Accuntane Side Affects

[mckinsb]

Have you ever heard of a dystonia resulting from taking Accutane.  My son took it for six months, at which time he started cramping up really bad during basketball and then running bases during baseball.  I have been told not to rule out any side affects of accutane, as more and more are surfacing.

Please advise.  Just need to know how to counteract this dystonia.  The neurologist is stumped.

[caramelven]

A related discussion, shoul i take accutane ? was started.

[GloriaBear]

I have questions regarding acutane, my daughter is seriously wanting to take it, because she does have severe acne,  she has tried many other methods, such as tetracycline, proactive, Clinique, and nothing seems to be working.  My friend who is a physician assistant says that acutane have severe side effects.  Could you please inform me what these side effects are, and just how dangerous is this drug to take.  She is in desperate need, and is quite embarrassed by her acne, and I am just worried that this may have serious side effects.  Could you please email me in regards to this at ***@****, it would be greatly appreciated thank you Gloria

[mckinsb]

Thanks very much!!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Since Accutane has been used extensively for more than 20 years, I would have to take issue with your assertion that when it comes to side effects, "more and more are surfacing."  That is neither my impression nor my experience.  Accutane can certainly cause muscle cramps, but it is rare indeed for it to even slow people down, much less persist.  Nor is such cramping the same as dystonia, which is a neurological condition, not just a muscular one.  I would suggest that your son's neurologist call the Medical Division of Hoffman-LaRoche, 1-800-93ROCHE.  Their Medical Director will be happy to share their extensive archives of experience with Accutane.  Perhaps this will shed some light, or perhaps it will rule out any connection.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff