Accutane Long Term Side Effects (Page 44) (Top voted first)

I have a son that took accutane 60 mg a day for six months in a row three years ago. Now after many trips to doctors over strange medical problems, it seems accuatne is the culprit medication that has caused servere joint and muscle pain, severe dry lips, redness in face, eye infections of own immune system attacking itself, systems of osteoarthritis in both shoulders, both wrist and right hand, blood in stool, possible hair loss, abnormal liver function test results in AST and ALT. My son went from being a high school football and track athlete while taking this medication three years ago to someone that is in constant pain just washing a car. After I have researched this drug extensively, I can't believe that the FDA allows this drug originally made for cancer patients to be marketed for teenagers with acne. All one has to do is look online what vitamin A overdose does to someone and then you have the results of what this medication has done to my son. This drug needs to be taken off them market ASAP and the drug companies that make it need to compensate all teenagers that they have possible ruined their future. Shame on them! What is going on here?

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After a few days of the abilify, we thought things were getting better, now he isnt talking, eating or drinking water. We were just informed by the doctor to take out the seroquel. we really dont know what to do. He is like a zombie. Please help if anyone can suggest anything.

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Nancy..Yes he is in the USA. check out neurotox [dot] com. that is his website. obviously i cannot specifically write the web address as it should be. I do hope you can find some answers. No one seems to have any answers until our loved ones end up with something specific as a result from this poision...
Best of Luck and God Bless x

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Recognizing Neurotoxicity1
The symptoms of brain injury from exposure to hazards like lead paint and toxic chemicals vary widely. But there are ways you and your experts can pinpoint the damage and its cause.
Raymond Singer and Dana Darby Johnson
Neurotoxicity—poisoning of the brain and nervous system—is a well-documented effect of exposure to many widely used chemicals, yet doctors (and lawyers) often fail to recognize it. Chemically injured clients often report a confusing array of symptoms, with no medical diagnosis. The symptoms may seem vague and unconnected, leading you to wonder, “Could these symptoms really be caused by a chemical exposure?†Once you recognize the signs and understand them in context—as a constellation of symptoms resulting from a toxic injury—you will have greater confidence in bringing your client’s case to justice.
A person who has suffered a serious chemical injury is likely to have sustained considerable damage to his or her brain and nervous system. This is important for a lawyer to know, because doctors often recognize only the person’s physical illness, not realizing that serious brain and nervous system damage may have also occurred.
Neurotoxicity can be documented, but perhaps not in the way you might think. A person’s ability to think, perceive, control emotions, plan, and manage his or her life can diminish drastically without anything being visible to a radiologist or neurologist on an MRI or a CT scan.1
The most reliable and widely accepted way to assess actual brain function is through neuropsychological evaluation. (This is true for head-injury patients and those suffering from dementia, as well as those affected by exposure to toxic chemicals.)
Researchers have noted that imaging techniques are often of little value in evaluating neurotoxicity.2 In our and others’ experience, imaging techniques can occasionally pick up abnormalities caused by neurotoxicity and may be helpful for forensic purposes, but they are not cost-beneficial for routine screening.3
Neuropsychological testing tends to be more sensitive to brain injury than CT and routine MRI scans, which provide only a static and relatively gross view of neural structure. In one study of six head-injury cases, CT and/or MRI scans yielded little or no evidence of neuropathology as detected by neuropsychological testing. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans, however, corroborated the impaired function.4 PET and SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans offer a more dynamic look at brain structure, but both of these tests still need interpretation as to the cause of the abnormality (which could be benign).
Common symptoms
What do chronic pain, anxiety, neurological problems, confusion, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive declines have in common? They can all result from neurotoxic chemical exposure.
Symptoms of neurotoxicity include memory and concentration problems; confusion; multiple sclerosis or MS-type symptoms; impaired control of the limbs, bladder, or bowels; headaches or migraines; sleep disorders, including sleep apnea; eye problems that are neurological in origin; balance and hearing problems; muscle weakness; anxiety or panic attacks; depression; and other psychiatric or neurological symptoms.5
Other symptoms that could be caused by chemical injury include multi-organ system malfunction; lower or upper respiratory problems, such as chronic sinus problems; multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS); liver or kidney problems; and fibromyalgia or other pain disorders.
Along with nervous system dysfunction, the temporal association of any of these conditions with toxic chemical exposure tends to support the theory that the overall cause of the client’s injuries is a toxic insult to the body.

