Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a medication that is used to treat severe nodular acne. Most usually, it is prescribed by a doctor or dermatologist once other medications or antibiotics have been unsuccessful treatments of acne symptoms. It most cases, Accutane is a last resort medication.

Accutane is a form of Vitamin E and works primarily to reduce the amount of oil that is released by the oil glands in your skin. Accutane also increases your skin’s ability to heal and renew itself more quickly.

• Acne
• Harlequin ichthyosis
• Skin cancer

- By decreasing the size of the acne sufferer's oil glands by up to 58% as well as decreasing the amount of oil that is secreted by up to 80%.

- The bacteria that causes acne (P. acne) lives within the oil that the skin produces. Since Accutane reduces the amount of oil significantly, there is less bacteria.

- The speed in which the skin produces new skin cells is slowed dramatically. This helps to prevent clogged pores; which often causes acne breakouts in the first place.

- Accutane is an anti-inflammatory medication.

Accutane has helped many acne sufferers reduce and sometimes eliminate their acne problems. The results are often very dramatic. The side effects associated with Accutane can range from mild up to rather severe.

The following are severe reactions to the medication Accutane. If you experience any of these, get medical help.

• Hives • Difficulty Breathing • Swelling within your face, lips, tongue or throat

If you experience the following symptoms, stop taking Accutane immediately and call your physician.

• Depression or Mood Changes • Difficulty concentrating • Difficulty sleeping • Feeling easily agitated or aggressive • Hallucinations • Suicidal thoughts • Weakness or numbness anywhere in your body, but especially weakness of numbness that is isolated to one side of the body • Blurred vision • Migraine type headaches that are sudden and or severe; usually with pain located behind the eyes and can be accompanied by vomiting • A change in your hearing; this includes hearing loss or a ringing in the ears • Convulsions or seizures • Severe pain located in the upper stomach that spreads to your back • Nausea and or vomiting • Increased or fast heart rate • Loss of appetite • Dark urine • Jaundice; this condition is indicated by a yellowing of the skin or the eyes • Stools that are clay-colored • Diarrhea • Rectal bleeding, black, bloody or tar-like stools • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or body aches • Discolored skin or skin that is easily bruised • Joint stiffness, bone pain or fractures

The remaining side effects are less severe and more common; however, if you experience any of these let your doctor know.

• Back pain • Joint pain • Dizziness, drowsiness or nervousness • Dry skin • Dry lips, mouth or nose • Peeling and or cracking of the skin • Itching or rashes • Changes in the fingernails or toenails

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL SIDE EFFECTS THAT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH ACCUTANE. PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR REGARDING ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS DRUG.

• DO NOT BECOME PREGNANT WHILE TAKING ACCUTANE.

• Do not take vitamins that contain Vitamin A while taking Accutane.

• Do not donate blood while taking Accutane. This is extremely important as blood that is donated could be given to pregnant women and is very likely to lead to severe birth defects in her child. A minimum of 30 days must go by after you have stopped taking Accutane before you can safely donate blood.

• Do not use wax hair removers, have dermabrasion or any abrasive skin treatments while taking Accutane. Scarring may occur as a result of any of these procedures.

• Do not sunbathe or use [[tanning beds] while taking Accutane. Accutane causes the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight and UV rays, increasing the likelihood of sunburn.

• Avoid driving at night as Accutane is known to impair the vision of many.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has publicized a number of warnings in regards to Accutane. Accutane may cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Patients are advised to be monitored closely for depression symptoms, while undergoing Accutane treatment. Additionally, it is important that patients taking Accutane do not become pregnant. Accutane can cause serious birth defects, miscarriage, premature birth, or death of the fetus. Finally, Accutane may cause degenerative conditions such as muscular dystrophy to accelerate or worsen, and should not be taken in the presence of them. FDA: Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Accutane.

• RxList: Accutane: Overdosage & Contraindications