Accutane Lung And Neurological Side Effects

Hello,

I wanted to share my story and ask others if they are experiencing similar side affects. I'm a 35 year old female and took accutane 6 months ago for 6 weeks only (prescribed not for acne, but for seborrheic dermatitis which is normal/legal in Poland where I was diagnosed)! Four months later I have more and more side effects that are gradually appearing and getting worse. My main concern:

- shortness of breath and occasional chest pain (started recently and getting worse by day, but x-ray doesn't show anything unusual nor do the blood tests)

- head pressure (a bit like sinus infection, but without a mucous), mainly at top of nose, slightly stuffy nose, temples, front and top of head and occasional ear ache

- neurological issues, aches (still mild) in arms and legs, extremely heavy limbs at night, tired arms and legs most of time

- plus the usual: dry skin, eyes, mouth (receding gums), clicking joints, back ache, fussy tummy

Can you help me with supplements, tips for dealing with this, is is typical?

Thank you for your help,
Hania

REPLY

REPORT

What blood work did you have done? Were you checked for diabetes, pseudo tumor, thyroid issues, deficiencies in B12 or Iron? How is your diet have you removed all processed foods and sugar.

Yes, you find many who are like you that have a myriad of issues after taking Accutane -

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello and thank you for your reply.

I did plenty of blood work (liver and lipid profile, full blood count, esr, autoimmune, rheumatoid profile, glucose levels, thyroid, hiv even). None for b-12 and iron nor pseudo tumor
I feel 'woozy', dizzy, off-balance with slightly blurry vision and now nausea, but my glucose test was normal. The doctor simply said he doesn't know what else to do for me which is extremely frustrating (I'm in the UK). Can I simply ask for additional tests? I know I need to learn how to live with those symptoms, but there are so many cases of diabetes and other diseases from hell after accutane I want to nip things in the bud if I can.
Yes, I removed sugar from my diet (apart from fruit). I eat plenty of veg and oily fish and nuts, not sure what else to do. I guess all my symptoms are still emerging as I only took my last pill 4.5 months ago.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

You say your in the U.K.???? Have you consulted Dr. Chow? He was part of the Accutane Regulatory Hearings back in 2000 and has treated many affected by Accutane in the U.K.

Cheers,
Jen

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello Jen,

I haven't yet. Thank you. That's a great tip and I'll look into it.

Hania

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

P.S Just realised I haven't had a glucose level done. The test said 'Random' which I thought stood for random glucose levels. It was explained to me it meant I didn't have to fast for blood tests, odd...
Thank you for that tip, I'll ask my doctor for sugar level blood test.
H

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hello Hania,

I experience very similar problems 4 months after the last pill of Accutane (took it for 8 weeks for acne, did not finish the course because of severe dry eyes issue). My symptoms include all in your list plus anxiety, abdominal pain and light-colored stool. My blood work is also all normal including Ferritin and B12 but they found elevated antibodies for thyroid tissue (thyroglobulin AB and thyroid peroxidase AB). The primary doctor suggested I might have Hashimoto's disease, now I am waiting my appointment with a rheumatologist and gastroenterologist.

Best,
Roman

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hey Hania have you found solution to your problems?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I started taking flecainide, 100 mg twice a day, 10 years ago for a-fib & never had a problem with it. In recent yea...

2 REPLIES

I went this medication when it first came on the market in 1982. Yes, it cleared up my acne but I truly believe that thi...

4 REPLIES

Hi. I finished my 6 month Accutane treatment a month ago and have been feeling very weird since then. I have a lack of e...

3 REPLIES

Our son started taking Accutane the end of Dec, 2011. He was on it for 6 weeks. He ended up in Feb. in ER with a foot lo...

1 REPLY

Just wanted to let everyone know my experience with ro-accutane so far. Started on the medicine for cystic acne caused b...

2 REPLIES

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 ove...

1933 REPLIES

I was on accutane in the early 90's (right after it was approved) and it did the job at the time. Now, 20 years late...

5 REPLIES

Hi – I took Absorica (Accutane/Isotretinoin) for 5 Mos @ 80mg Feb - Aug. 2013. Currently at 6 months post-med (Feb...

1 REPLY

I'm 18 years old and have been on ro-accutane for a month and a half taking 30 mg a day. The drug got to work pretty...

1 REPLY

I Took Accutane ore than 20 years ago...for moderate Acne. I Experienced the so called Usual Side effects...Dry Lips cha...

44 REPLIES