Day 28 of Our 31 Day Series of How Medicine Got It Wrong

Acne Cure or Hidden Danger? The Dark Side of Accutane Medication You Need To Know.

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people around the world, and Accutane is a medication that has been used to treat severe cases of acne for several decades. However, despite its effectiveness in treating acne, Accutane comes with a range of dangerous side effects that can have long-lasting consequences for patients.

One of the most significant dangers of Accutane is its potential to cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or who become pregnant while taking Accutane may give birth to children with birth defects, including facial abnormalities, brain and nervous system problems, and heart defects. Therefore, it's essential for women who are of childbearing age to take extreme caution when using Accutane and to use contraception while taking the medication.

Accutane can also cause liver damage, leading to liver function abnormalities and potentially causing hepatitis. In rare cases, Accutane can cause severe and even life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Another significant danger of Accutane is its potential to cause mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In some cases, these mental health issues can persist long after patients stop taking the medication.

Moreover, Accutane can cause several other side effects such as dry skin and eyes, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Patients taking Accutane may also experience changes in their blood sugar levels, leading to diabetes, as well as changes in their cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of heart disease.

It's essential for patients who are taking Accutane to be aware of these potential side effects and to monitor their health carefully while taking the medication. Patients should also consult their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms or side effects.

In conclusion, while Accutane may be an effective treatment for severe acne, it comes with several dangerous side effects that can have long-lasting consequences for patients. Therefore, it's crucial for patients to carefully consider the risks and benefits of Accutane before using it and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

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References:

1. "Accutane Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long-Term" (2021, January 15). Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/accutane-side-effects-on-the-body

2. "Accutane Side Effects and Risks" (2021, March 30). Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/accutane-side-effects

3. "Accutane Before-and-After Results, Side Effects and Dosage" (2021, February 23). Cosmopolitan. Retrieved from https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a34465646/accutane-before-after-results-side-effects/

4. "Accutane Side Effects" (2021, March 29). Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/acne/accutane-side-effects

5. "How long after you stop taking Accutane will it be out of your system?" (2020, February 3). Drugs.com. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/how-long-after-you-stop-taking-accutane-will-it-173914/

6. "Accutane Side Effects" (2021, March 16). Drugwatch. Retrieved from https://www.drugwatch.com/accutane/side-effects/

7. Chia, C. Y., & Lane, W. (1994). Suicide by isotretinoin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 31(6), 1068-1069. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(94)70189-5