What You Need to Know About Accutane

Accutane is primarily given after other acne medications or antibiotics have been used and have been unsuccessful in treating severe acne. It may also be used for other purposes not listed but recommended by a doctor. Most people are prescribed Accutane after other medications or antibiotics have failed to treat symptoms.

If you are taking the acne medication Accutane, you should avoid the following:

• Do not take vitamin supplements that contain vitamin A
• Avoid donating blood. If you have stopped taking Accutane wait 30 days before you begin to donate blood. Donated blood can be given to pregnant women, which could lead to birth defects.
• Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays like sunlamps or tanning beds. Accutane can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and you may develop a sunburn with exposure.
• Avoid hair wax removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments while you are taking Accutane and for at least 6 months once you stop taking it.
• A possible side effect of Accutane is blurred vision. Make sure you are cautious prior to driving.

Accutane has possible side effects. If you experience any of these side effects contact your doctor immediately. Possible side effects include:

• Depressed mood
• Trouble concentrating
• Sleep problems
• Crying spells
• Aggression or agitation
• Changes in behavior
• Hallucinations
• Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• Blurred vision
• Sudden and severe headache
• Pain behind your eyes
• Vomiting
• Hearing problems, hearing loss, ringing in your ears
• Seizure (convulsions)
• Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Clay-colored or black, bloody, or tarry stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Severe diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding
• Purple spots under your skin
• Joint stiffness
• Bone pain or fracture

Less serious Accutane side effects may include:

• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, or nervous
• Dryness of the lips, mouth, nose or skin
• Cracking or peeling skin, itching, rash, changes in your fingernails or toenails
• Joint pain, back pain

Do NOT take Accutane if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The pill can cause severe birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even only one dose can cause MAJOR birth defects of the baby’s ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain.

Unless you have been in menopause for at least 12 months in a row, had your uterus and ovaries removed (total hysterectomy) you should not take Accutane without birth control. Even women who have had their tubes tied should take birth control if they are planning to take Accutane.

You should take two forms of birth control when on Accutane, a primary and a secondary. Primary forms of birth control include:

• Vasectomy of the male sexual partner
• An intrauterine device or IUD
• Tubal ligation (tubes tied)
• Estrogen-containing birth control pills (not mini-pills)
• Hormonal birth control patches, implants, injections, or a vaginal ring

Secondary forms of birth control include:

• A vaginal sponge containing spermicide
• A male latex condom plus spermicidal foam or gel
• A diaphragm plus spermicidal foam or gel
• A cervical cap plus spermicidal foam or gel

Stop taking Accutane and see your doctor immediately if you have unprotected sex, quit using birth control, if your period is late, or you think you might be pregnant.

It is not known if Accutane passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before starting Accutane while breast-feeding your baby.

The iPledge program is a program you sign up for before taking Accutane. They will monitor effects, pregnancy, and other information related to the drug.

Do not use Accutane if you are allergic to isotretinoin or to parabens or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

If you have any of the following conditions you may still be able to take Accutane but you should talk to your doctor first:

• A personal or family history of depression or mental illness
• Heart disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides
• Osteoporosis or other bone disorders
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• An eating disorder (anorexia nervosa)
• Liver disease

Accutane is a capsule that reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin. It is a form of vitamin A that also helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

Accutane is primarily given after other acne medications or antibiotics have been used and have been unsuccessful in treating severe acne. It may also be used for other purposes not listed but recommended by a doctor. Most people are prescribed Accutane after other medications or antibiotics have failed to treat symptoms.

Do NOT take Accutane if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The pill can cause severe birth defects if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Even only one dose can cause MAJOR birth defects of the baby’s ears, eyes, face, skull, heart, and brain.

Accutane side effects can be severe and you should seek legal help if you or a loved one have suffered due to taking this medication. Please call me today at 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400.

DISCLAIMER: This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a Retainer/Services Agreement. No attorney-client relationship will exist between you and our firm unless and until we enter into a signed Retainer/Services Agreement. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be medical or legal advice. Do not stop taking any medication without consulting your physician.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 5.11.20]