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Hi Scott..

Yes, we have different experiences. I actually took it very late in life-at age 33. I was tired of the cysts that would occur in 'strange' places (back, neck, etc). I was otherwise very attractive.. these sporadic and random cysts also left dark scars on my very dark skin. I had just "had it" after 15 + years of dealing! I will admit that I am vain.. but I had lost weight and really blossomed late in life.. and this was my last affliction. Anyway, perhaps taking it later was really a good thing- maybe when you're still growing is when it causes more problems? it seems to be a teenage problem- although most people taking Accutane are probably teens. I don't recall any adverse side effects except the dry lips, bleeding gums for awhile. Anyway... also the dosage should be considered. I believe I was on a fairly low dose- maybe 10mg twice/daily vs. 20 or higher. These things might all be considered. I wish my parents had put me on it when I was younger honestly- as I suffered throughout my teens and 20s, which really affected my self image for life.

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To Bro needs help,

I wish I could answer you in one sentence or paragraph on the exact way to help your brother. I took my son, who also took Amnesteem ( Accutane ) which STILL have continuing health issues to a Holistic Healer which also was a chiropractor. his wife, a nutritionist also placed my son a special diet which part of it treated candida ( yeast infection ). Eliminating certain food from his diet help him with better concentration and was not as tired as he normally was before the diet. You have my heart-felt prayers. Also, if you feel your PCP doctor isn't helping as much as you fell he should or could be, you may want to get a second opinion from a specialist. If its the mixture of meds he is taking making him worse etc., there is always hope one way or another.
Best wishes,
Scott

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Also, after reading your post again, the amt your son was taking is ridiculous. If you took dosages like this of ANY drug, you would experience side effects. This is like taking 8000mg of Tylenol daily, and then when your liver shuts down blaming the manufacturer of Tylenol and wanting it taken off market. The proper dosage which is available all over the net is 1mg/kg of body weight divided into two daily doses with meals. So, for an 'average' adult of 150 lbs this would be 70mg (you divide lbs by 2.2 to get kilos). 70mg divided into 2 doses would be 35 mg twice daily (30mg is the approp. dose). Your son was taking 3 60mg doses? so he would have to weigh 180 kg which is 400 lbs!! the MD who prescribed this should have his/her medical license taken away and be prosecuted for malpractice, not the drug company. I think these forums attract the people who have had horrible experiences (all of these forums are this way). You don't have the thousands of people with good experiences writing in- because they are not looking up something to blame their various afflictions on. Sorry, but this dose is just unreal. you might consider that this is truly, an overdose of Vitamin A. Any drug taken at these high doses would cause some adverse reaction or be fatal.

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Bad news wendy, that's the way the meds are dosed...depends on type of acne and severity, not weight. Let me know when you get your MD or bettet yet, when you pass the bar and let's go get the bastards! What'd you say?

