Many people we help have tried Accutane (isotretinoin) for their acne. Surprisingly, some have taken it multiple times to control their acne. One person even went through the Accutane treatment seven times. While some got little benefit, most saw their acne improve significantly. Unfortunately, for many, the acne came back shortly after stopping the medicine. Imagine taking big health risks repeatedly for short-term results – pretty disappointing, right? Not everyone knows the real dangers of taking “the tane,” so let’s talk about that.
Roche Holding AG withdrew Accutane from the U.S. market because people who blamed the drug for bowel disease won legal cases and got at least $33 million in damages. Some now have to use colostomy bags for life. This is just one of many side effects connected to Accutane. Let’s look at the others.
In 2005, the FDA warned that everyone using Accutane should be closely watched for serious symptoms like:
- Feeling really sad
- Thinking about suicide
- Being irritable
- Getting angry easily
- Losing interest in friends and activities
- Having trouble thinking clearly
- Losing motivation
- Changes in eating habits
If any of these signs show up, it’s advised to stop Accutane and seek professional advice. In 2002, the FDA told a government group that they got over 3,000 reports of bad mental symptoms and over 170 reports of suicide attempts linked to Accutane.
For women who can have babies, there’s a high risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and fetal death. So, they’re only allowed to get a one-month supply (even though the normal treatment is five months) and can’t get more until the doctor says they’re not pregnant and using at least two types of birth control.
Accutane can cause other severe problems, too, like:
- Crohn’s disease
- Injuries to the central nervous system
- Damage to bones and muscles
- Liver damage
- Heart and blood vessel injuries
- Loss of bone and muscle
- Inflammation in the colon
- Inflammation in the pancreas
- Disorders in the immune system
- Feeling really sad
- Thinking about suicide
Had enough? How long after stopping Accutane can you be sure you didn’t cause permanent damage to your body? Will problems show up in a few months, years, or even decades? Nobody knows for sure.
The easiest way to get rid of acne is to use the right products for your type of acne, and use them correctly. Even for the kind of acne that Accutane is supposed to work best for, products are often the easiest solution. If you’re struggling with acne and have tried everything, we get it. You might be using good products, but how you use them makes a big difference. Hill Country Acne Center are expert in coaching people on using safe products correctly. We often help people get better results than Accutane, and usually in less time.
If you’re feeling desperate and thinking about Accutane, give us a call or email first. We have safe and effective ways to get rid of acne!