What Do You Really Know About It?

Acne has always been a problem for both adolescents and adults and there is a constant search for a miracle cure that could control acne without resorting to conventional treatments. Since typical acne therapy require a long-term commitment to having your skin cleansed professionally and following a home skin care program, the appeal of a simpler and faster solution (“just take a pill”) is understandable. Unfortunately, sometimes the cure can turn into a curse, as might well have happened in the case of Accutane.

The active ingredient of Accutane, Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid), is a member of the first generation of retinoids and related to vitamin A – retinoic acid. In addition to Accutane, this medication is also marketed under the following names: Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret. By its manufacture, Roche, Accutane is indicated for severe nodular acne, which is defined as numerous severe inflammatory lesions 5 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) or greater. The drug insert underlines that “because of significant adverse effects associated with its use, Accutane should be reserved for patients with severe nodular acne who are unresponsive to conventional acne therapy.” Many of us, however, are so used to reading all kinds of warnings and precautions on everything from our dietary supplements to toothpaste, that we might not realize that when a manufacturer warns against possible adverse effects, there must be some research behind it.

In the information about Accutane published by its manufacturer, negative side-effects related to taking it may include anything from serious mental health problems (depression, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and aggressive behavior) and birth defects, to brain problems, intestinal problems, bone and muscle problems, hearing impairment, vision problems and allergic reactions. Another issue for Accutane patients is a number of potentially harmful interactions with other substances, such as vitamin A, tetracyclines, hormonal preparations, and St. John’s Wort. The FDA Alert (August, 2005) states that Accutane causes birth defects, and that the Agency is currently investigating reports of suicide or suicide attempts associated with the use of Accutane. Moreover, there is a growing media controversy concerning Accutane and its manufacturer.