“Possible Side Effects Include…”: Accutane

Allison Boyle

Overview

• Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a prescription drug used to treat recalcitrant nodular acne if other treatments have failed. (generally a final effort)

• This treatment is very controversial due to the many severe side-effects that could occur.

• This pill is every day, but, unlike some pills, when one is missed you do NOT double up doses. This must be taken with food.

Overview (cont.)

• Blood tests are mandatory every month to regulate the body (liver)

• One is required to take the iPLEDGE Program quiz before renewing prescriptions

• This treatment usually lasts between 4-6 months• If acne is not gone after 6 months a second

session on the drug may be necessary; however, a minimum 6 month period between doses

• For more information please visit: https://www.ipledgeprogram.com/Default.aspx (iPLEDGE website)

What it does!

• This is a form of vitamin A that reduces the amount of oil (sebum) released by oil glands in the skin.

• Decreases the cell buildup that causes whiteheads and blackheads

• Kills acne bacteria within the skin

• Reduces inflammation

Things to Avoid While on Accutane

• Pregnancy• Giving blood• Breastfeed • Other medications• Cosmetic Procedures• Drive at Night (until

you know whether the medication has affected vision)

• Sunlight/Ultraviolet Lights

• Do NOT Share

• Must be on 2 forms of birth control (females) • Consent to constant pregnancy tests to prevent birth

defects from taking place • Mandatory blood tests every month • iPLEDGE quizzes • Can NOT donate blood while on Accutane or 30

days after treatment is ended • SUNSCREEN because sunburn is a very high risk

Not So Serious Side Effects• Red, cracked, sore

lips• Dry skin• Nosebleeds• Peeling skin• Slowed healing of

cuts or abrasions of any kind

• Increased sensitivity to the sun

• Dry eyes • Dry nose• Allergic Reactions• Skin Problems

Serious Side Effects

• Mental Health Problems (depression, psychosis, suicide)

• Life-Threatening Birth Defects

• Seizures• Yellowing of the skin or

eyes (caused by liver)• Swelling (miscellaneous

places)• Serious Brain Problems

• Abdominal Problems• Vision Problems • Hearing Problems • Bone and Muscle

Problems• Blood Sugar Problems

(Diabetes)

Being on this Pill

• Like anyone else would say, this is a very dangerous pill, and it took a lot of time to make this decision, but overall I believe I made the correct choice. I took this for 6 months and my acne problem has subsided. I had to get constant blood and pregnancy tests to protect me from dangerous side effects. In addition, my body’s physiology changed dramatically.

Being on this Pill (cont.)

• My physiology changed due to the fact that my skin became extremely sensitive to both injury and sunburn in addition to the obvious dryness. I was forced to use 2 lotions specifically for my face in order to prevent constant peeling. My chap-stick received the name of my “glue stick” because it was a different, more potent brand than others.

Being on this Pill (cont.)

• From being on this pill I have learned that what you think about yourself is the most important thing. Several of my friends have approached me about potentially going onto this medication, and I strongly recommend it. Although the risks are large, the benefits for the user are priceless.

THE END