A well known medication for acne is Accutane, that is the brand name for a isotretinoin it is used to treat the most severe and disfiguring cases of nodular acne. Most Doctors would only recommend this treatment only after all other forms of acne medication have been tried and proved unsuccessful.
In the twenty years since accutane's release it has been linked to numerous life threatening side effects. It has been the subject of many court cases and even a United States congressional hearing.
Serious Accutane Side Effects
The following warning regarding the potential serious side effects of accutane appear on the FDA's website.
Birth Defects:
Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane.
Psychiatric Diseases, Depression and Suicide:
Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems.
Central Nervous System Ailments:
Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight, or in rare cases, death. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you get any of these signs of increased pressure: bad headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
Liver Damage:
Accutane usage may damage organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach).
Hearing/Vision Problems:
Some people taking Accutane have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark so driving at night can be dangerous. Other serious eye effects can occur. |
