The Important Side Effects of Accutane

Most people have seen a kid that used to have severe acne and now their face is completely clear except for some scarring. How did they do it? Well, it could have improved with a course of antibiotics and a good topical regimen, or they could have completed a course of Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is the generic name for Accutane. Accutane has been around for years and is the ONLY known cure for acne. Sounds amazing right? Well, before you go drive to get your prescription there is a lot you should know about the potential side effects of Accutane. Let’s dive in.

Severe birth defects

Accutane can only be prescribed by medical providers who are registered with the iPledge system. iPledge is a government-controlled website that tracks who is being prescribed the medication. If you are a female it also tracks your forms of birth control and negative pregnancy tests. Why you might ask? Accutane is a known teratogen. This means it can cause severe birth defects for females of childbearing age if they become pregnant while taking the medication. Due to this reason, your medical provider will require two forms of birth control (or abstinence) while on Accutane. On average the course is 6 months in length. You will also need to continue these forms of birth control for an additional month after discontinuing. Also, for this reason, you have to agree not to share the medication or donate blood while on the medication.

Mood changes

There are cases of suicide reported while on this medication. You must divulge any history of psychiatric or mental health disorders or past suicide attempts. It doesn’t mean you can’t be on the medication but it does mean that you have to carefully watch your mood for any changes. I normally require my patients with a history of depression to have their psychiatrist sign a letter stating they are comfortable with them starting the medication.

Dryness from the inside out

Accutane is an oral retinoid. It dries everything out. The most common side effect complained about is dry chapped lips. Patients should plan to apply Vaseline or Aquaphor regularly. Other side effects can include headaches, dry eyes, vision changes, nose bleeds, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, muscle and joint aches, and rashes. These potential side effects of Accutane should be resolved once you have completed the course.

Photosensitivity

Accutane will make you photosensitive to the sun, meaning you are more prone to sunburns. When I took Accutane in college I experienced a blistering sunburn even with sunscreen! You will need to be diligent about applying sunscreen as well as wearing sun-protective clothing. Photosensitivity and potential blistering sunburns are not side effects of Accutane that should be ignored. They can increase your risk of skin cancer and increase your likelihood of sun-damaged skin. When choosing your sunscreen, make sure you choose a physical blocker with at least an SPF of 30. You can find my favorite sunscreen here.

Blood work abnormalities

The more common lab values affected are liver enzymes as the medication is metabolized through your liver. Patients on Accutane should avoid heavy alcohol consumption and Tylenol use. Other lab values your provider will look out for are your: white blood cell count, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Increased triglycerides can potentially turn into something concerning such as pancreatitis.

Overall, Accutane can get a bad rep. You will read horror stories if you search through online forums. Generally speaking, if used appropriately at the correct dose based on your weight, it is normally well-tolerated. I believe Accutane can positively impact lives from a psychosocial impact. I took Accutane years ago and can attest to how much it improved my quality of life by simply increasing my confidence, as it also has for many of my patients. As always, this information is to help prep yourself before meeting with your dermatology medical provider so you know what questions to ask. Have you already taken Accutane? Did you experience any other side effects besides the ones listed? Comment below and let us know.

*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer. Information on this website is for education and entertainment purposes only. Content is my opinion. It is not substituted for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. One should not make any health or medical-related decisions based in whole or in part on any content on this site. Content is not intended to replace the services of a licensed, trained health professional. Content may not apply to you as an individual. Although I will update my website with current information, this website is not a definitive guide to dermatology.