Accutane [Isotretinoin] an editorial by Brady Barrows

*In my book, Rosacea 101, (published in October 2007) in Appendix Q Isotretinoin, page 213, I have written all about Accutane with the updated information which was based upon the article below. My new book is a comprehensive basic rosacea 101 knowledge for rosacea newbies who want to learn about the conventional and alternative treatments for rosacea. You may want to read about another Accutane Report.

Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a very powerful, yet equally dangerous, prescription drug used to combat acne rosacea. Accutane is mainly used to minimize (or shut down) the oil gland activity. Since excessive oil gland activity is linked to severe acne, Accutane has been touted as the closest thing to an acne cure. However, since excessive oiliness is only one facet to the acne rosacea disease, the results are always temporary.

At first, the drug seems to work wonders. Patients will notice a huge decrease (about 6 out of 10 will have up to 100% clarity) in their acne rosacea lesions, flushing, and redness. It may take months, or it may take a couple years, but the acne rosacea will usually return. Plus, the acne rosacea will usually become much more serious because of two things: (1) your skin needs a normal flow of oil to help lubricate and cleanse itself. By restricting this basic action, you're asking for more internal problems to manifest themselves; and (2) the liver becomes damaged from the use of this drug. The liver is the most important organ in regards to a clean system (especially for skin care).

Here are some of the common side effects: Severe dry skin, Itching Rashes, Chapped Lips, Nose bleeds, Headaches, Nausea, Blurred Vision, Mood Swings, Stomach Pains, Diarrhea, Rectal Bleeding, Joint Pains, Muscle Pains, Yellowing of Skin, Sensitivity to Sun, Decreased Night Vision, Hair Loss (even yrs later), Depression, Thoughts of Suicide, Increased Blood Fat Level, Birth Defects, Loss of Visions, Arthritis.

Please be very careful when considering using this dangerous drug.

One report in June 2008 says, "Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in the acne drug Accutane (Roche Laboratories), could more than double the risk of depression, according to results of a study reported by Reuters Health." source

Accutane has become Hoffmann-La Roche’s top-selling product, used by an estimated 5 million Americans alone. Acknowledged as the most effective treatment for the severe, scarring form of acne, increasingly, Accutane is being prescribed for rosacea. This is because more and more rosaceans are demanding this drug from their physician without a doubt. The popularity of Accutane is only exceeded by IPL or other light therapy devices among rosaceans. However, in the past year Accutane has been pulled off the online pharmacy websites in the USA. Why is this?

"Isotretinoin is a known human teratogen, causing birth defects and/or subnormal cognitive performance in prenatally-exposed children." source

One report says isotretinoin, "can transiently raise cholesterol levels and perhaps aggravate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). source

Recently an article entitled, Accutane lawsuits and the 'learned intermediary doctrine,' explains that physicians may be flying solo if they prescribe Accutane during pregnancy. source

Accutane's history is linked to 240 suicides worldwide and Accutane side effects have been a controversial topic since its arrival to the U.S. market in 1982. Your physician might not have mentioned any of this, but you should be aware of the side effects and risks associated with this drug, which may include and are not limited to depression, birth defects, psychiatric disorders, Accutane induced instances of inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Rectal Bleeding, Central Nervous System damage, Bone & Muscle Damage, Hearing & Vision damage, Liver Damage, Pancreatitis, Immune System damage, Lipid (high levels of fats and cholesterol in blood) problems, Kidney damage, shortness of breath, fainting, unusual thirst, or frequent urination, weakness, leg swelling, convulsions, slurred speech, problems moving, serious mental health problems and last but not least, skin damage.

Serious brain problems have been reported. Accutane can increase the pressure in your brain. This can lead to permanent loss of sight, or in rare cases, death.

In some people, Accutane can cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking Accutane and get emergency care right away if you develop hives, a swollen face or mouth, fever, rash, red patches or bruises on your legs or have trouble breathing.

Certain symptoms may mean that your internal organs are being damaged. These organs include the liver, pancreas, bowel (intestines), and esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach). If your organs are damaged, they may not get better even after you stop taking Accutane. Stop taking Accutane and call your prescriber if you get severe stomach, chest or bowel pain, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, new or worsening heartburn, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or dark urine.

These side effects have been serious enough resulting in Roche Accutane labeling changes to occur over twenty times since its approval. Recently the USA FDA made this announcement:

The Food and Drug Administration is announcing the approval of a strengthened risk management program, called iPLEDGE, for Accutane and generic isotretinoin. source

"A national registry on Friday began accepting names of Americans who take the anti-acne drug Accutane, part of a federal effort to limit use of the birth-defect-causing drug by pregnant women." source > http://tinyurl.com/akehm

The common less serious side effects of Accutane are dry skin, chapped lips, dry eyes, and dry nose that may lead to nosebleeds. People who wear contact lenses may have trouble wearing them while taking Accutane and after therapy. Sometimes, people’s acne may get worse for a while.

This has made it difficult to obtain Accutane [generic name, isotretinoin] online and many rosaceans have been trying to find it online in different countries that are not under the jurisdiction of the USA FDA.

Because of the problems associated with the prescribing of Accutane, several law firms have teamed up for the purpose of "achieving justice and results for Accutane victims." source

Roche is countering all this with information and their own team of lawyers. Physicians are still prescribing isotretinoin for rosacea, usually in low doses. Many rosaceans are reporting success using this drug for rosacea. But I have written this editorial for you to be aware of the risks involved. Buyer beware. Remember you are still the customer even if your physician views you as a patient and Roche views you as a user.

Experiences:

Mark

Sources

Isotretinoin (marketed as Accutane) Capsule Information

Accutane Capsules (isotretinoin) Medication Guide

Roche Accutane Product Informantion

ROACCUTANE Action Group

Roche Roaccutane Info

Accutane Side Effects

The Accutane Team

FDA Public Health Advisory
Strengthened Risk Management Program for Isotretinoin

A survey of pregnant women using isotretinoin.
Robertson J, Polifka JE, Avner M, Chambers C, Delevan G, Koren G, Lavigne SV, Martinez LP, Miller RK, Carey JC.
Utah Department of Health, Division of Community and Family Health Services, Birth Defects and Genetics Program, Pregnancy RiskLine, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Read stb09's experience with Accutane