Side Effects of Accutane

Accutane is isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative administered in pill form. Doctors in the past have recommended it to people with severe cases of only the most severe cases of rosacea. Accutane has many side effects that can be seriously detrimental to your health and if taken during pregnancy will cause birth defects. Patients taking Accutane must have periodic blood tests and checkups.The drug however is very powerful and its side effects are numerous and can be severe. Known side defects of accutane include

• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Depression
• Birth defects
• Liver Disease
• Vision problems

There are numerous online sources relating to accutane side effects that users have suffered. Rather than recount any individual cases we will present the US Food and Drug Administrations finding on the drug.

Side effects of Accutane as outlined by in the FDA Medguide:

"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. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane.

Accutane can cause severe birth defects in babies of women who take it while they are pregnant, even if they take Accutane for only a short time. There is an extremely high risk that your baby will be deformed or will die if you are pregnant while taking Accutane. Taking Accutane also increases the chance of miscarriage and premature births.

Do not breast feed while taking Accutane and for 1 month after stopping Accutane. We do not know if Accutane can pass through your milk and harm the baby."

""Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, "anxious" or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating.

Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed."

"Symptoms [of Accutane usage] may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane."

"Hearing problems: Some people taking Accutane have developed hearing problems. It is possible that hearing loss can be permanent. Stop using Accutane and call your prescriber if your hearing gets worse or if you have ringing in your ears.

Vision problems: While taking Accutane you may develop a sudden inability to see in the dark so driving at night can be dangerous. This condition usually clears up after you stop taking Accutane but it may be permanent. Other serious eye effects can occur. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber right away if you have any problems with your vision or dryness of the eyes that is painful or constant."