Accutane Long Term Side Effects (Page 6) (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 After I have researched this drug extensively, I can't believe that the FDA allows this drug originally made for cancer patients to be marketed for teenagers with acne.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?

REPLY

REPORT

Jay just think, your happy about taking a chemotherapy drug. A chemotherapy drug that stops fast reproducing cells from continuing. Accutane clears acne by stoping the sebatious glands under your skin from producing their natural oil. So that said have you noticed that almost all the people are complaining of spinal disc problems and shoulder muscle problems long term at an early age. when a person ages the matrix supporting the muscle and bone tissue starts to decrease as the cells get to the end of thier reproductive life. A chemotherapy drug like accutane shortens these same cells reproductive life almost like premature aging, because there was not a cancer disease to attack, just a healthy body with acne.Now as time goes on, because of no cancer you live longer and then a body is subjected to the long term side effects of cells ending their life ealy ( mainly muscle and joint problems). good luck hope all is o.k.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

According to a spine surgeon I went to see "Accutane causes degenerative disc disease", which I have now. I took very good care of my back my whole life.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

We need another legal suit against Accutane makers.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Please start taking 800-1200mg of natures made SAM-E and IP6 phytic acid. This will cause your body to start producing hyaluronic acid again...it will start producing osteoblasts and osteoclasts for your bones. it will promote water retention.

Start taking 2000-3000 mg of Taurine per day... this will help bind with metabolites in your liver. b12 and b6 to help with the recirculation and regeneration of methionine (SAM-E). 2000mg TMG will also help with your liver.

PLEASE START NOW!!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

kkh, isotretinoin, aka Accutane, aka 13-cis retinoic acid, was developed as a chemotherapy drug for brain cancer. It was discovered that it was also useful in treating acne. The rest is unfortunate history.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

So true about he drug companies. I'm sorry that your son and your family are having to live through the horrific effects of Accutane. Those of us who have lived through Accutane understand your suffering. I come from a family with 3 medical doctors and none of them knew these side effects before I took it in 1993. I'm 42 now and still suffering. Accutane caused me degenerative back disease, IBS, and interstitial cystitis, I have chronic sleep deprecation from being in "cancer pain" levels from the "cracked and bloody" lining of my bladder and gut, or at leadt that's what my urologist and Harvard medical school told me. Bless you and your son.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Don't do it ! It will wreck your life ! Please trust me !!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

I'm so so sorry . I am 40 now with all the same symptoms . If it wasn't for my family I would no longer be here , I would have ended it long ago .

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

To anyone still reading this... I am a male who has undergone isotretinoin treatment 4 times throughout the ages 15-23. I spent 20 months on the drug in total. My dose never exceeded 40mg/day (roughly 60kg bodyweight). Despite 4 courses of isotretinoin, I still get acne around my jawline, common of hormonal acne. After digging around, I found this study: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9740865, which links unsuccessful treatment to hyperandrogenism. Which makes sense, because I was able to gain 10kg of lean muscle undeterred by isotretinoin. Point being, if you think the cause of your acne is hormonal, I would not risk the chance of life-altering side effects for clear skin that likely won't last.

To dive further, it has been about a year since I last took my last pill of isotretinoin. I was lucky enough to not sustain any long-lasting physical side effects mentioned. I have no dry eyes, mouth, or joint pain. Although I do look much older than my age. This is all conjecture, but I am positive that a strong hormonal profile buffers against the physical side effects of this drug, as suggested by the study above. Although, it will not buffer against the mental side effects.

