Accutane Side Effects

A scientific study, published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2006, established that taking Accutane increases the risk of contracting inflammatory bowel disease.  The published study reviewed all cases of IBD diseases (like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) that were linked to Accutane and reported to the FDA.  In a five-year period, 85 cases were reported.  In four of the cases it was determined that it was “highly probable” that Accutane was the cause.  In addition, 58 cases a link between Accutane use and IBD was deemed “probable.”  Due to these and other serious side effects, Accutane was taken off the market in 2009.

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, causing a wide variety of symptoms. It primarily causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, or weight loss, but may also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract such as skin rashes, arthritis, eye inflammation, tiredness, and lack of concentration.  There is no known pharmaceutical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease. Treatment options are restricted to controlling symptoms, maintaining remission and preventing relapse.

Ulcerative Colitis is a disease of the large intestine or colon that includes characteristic ulcers, or open sores, in the colon.  The main symptom of ulcerative colitis is usually constant diarrhea mixed with blood.  Ulcerative colitis is an intermittent disease, with periods of exacerbated symptoms, and periods that are relatively symptom-free.  Although the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can sometimes diminish on their own, the disease usually requires treatment to go into remission.

Additional side effects from Accutane include acne flares, dryness of skin, lips and mucus membranes, infection of the cuticles, itching, rosacea, skin fragility and peeling, rash, flushed skin, nose bleeds, dry eyes or irritation, conjunctivitis, reduced tolerance to contact lenses, raised liver enzymes, permanent thin skin, headaches, temporary or permanent hair thinning, back pain, raised blood glucose level, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, serious birth defects, impaired night vision, cataracts, menstrual disturbances, pancreatitis, hepatitis, psychosis, and depression. If you think you or someone you know has any side effects from Accutane, contact us immediately by submitting your information in the red case information box at the top of the page.