Accutane

Use

13-cis-retinoid acid

Facts

• Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics.
• Since Accutane is an effective treatment for acne, it may help reduce associated low self-esteem and poor self-image.
• It was known from the beginning that Accutane is a powerful teratogen, meaning it causes birth defects.
• Accutane does have many side effects but in some ways it is safer than long-term antibiotic usage.
• Accutane is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A and is detectable in the bloodstream of all people.
• The most common side effects are chapped lips, dry skin and itching, nose dryness, eyes and eyelids irritation, joint and muscle pains, temporary hair thinning, rash, headache, increased sensitivity to sun, decreased night vision, intestinal and urinary symptoms, depression, thoughts of suicide, etc.
• Since it causes birth defects, it is crucially important for women not to take Accutane while pregnant, and not to become pregnant while taking the drug. Women who are sexually active while using Accutane must use an effective method of birth control, birth control pill being the most effective.