To preface this, I have a family history of schizophrenia. My uncle is a severe schizophrenic incapable of communication or caring for himself. After more digging, I found this study: nature.com/articles/s41380-018-0305-0, which links disruption of retinoic acid signaling to the neuropathology of schizophrenia. Now this is going to sound crazy, but read this with an open mind. I have reasons to believe that isotretinoin indirectly causes symptoms of schizophrenia to manifest in those who are susceptible. And that the people who experience depression, anxiety, psychosis, and/or suicidal thoughts while on this drug are actually suffering from a form of schizophrenia. My reasoning is this: it is well established that isotretinoin can trigger suicidal thoughts, major depression, and psychosis in otherwise healthy people. As hypothesized in the study above, genes involved in retinoid signaling/biogenesis are thought to be implicated in schizophrenia and psychotic-like symptoms. Next, we have this study: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25721216, which shows that isotretinoin affects the hormonal output of the pituitary gland at any supra-physiological dose.

It is also worth noting the case study of the Inuits, who consume polar bear liver to survive in the frigid arctic. Polar bear liver is thought to contain something like 1000 times more vitamin A than domesticated ruminant animal livers. Upon consumption, the Inuits suffered psychotic-like symptoms as described in this study:

journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Abstract/2004/11000/Polar_Hysteria__An_Expression_of_Hypervitaminosis.15.aspx.

Here comes the crazy part. For those who have never heard about the 'pheromone theory of schizophrenia', it was one of the first theories attempting to explain schizophrenia from the 20th century. Basically, it's the idea that individuals afflicted with schizophrenia begin to smell unpleasant. And the people around you pick up on the smell and distance themselves from you. So you begin to think something is wrong with you, because everyone is avoidant of you. Which turns into a downward spiral, further accentuating isolation until you become a full blown schizophrenic. There is evidence to back this up: https:/­/­www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/­pubmed/­17156856.

Putting it all together, isotretinoin disrupts your endocrine system via the output of the hormones from the pituitary gland. With repeated chronic exposure, your endocrine system eventually becomes so damaged that your hormonal/pheromonal production is perturbed. Other humans can sense this perturbation innately, and you are cast out of the tribe.

The sad part is, no one knows if it is possible to recover completely from the harm isotretinoin causes. This study: researchgate.net/publication/26271506_Epigenetic_side-effects_of_common_pharmaceuticals_A_potential_new_field_in_medicine_and_pharmacology, suggests that the changes are epigenetic and become permanent with repeated exposure.

Upon researching how to heal the body from isotretinoin, I have come to the conclusion that drastic times call for drastic measures. Individuals who have suffered any long term side effects need to transition to a raw carnivore diet EXCLUDING as many grains and vegetables as possible. You must avoid gluten at all cost. Cucumbers and fruits are fine though. The reason behind this is that isotretinoin alone has likely compromised your intestinal health to the point where you don't want gluten and anti-nutrients from vegetables punching more holes in your gut. This study explains the gluten issue succinctly: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809873.

Referring to the issue with vegetables, most of them on grocery store shelves are genetically modified and otherwise would not be edible in nature. Thus, they are not part of a natural human diet. Here is a great example: sciencealert.com/fruits-vegetables-before-domestication-photos-genetically-modified-food-natural. If you were put these in your mouth, your senses would quickly tell you to spit them out. There is nothing in plants that you can't get from meat. If you're thinking, "but wait, what about anti-oxidants!?", you've been successfully brainwashed. This article puts it nicely: pesticidefacts.org/perspectives/dietary-pesticides-99-99-percent-natural. The anti-oxidants found in plants are NOT there to make you healthy, they are there to defend the plant from predators who would dare eat them. Biochemical defense because the plant cannot get up on two feet and run away from predators like you can. The only true anti-oxidants are taurine, carnitine, carnosine, creatine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B12, and conjugated linoleic acids, all of which are missing in the vegan diet.

You need to source meat and dairy from a trusted local farm, as grocery store meat is contaminated with antiobiotic resistant super bugs (beckershospitalreview.com/quality/most-grocery-store-meat-contains-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-4-things-to-know.html).

