Isotretinion is an extremely powerful drug. It also has powerful side-effects that need to be monitored by a doctor during the course of the treatment as some of them will not be apparent without proper testing. Listed here are the more serious side-effects that can occur as a result of taking Accutane:
Pregnancy
Isotretinion should NEVER be used by pregnant women.
Isotretinion is teratogenic—it causes fetal abnormalities.
The drug must not be used for 1 month before and after pregnancy as well as during pregnancy.
Pregnancy prevention programs are available and must be adhered to.
Depression:
Isotretinoin may cause mood swings or depression.
Be wary of sudden changes in mood.
A possible increase in suicide rate has been brought up although it has not been substantiated clinically.
Bones:
Hyperostosis (excess bone growth) may occur, but usually is of no consequence.
Osteoperosis (bone thinning) can occur, even though the risk is relatively small.
In children, bone length can be reduced.
Lipids:
Pancreatitis is a risk if triglyceride levels increase too quickly.
Doctors will likely monitor these levels.
Liver:
Accutane may be mildly irritating to the liver.
Neurologic:
Depression, sometimes extremely severe has been reported in some patients.
Headaches are sometimes reported.
Pseudotumors can occur which causes unwanted side-effects like headaches, nausea, and visual problems.
Muscloskeletal:
Inflammation around the joints can occur, and can cause tendonitis.
Aches and pains in the back are relatively common.
Blood:
Rarely, the ability to produce white blood cells can occur.
