Accutane or isotretinoin is used to treat severe acne or nodular acne. The drug was approved by Food and Drug Administration to treat acne, in 1982. Since its approval it has been showing  various side effects in patients such as birth defects, psychiatric disorder, inflammatory bowel diseases, etc.

Accutane has been pointed to cause severe birth defects if it is taken by a pregnant woman before or during pregnancy. To play its role FDA has issued warnings about this drug that can cause birth related defects. FDA has informed the patients to monitor all effects and to take a pregnancy test before taking Accutane and over the duration it is consumed. Medical practitioners also advise to continue these precautionary measures for at least six months after ceasing to use Accutane.

Some common side effects of Accutane are

  • Chapped lips
  • Dry skin and itching
  • Cracking or peeling of skin
  • Changes in fingernails or toenails
  • Dryness of nose, mild nosebleed
  • Irritation of the eyelids and eyes
  • Joint and muscle pains
  • Temporary hair thinning
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Increased sensitivity to sun
  • Decreased night vision
  • Depression and thoughts of suicide

Accutane has also been shown to have adverse effect on liver, kidney, cardiovascular system and immune system.

Accutane has also been found to cause side effects when the patient is taking other medicines as well.  If you are taking Accutane and are on other medicines as well, do report to your doctor.

One more severe side effect reported for Accutane is inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Accutane is believed to be causing intestinal problem and inflamations. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two diseases, which can be caused due to side effects of Accutane. Further, the problems can extend to the Colon region and it has been shown that Accutane use can be one of the factors responsible for causing Colon Cancer.

If you are taking Accutane and experience the below symptoms, call a doctor immediately.

  • Depressed mood, crying spells
  • Aggression or agitation, changes in behavior
  • Concentration problem, sleep problems
  • Hallucinations, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
  • Sudden numbness or weakness
  • Blurred vision,
  • Severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
  • Loss of appetite,
  • Severe diarrhea, rectal bleeding
  • Stiffness or pain in bones

Overdose of Accutane can result in headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain or swelling of lips. Patients who are on Accutane can also experience warmth or tingling under the skin and loss of coordination.