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we had a second opinion done and the new doctor is a neurologist. He took out the abilify which i thought was really the wrong drug to give him. It is for people with schizophrenia. The first doctor diagnosed him with that coz he was going thru some hallucinations and weird stuff in the beginning. I have a feeling it was because he took some zinc pills that were in our kitchen but noone is sure about that which caused him to have a seizure. But after the 2 weeks of throwing up etc, that was when we all thought he had schizophrenia. But doctors think he was already a bit too old to get this since kids that become schizo usually get it early and my bro is already 24 to get it and we have no history of it. fast forward, when my brother already got into the hospital, he admits to taking accutane 7 years ago. so here we are now not knowing what to give him. He is now advised to take out the abilify and seroquel and the epival. He is to take only the olanzapine and also this medicine called divalproet and lexapro. I hope these new meds work. Since when he was on the abilify, he stopped eating and talking for a week. very scary for that to happen. Good thing doctor agreed to change meds and see a neurologist. Anyone with similar experiences?? please let us compare notes. Thanks

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Mitch:
Thank you for giving me the info I needed for this Doc. I will look the website up. I am PRAYING that I can find some answers. TRUST Me, if I do find any ANSWERS to what is happening with my son & others on this site, I will be sure to PASS ALL on.. I am Mad and Exhausted with this FIGHT for my son but I WILL NOT QUIT until I get the Answers. I am on a MISSION it's been over 2 yrs. now and I will CONTINUE to FIGHT no matter what.. GOD BLESS US ALL, WE sure need it... Again, Thanks Mitch

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@wendy. Why do you need to wait till you are in your early 20s to believe that the effects of Isotretinoin is harmful. I am so thankfull that i never took this drug. Both my younger brother and older brother took it. My older bro has been in and out of the hospital the past 15 years maybe of his life not knowing what was wrong with him. frustrated at why he couldnt sleep or why he had back problems or why he was always mad at things. While my younger brother now, took the dose of 60mgs for 6months on one cycle and we arent even sure how much the 2nd cycle. He took the accutane 7 years ago when he was 17. He just spent his 24th birthday in the mental institute for who knows what is wrong with him. He was in there for a few weeks. He has got so much anti convulsion pills or anti schizo pills or anti depressants or watever it is that they give people to treat people with convulsions or manic disorders. We do not have this schizophrenia in the family. I have asked my grandmother on both sides. Doctors claim that is could be predisposed which i think is bullcrap coz we all know that accutane has caused this. If a teen were to develop schizophrenia, it would have happened early on in his life. He is a bit too old to get it at 24 yrs old ya? Even the professionals have thought he was too old to get this. fast forward, My brother admits to taking this accutane and now we are left with a problem. A 24 yr old adult who cannot take care of himself. He is lifeless. He wont eat or talk or do anything. IS THE QUEST FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN SO IMPORTANT NOW THAT YOU MUST RESORT TO DESIGNER DRUGS TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK GOOD? ARE YOU AN ASPIRING MODEL? BUT GOOD WILL LOOKS DO IF YOU WOULD BE SICK FOR THE NEXT 60 YRS OF YOUR LIFE? YOU ARE ONLY 14. You are too young to take this chemotherapy drugs to begin with. you don't have cancer. why take it? risk beautiful skin for forever not going out coz your skin will be sensitive? there is so much to do with life than stay indoors coz of accutane. Please understand the advise people are telling you. May you be able to recover from what damage you may have done to your body since you are still growing. Peace be with you.

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To: Bro Needs help @ your message to Wendy....
First off I APPLAUD You for this Post. You are giving the HARD TRUTH here to Wendy and I Pray she listens to You & takes your advice. I am sure it must be HELL for You to watch your Brother SUFFERING. I also know it must be HARD for you to write about your Brother. I have been reading your posts and I see quite a Bit of Similarity with what is going on with my son. I would like to talk with you somehow privately and not on the Board. Just not sure how I could go about that. Would I be able to leave my email address on the Board??? Please know that I am so VERY Saddened at what is happening to your Brother, it's HEARTBREAKING to say the least. I also feel for You as the sister, I have 2 Daughters who have to Watch my son (Their Brother) going through Hell after taking this HELL drug Accutane (POISON) It has DESTROYED so much.... PRAYERS with your Brother & Family...I really Hope Wendy will read your POST and take your advice... GOD Bless.

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@Nancy. Hello. Do you have facebook? maybe that is good medium to communicate? But I am kind of trying to be low key about this. Maybe people can read our messages? Maybe only send each other messages and no posting on the wall? email Im uncertain how to type here without getting deleted. God's Mercy be upon us all.

