancreaus to where it was almost about to burst, my liver was dying down on me, my pituritary gland was giving out on me, the muscles that your kidneys rest on weren't functioning well, and one side of my heart wasn't as healthy as the other side.  I beg of you all out there PLEASE!!! if you have experienced anything of this or close to this please e-mail me at ***@****.  thank you

[Christine]

My concern is for "David" who experienced sever side effects, including those related to the pancreas, liver and kidneys.  Were you being monitored regularly (at least once a month)with blood tests during the time you were on Accutane?  Also, six months seems to be an extraordinarily long time, especially if you look back at postings on this web site;  I don't think I've seen one individual indicating treatment longer than 5 months.

For those women who are concerned about pregnancy AFTER Accutane (pregnancy is forbidden during treatment as it causes SEVERE birth defects):  I completed my first treatment with Accutane when I was about 19.  The results were nothing short of miraculous!  The results lasted until after I had my first child at the age of 25.  Soon after, likely due to changing hormones, I began suffering from cystic acne again and went on a "booster" treatment of Accutane and was again, cured.  I had another child at the age of 30.  Both of my children, now 12 and 8, are normal and healthy.  I am again, however, suffering from stubborn, cystic acne and have been probably for the last 2 years.  It really seems to have gotten worse the last 6 months or so. My face is not COVERED with cysts, although I typcally have a least two at any one time.  The large, red, painful ones which last for days and even when they "clear-up" there's a pea sized bump under my skin which lasts even longer.  I have an RX for Accutane waiting for me at the pharmacy, but all of a sudden I've become anxious about the side effects, mostly those involving liver damage.  After all, I've been lucky so far and this will be my third time on it.  Any comments?

[Christine Zayas]

If anyone has info or comments on my posting above (^) please email me at ***@****.

[Michael]

I am 27 years old. I have suffered from very mild yet persistant acne since my teens.  I have been on antibiotics for nearly 5 years now.  The drugs keep in under control but not 100%.  I tried Acutane last year and I noticed an immediate change in my mood.  I became severely depressed - to the point where I just decided on my own accord to stop taking the drug. I never reported this to my dermatologist, I just stopped the drug and never went back to him. The depression subsided soon after I stopped taking the drug.

[Accuane Man]

Accutane is probably one of the better drugs out there for acne, but it has a lot of downfalls, first off, the thing makes you look like complete **** within the first 2 months, acne everyware my friends.

The next thing is Dry lips, eyes, this thing completely drys you out, your **** even gets dry, (however for people with scarrs this is a ******* miracle treament, those scars dissapear)

The next thing is weird feelings, no one can deny it, when your on accutane for the first while you feel like complete ****, zits coming out from everyware, no wonder accutane has suicidal tendencies DAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, if you look in the mirror and dont see results for 2-3 months its all good, you should waite at least 12 weeks for any results, dont listen to bull shitters on here that say they see results within 2 weeks , my ***.

Accutane generall can make you loose weight or gain weight, depending on the type of person you are, I lost a lot of weight actually, I was a boney ***, i probably went down like 15-25 pounds, some people gain weight, but I have no idea how.

The next thing is a complicated thing, if your going on your second dosage, make ******* sure you tell the doctor all the other medications you have been on, I was on tetricyclne or some other medication just a month or 2 prior to my 2nd accutane usage, and I had headaches, allmost fainted, and seriously thought I was going to die!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And finally do not think if your 15-16 years old and going on accutane its going to end your zittttttttz, it isnt it will for a while, however you more then likely will break out again around the age of 19 TIME FOR ACCUTANE AGAIN, every friend of mine went on accutane later in life around 19 and NEVER saw zits again!!!!!!!! I however went when I was 16 then 17, I am 19 now and the zits come every day like usual, so in a months time i will be back on accutane! wooo hoo miracle drug!

Now for my conclusion, all these dumb ******* ******* complaining about accutane ******* them up when you get pregnent, well ***** you deserve it because your a stupid *** ****, if you cant see the 3 million warning labels about being pregnent your a dum ******* hick, now to all the people getting depressed, cheer up im telling you 12 weeks at least, talk to friends be happy ! its easy, the next thing is ******* EAT, depression can be lead to not eating proper! so eat proper but good foods none of that oily ****.  Anyways im not some ******* 30 year old , or a ******* ***** complaining , im a typicle 19 year old guy that loves cars, *****, and money, I have acne and I have to learn to live with it, but Accutane can take care of it. So take it easy, remember if you break out after you take accutane a year or more later and your only 17 18, you need to take accutane again.

woooooohoooooooooo

[Julie]

I have been on Accutane for about three weeks and the side effects aren't that bad for me.  Just keep some chapstick on you at all times.  Also, for really dry skin, USE VASELINE!  I know it sounds gross, but after you get out of the shower or have washed your face, don't dry it off.  Leave the water dripping off and then slide the vaseline over it.  The vaseline creates a sort of shell and hydrates your skin because it has to soak it up.  Then, you can wet it again a half an hour later and slide some of the vaseline off with a towel.  I promise it won't make you break out because all that goes into your pores is the water.  Also, DRINK TONS OF WATER!  Dehydration can be toxic because your liver cannot handle Accutane without H20.  The reason all of the comments on this site talk about horrible side effects is that the users are not taking care of themselves on the drug.  Don't take it if you or your family has a history of depression.  Drink water, carry chapstick, use Vaseline.