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Do Accutane Side Effects Outweigh the Benefits of Taking the Drug? |
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Also known as Isotretinoin or Roaccutane, this drug is commonly
associated with some of the more serious side effects like
malformations in fetuses, depression, or suicide. It is common
to hear about the drug's potential side effects before hearing
about how it works.
It is derived from vitamin A and is taken in the oral form.
Although vitamin A is necessary for your health, too much of it
will build toxicity in your body. This is why many of the main
accutane side effects develop. Learn more about accutane do's,
don'ts, and dosages at
www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/accutane.html.
Typical accutane side effects
Accutane is known for keeping a patient's skin clear for a long
period of time after completing the required prescription
dosages.
The most common Accutane / Roaccutane side effect is called
"hypervitaminosis A" which is associated with high toxic levels
of vitamin A. This can lead to dry and irritated skin, dry eyes,
and dry and cracked lips. Others experience loss of hair or
headaches. Also common are muscle aches and pain, and joint
pain. Therefore, you should avoid vigorous exercise while on the
drug.
Less typical accutane side effects
Less common accutane or roaccutane side effects include colitis,
inability to see clearly at night, hepatitis, and increased
levels of lipids in the blood. Accutane may |
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sometimes increase
the level of blood fats to risky levels. Occasionally it may
affect the liver by increasing liver enzymes. This is the reason
why blood tests are necessary on a regular basis during the
treatment. If these measures are all taken carefully, the risks
may be reduced. Side effects are said to stop once a person
stops taking Accutane.
Other more serious, though less common, accutane side effects
include, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, changes in mood,
severe stomach pain, diarrhea, bowel problems, calcium deposits
in tendons (the significance of this is unknown), an increase in
cholesterol levels, and yellowing of the skin.
Pregnancy and Accutane
The birth defect rate linked to Accutane is 90% in women taking
Accutane. The best way to avoid this risk if you want to take
the drug is to abstain from sex altogether. If you are taking
the pill, you will need to use a second method of birth control
at the same time. Make sure you consult with your doctor if you
wish to use Accutane under these circumstances. A pregnant woman
can suffer a miscarriage.
Depression
A clear link between Accutane and depression has not yet been
established. In previous studies, the proportion of those
attempting suicide while using Accutane in comparison with the
entire number of patients on Accutane, is not higher from the
general percentage of those attempting suicide out of the |
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