To summarize, stay far away from isotretinoin if you truly value your longevity and well-being. Isotretinoin treatment resembles controlled hypervitaminosis A, which is the anti-thesis to proper mental health. As such, isotretinoin treatment must only be considered as an extreme last resort.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

It is Day 7 off CLaravis(isotretinoin) or generic Acutane Charlie admitted to ER hospital last night for extreme hallucinations,depression, suicidal thoughts. He will be admitted to inpatient adolesent hospital under care of many doctors who can help him deal with this. Depending on which dr that you talk to it is 3-30 days to clear your system. Dr say less than 1% chance of happening. I have talked to 6 people with kids that have been on this drug. My percentage of this happening so far is 50/50! I did report to the FDA website. Thanks for the tip.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I took accutane about 9 years ago
it seemed to work great, it was recommended by a friend that took it. After about 9 years I had uncontrolable bowel problems. I used to run 2 miles a day, but I stopped because I would get so far into my run and then it was like I had to jump in the ditch because a movement was going to happen ready or not. I have been dealing with this for 2 years. I thought maybe it was a food allergy, so I cut certain things. Nothing ever changed. I am going to see a specialist tomorrow to get some answers hopefully. This condition is not only uncomfortabe, it's embarrasing! I have to plan my life around my movements. Checking on this site makes me feel better, because anyone I talk to around me doesn't understand!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

I took accutane at the age of two because according to my doctor nothing else worked. six years later i am having many health issues i never would have guessed that what cured my acne would cause me problems for life. I recently found out about these side effects and decided to do some research. i will be going to my doctor asap. Im currently taking yaz and it is doing a decent job of controlling my acne. the reality is acne wouldn't be such a big problem if there weren't ignorant ppl that point it out every second. I couldn't even ride the train without being stopped and someone comenting on my acne.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I cannot believe what I am reading.I am a 37 yr old who took this medicine so long ago I cannot remember.It did clear up my acne, except for the cystic acne that I still have.I am not sure if I have had any side effects but I can tell you I do have a history of kidney stones, constipation,insomnia,mild depression,fibroids,dry and very itchy skin.I am now also starting to wonder if I too was a victim of this drug.Unfortunately for me, I was not aware of all of these side effects.Next time I come down with some ailment I will make sure to mention my accutane use to my doctor.My prayers go out to all of you who have been sickened by this drug.I have been where you are and I felt relieved to have found this miracle drug until now.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I took accutane for close to 8 months. It cleared up my acne but left me with the most terrible side effects. I've been off accutane for about two months now. My biggest side effect is loss of emotion for family and friends. It almost feels like I don't love them anymore. I also seem to be feeling very depressed and lonely. One of my favorite things to do is snowboarding and since i've been off accutane I don't feel like even doing that. Accutane did a very good job clearing my face, but I truly regret taking it now. If you want to risk having all these side effects then do it, but I advise you not to. I just about broke up with someone who is very close to me because I felt a lack of emotion for them

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Melissa,
I am very sorry for your loss. You have brought me to tears. May God be with you in these trying times. Please read the report below posted by Ncc . He goes in great detail on known facts Accutane has caused. From the Heart, Scott

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Thanks Scott for everything. I feel like it's my fault for allowing my son to go on this drug and if he didn't he would be here today. I know it has only been a month since his death and I am still having a really hard time. But what is really weird is that last week I got a Legal Advertisement in the mail regarding Accutane and that they are gathering information to see if there is enough for a class-action case. They are only talking about ibs, colitis, and chroin's disease. After being told by the doctors that I would never be able to prove that Accutane is what caused my sons immune system to attack itself and give up trying to prove it, I get this letter in the mail three weeks after his death. Is my son trying to tell me something or is it just coincidence? And where do I start? Do I trust this law firm? Thanks again for your response and thoughtfulness.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Katie- I truly understand same thing happened to me. I not sure what you have been doing for the bone problems, hopefully you have gotten your Vit D, Calcium, Parathyroid and hormones checked. I take a special calcium for the severe osteopenia I was left with...called bone builder along with Vit D. There are support groups out there that have great suggestions for rebuilding the bone, your not to old yet for that. Try and stay away from biophosphates if you can....
Hope this helps

