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Isotretinoin and Its Side Effects

Isotretinoin is used for the treatment of severe acne when no other drug affects. Acne is a inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. When excessive sebum is produced, it clogs hair follicles that results in bump formation. These small bumps are called whiteheads. When they get inflamed, they are called blackheads and pimples. According to dermatologists, when sebum production is optimum, there is less risk of getting acne breakouts. Isotretinoin is used to reduce the overproduction of sebum. How does it work is still unknown, however, it is considered that it mainly targets sebaceous glands to produce less sebum.

Common Side Effects of Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Dry Lips and Skin – Dry lips and skin is a very common concern while you are on accutane. Almost all people using accutane must experience excessive dryness. It becomes more traumatic in winter when harsh and cold weather further aggravates the dryness. The dryness is so severe that lips get cracked and most often bleeding begins. You can use topical antibacterial ointments or non-comedogenic moisturizers on your lips several times a day.

Back of your hands and forearms and thighs are so drier that causes itching, rash and bleeding. You must consult your dermatologist about coping with extreme dryness while you are on accutane.

Dry Eyes – Accutane causes acute eye dryness night vision problems though it is rare. Your eyes have ducts through which oil and water drains into iris of your eyes to lubricate. When the duct is blocked, it produces excessive water and eyes get drier. There are other environmental conditions such as inflammation and trauma. It is also noted that dryness during accutane is common in people wearing contact lenses. Consult ophthalmologist for possible safest ways to lubricate your eyes.

Nasal Dryness – Accutane causes nose bleeding due to dryness and cracking the inner lining. It is recommended that you regularly use nose lubricants while you are on accutane. In this condition, one can not inhale deeply due to extreme burning sensation and bleeding. Use the lubricant from the first day of isotretinoin use. There are other contributing factors like low humidity and cold weather.

Hair Thinning – Hair thinning during isotretinoin use has also been noted, though it is temporary. A person successfully regrow its hair after few weeks of stopping the accutane. You must consult your dermatologist if you can use hair care shampoo along with accutane. Most people do not prefer taking accutane and getting rid of acne at the cost of their hair and losing body health.

Other disorders that it may produce are:

• Hyper pigmentation
• Liver toxicity
• Fetal malformation
• Risk of spontaneous abortion
• Diabetes
• Psychiatric disorders including depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation,
• suicide attempts, seizures
• Benign intracranial hypertension which must be referred to a neurologist
• Corneal opacity
• Elevation of high density lipoproteins and elevation of cholesterol levels
• Inflammatory bowel syndrome

It is highly advisable avoid use of accutane where possible due to worst side effects that surely hits everybody later or sooner. There are many herbal remedies that are effective and safest as well. Try to use natural medications where possible. Use isotretinoin as a last resort only when no other drugs works in your case.