All medicines have the potential to cause adverse reactions. Not everyone taking this acne medication will experience Accutane side effects. Many people will have minor or no adverse reactions at all. Many patients have experienced severe adverse reactions following Accutane treatment and have filed Accutane lawsuits to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering caused by these side effects. To minimize your risk of developing negative symptoms while taking Accutane, it is important to carefully follow your doctors instructions. If you do experience any common adverse symptoms while taking this acne medication that persist or worsen, contact your doctor. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe reactions.http://www.drugs.com/sfx/accutane-side-effects.html

Accutane is a powerful drug used in the treatment of severe nodular acne. A derivative of vitamin A, Accutane is a brand of isotretinoin developed by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Accutane reduces the amount of oil released by the glands in the skin, and helps skin renew itself quickly.http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/accutane.html It is not used until other acne medications or antibiotics have been unsuccessful in their treatment of an acne condition. Take Isotretinoin exactly as it was prescribed. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions as outlined on the prescription label.

It is crucial that women not take Isotretinoin while pregnant, and not to become pregnant while taking it. There is a high risk that isotretinoin will cause loss of the pregnancy, or will cause the baby to be born too early, to die shortly after birth, or to be born with severe birth defects.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681043.html Patients are required to enroll in the iPLEDGE program prior to receiving a prescription for isotretinoin. In accordance with iPLEDGE, patients will receive information about the drug's risks and must sign an informed consent sheet stating that the risks are understood before the medication is dispensed. To continue receiving the drug, patients will need to meet with their doctor each month to discuss their condition and any potential side effects. Each prescription of Accutane must be filled within 7 days of the date prescribed. No more than a 30-day Accutane prescription will be filled at one time.

As of July 2009, Accutane itself is no longer manufactured or marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/news/20090708/accutane-off-the-market Generic versions of the acne drug, isotretinoin, are still available from other manufacturers.

Although generally well tolerated if taken as directed, taking Accutane may cause negative symptoms in some people. Talk with your doctor about all possible adverse reactions when taking isotretinoin. Also discuss circumstances when you should stop or change your treatment regimen. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on taking Accutane to minimize any negative reactions or symptoms.

Some of the common effects of taking isotretinoin include:http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6661-Accutane+Oral.aspx?drugid=6661&drugname=Accutane+Oral&pagenumber=6

Abnormal hair growth; abnormal skin sensations; bleeding and redness or swelling of the gums;changes in menstrual flow or cycle; cracked or chapped lips; decreased tolerance to contact lenses; dizziness; dry eyes and mouth; dry nose; nosebleeds; peeling skin; fatigue; flushing; general discomfort; hair loss; unwanted hair growth; headache; itching; lack of energy; nervousness; respiratory tract infection; insomnia; sweating; temporary worsening of acne; voice changes.

If any of these common side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Taking isotretinoin may cause serious adverse effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms seek immediate medical attention.http://www.drugs.com/sfx/accutane-side-effects.html

Severe allergic reactions that may include development of a rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; bizarre or violent behavior; bowel pain; chest pain or pounding; dark colored urine; depression; difficulty swallowing; difficulty moving; excessive thirst; excessive urination; fainting; fever; fractured or weak bones; hearing problems; tinnitus; increased pressure in the brain; joint pain; back pain; leg swelling; muscle weakness; nausea; heartburn; rectal bleeding; red patches; bruising; shortness of breath; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe headache; skin infection; slurred speech; stomach pain; stroke; stunted growth in children; sun sensitivity; swelling of the pancreas; swollen glands; suicidal thoughts; vision changes; weakness; jaundice.

Patients with certain medical conditions should not take Accutane for their treatment of acne. Talk to your doctor about your complete medical history before taking this potent acne medication. This is not a complete list of potential adverse effects. If you notice any other effects that are not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a681043.html

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist for information about this product.