Accutane is a medication used to treat severe acne that hasnt responded to other treatments. It contains the active ingredient isotretinoin, which works by increasing cell turnover and reducing oil gland size and production, resulting in less build-up and pore-clogging. However, Accutane can have both positive and negative effects on the body.
Positive effects:
- Accutane can effectively treat severe acne that hasnt responded to other treatments.
Negative effects:
- Accutane can cause dry, cracking, or peeling skin, dry or inflamed eyes, and chapped lips.
- Accutane can cause dry nasal passages, which may cause nosebleeds.
- Accutane can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so its important to use sun protection and skin moisturizers when outdoors.
- Accutane can cause muscle aches, digestive and intestinal symptoms, and headaches.
- Accutane can cause sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and genital numbness.
- Accutane can cause mental health problems, including depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.
- Accutane can cause organ damage to the pancreas, bowel, esophagus, and liver.
- Accutane can affect the bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints, and may stop long bone growth in teenagers who are still growing.
- Accutane can increase the levels of sugar in the blood and, rarely, lead to diabetes.
- Accutane poses a high risk of birth defects, which is why there is a very strict protocol to prevent pregnancy among females taking the drug.
Its important to note that this is not a complete list of potential side effects or risks of taking Accutane. If you are taking Accutane and experience any side effects, you should contact your doctor right away.
