Accutane, known generically as isotretinoin, is a prescription medication used for the treatment of severe cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments. Accutane works on the factors that cause severe acne, including bacteria, clogged pores, inflammation and excessive oil production. While beneficial, Accutane has potentially serious side effects, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.
Birth Defects
Accutane use during pregnancy poses an exceptionally high risk of very serious birth defects, including deformities of the face, ears, eyes, skull, heart and brain, and mental retardation. Accutane is only available to patients agreeing to participate in the FDA's program called iPLEDGE that seeks to prevent birth defects. This program includes counseling about side effects and signing an informed consent form; a negative pregnancy test prior to--and each month during--Accutane treatment; use of two forms of birth control beginning one month prior to treatment; and registration and monthly check-in with the iPLEDGE program, explains Drugs.com.
Psychiatric Problems
The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, issued an alert in 2007 warning of the risk of serious psychiatric side effects due to reports of suicide or attempted suicide. Included in the alert are side effects such as depression, irritability, anger, dangerous impulsive behavior, loss of interest in social activities, declining performance at work or school, hostility and aggression. These signs call for immediate notification of a physician, according to the FDA.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects from Accutane can include peeling skin--especially of the palms and soles--blisters on the face, legs and arms, mouth sores, rash with fever, red eyes, severe stomach pain, rectal bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, back or joint pain, bone fracture, problems hearing or seeing, bad headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting and seizures. According to Drugs.com, these side effects can indicate serious medical conditions, and warrant immediate physician notification.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects to Accutane include dry, chapped lips, dry skin and eyes, dry nose and nosebleeds, hair loss and unwanted hair growth, and tiredness and changes in nails, explains the NIH. Although these side effects are not considered serious, severe or bothersome symptoms should be brought to a physician's attention.
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