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Hi all.
Back when I was 16 i took accutane and none of this knowledge was available.Mine was given to me by a Air Force medical doctor and i went thru the pain in the stomache..large cracks in my skin from smiling lips bleeding and whatnot.When i tried it the drug was still experimental and now both my parents and I hate the sound of the name of this drug.Yes i have clear skin but then i have a ton of aches and pains that the doctors can't explain either.While i was in the military in 88-92 i hurt myself pretty good in the back area and they put me thru some things that allowed me to ignore the pain in my back and learned how to deal with pain on the whole.I would NOT suggest this to anyone as this has caused me some problems.
Thank you for all your posts and time

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Our son had a mental health reaction while on Accutane the fall of 2007. He was taken off the medication due to the way he answered the mental health inventory at the doctor. He has not improved 2.5 years later. He went from having a 3.87 GPA to barely getting through high school. We have seen multiple doctors, therapist, psychiatrists and tried numerous medications for the severe debilitating depression. I am curious if anybody out there has found anything that has helped. Short of a divine miracle, I am starting to doubt that I will have know my son again. What he is now, no longer resembles the son we raised (who was gentle, kind, empathetic, a leader, an athlete, a student). This person simply struggles to get through life in everyway. Looking for anything...

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Jacquie,

I am happy that you are responding to this drug with positive results and few side effects. I think your position is clearly that of a young person who has had the positive cosmetic benefits of this drug which I know is very important at your age. I allowed my son to go on accutance at your age. Within 10-13 days on this drug we saw his personality change 180 degrees. He was a smart athletic boy with leadership skills and a strong future. Today he struggles to get out of bed, will barely pass high school and we do not know what his future brings even though he now has beautiful skin. The beautiful skin will neither relieve his depressed state nor his inability to concentrate for what may be his lifetime. In our family three other cousins took the medicine with no negative consequnces; however, if one of them had suffered what our son has, it would be one too many. Pharmacuetical companies must be accountable to ALL people and the FDA must make sure that ALL drugs on the market are safe for ALL people. If one dies, commits suicide or is impaired for life, that is one too many. There are other methods for treating acne and I wish we would have simply waited it out. Our son was moderately affected by acne and this drug should have been limited to the serious cases but instead began being prescribed for the masses. When a young person at the age of 15 is offered a chance for clear skin as my son and you were, he is persistent to get the drug for the results. I should have listened to my guts. Again, congrats on your results.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I had Harvoni treatment last spring. I am not the same. My nervous system is a wreck. My anxiety problems have increased...

263 REPLIES

What are the long term effects of the brain and mood changes in people taking 30mg of oxycodone for years? Do they act w...

6 REPLIES

My wife has been using Nexito Plus for the past 4 years. She is doing good, but she feels sleepy in the morning time and...

3 REPLIES

my boyfriends complaining after taking large dosages prescribed by doctors for sleep that he feels loss of sight, blurre...

3 REPLIES

My doctor just prescribed me Tramadol for a chronic back pain issue. If I take this med every night, will there be any l...

2 REPLIES

I have been taking clopidogrel 75mg + atorvastatin 10mg + metoprolol 10mg + telmisartan 40mg for the past 3 years since ...

1 REPLY

I am 41 yrs male.For the past one month occasionally one or two of my fingers move sideways without my control and then ...

1 REPLY

My father has been prescribed ecosprin 75 along with Dytor plus 10mg, prolomat XL and cardace 2.5 by a cardiologist. He ...

1 REPLY

I was just prescribed this medication by my doctor, because of irregular periods. For the past 2 years I have had my per...

1 REPLY

Folks, like everyone else who has started MULTAQ, I am having second thoughts about it's effectiveness. When I first...

1 REPLY