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Maybe someone who took up some photoshop and some advertising come up with a good print ad to help us start something together? With the power of the internet I believe we can use this as a tool to stop this product. A good print ad can help get the message out to stop the pharma companies to make this poison. Maybe someone from the FDA will find the heart to make a substance like this Illegal and ban it from the world.

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@Nancy. Maybe facebook is a good medium? I am not sure how to privately message you.

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Nancy. Please do let me know if you do contact Ray Singer. Only trouble the Derms tell us here in UK there is no proof that it is the drug. Strange that my niece was given Roaccutane some 3 yrs ago and there has been some publicity they now use a different company and call it Isotretinoin. Everyone just tries to tell the kids that are suffering that they are fine and to get on with things as if there is nothing wrong ! The Dermatologists obviously do not have a conscience being paid to cause suffering and misery and ignore the fact that people suffer weeks, months or years after taking this crap..
Now nearly 10 month after stopping taking this poision my son still cannot sleep and has joint pain all over his body. He has no motivation and is tired 5 mins after waking up. Can no longer have cows milk or fruit juice with orange. Cannot eat bread and other acidic foods. Still has sensation of water dropping onto his head , this happens more so when he eats. Suffered a horrendous migraine 6 wks ago which was so bad they did a CT scan and Lumbar Puncture. .. Yet doctors say he is fit to work because they do not see or understand what the has happened to him ..God Bless all who have had their lives ruined from this Crap !

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Hi Mitch, I will be sure to let you know if I get in touch with that Dr. I have been looking into Other Toxiologists around the Boston area, doesn't seem to be that many. I will get HOLD of someone and hopefully they can do some TESTING to see is happening in my son's body from this POISON... I will PASS on ANYTHING & EVERYTHING that I find out. I want to HELP Your Son too and Others that took this Drug. Yeah I noticed they call it by a different name it;'s STILL the same POISON.. I also can't Tolerate when people say well ACCUTANE name Brand is pulled from the market,, I say what about the Generic Brands?? They are still OUT there and being PRESCIBED Daily. The GENERIC is the same, I don't get some people's thinking, know what I mean Mitch??? It just gets Frustrating.. Everytime I say to a New Doc, maybe this is from ACCUTANE they shake the heads and say NO WAY.... The other day took my son to another Doc and I mention the POISON, he shaked his head too, no way... I said do me a FAVOR, just for s***s & giggles and Google LONG Term Effects of this Drug and You will see so MANY people JUST LIKE MY SON... (It is this DRUG) I PRAY he googles it..... I will let you know any info I get , I want to HELP everyone involved in this NIGHTMARE!!!!!! My Prayers and Thoughts with You & Your Family Mitch. ONE day WE will WIN & get ANSWERS for Our Children... God Bless

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To Bro needs help... Hi, yes I am on FB, how can we do this without it being on the Board????? Hmmm any ideas anyone...

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@nancy btw, is your son under any medication now? my bro is taking olanzapine. we are unsure if it is helping him but for now it sort of helps him stay in tune with the real world. hard to explain really how things are.

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Wendy- Age has nothing to do with it! I was 31 when I took Accutane.

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Hi Bro needes Help, Yes my son is on Remeron , however they need to take him off it as it is causing VERY High Cholesterol Levels. He also takes a Blood pressure med, anxiety med and an prescription antihistime. I will tell you honestly I don't think the remeron was doing any good anyway, except it helped with sleep as he also suffers from insomnia... Seems NEVER ending... I am glad your brother gets some Help from that drug he takes, what a SHAME that all this comes from a Drug for acne. HEARTBREAKING~ Still would like to be able to talk privately Via FB, just not sure how we would go about it without having to put our Real names on this site... Maybe try with email address first??? Take care, Prayers for your BROTHER , YOU & your Family ...

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