What is Isotretinoin?
Posted on 02. Apr, 2011 by Admin in Accutane Injury
Isotretinoin is the generic name of a prescription medicine used primarily in the treatment of acne but is also in use as a chemotherapy medication.
Isotretinoin can be taken orally for systemic, non-selective action, or it can be an ingredient in topical creams or ointments. The medication is derived from vitamin A and is classified as a retinoid. Isotretinoin was first developed in 1982 by Hoffmann-La Roche. Over the course of the following two decades, several side effects were discovered with its use, so it is now only prescribed in cases of severe acne.
Precautions for Use of Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is now prescribed with extreme caution after the discovery of specific side of the drug. Doctors must be notified if patients are allergic to any other medications or a class of preservatives called parabens, which are used in the capsules containing the dose. All prescription, non-prescription, and herbal nutritional supplements are also recommended to be disclosed to a doctor before being prescribed Isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin cannot be prescribed if patients have any of the following conditions: mental illness, depression, asthma, diabetes, bone disorders, anorexia, liver disease, or heart disease. In addition, women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not take Isotretinoin due to the possibility of premature birth or birth defects. In fact, most doctors only prescribe Isotretinoin to women who have tested negative on two independent pregnancy tests.
Side Effects of Isotretinoin
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Isotretinoin has numerous side effects. Some of these side effects are commonly experienced and not considered to be a severe threat to health. These side effects include the following:
• Dry, sore lips
• Dry skin, especially in the facial area
• Change in skin color
• Slowed healing of cuts/sores
• Swollen/bleeding gums
• Hair loss
• Sweating
• Fatigue
Other symptoms may be more dangerous and require the intervention of a doctor, of which include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Slowed speech
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty hearing/tinnitus
• Weakness/numbness, especially if only on one side of the body
• Stomach pain
• Chest pain
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding
• Muscle pain
• Strong thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Increased heartbeat
• Facial swelling or swelling of extremities
In addition to these side effects, several more severe or permanent side effects have been linked to Isotretinoin such as stunted growth and permanent hair loss. Birth defects found to be caused by Isotretinoin include sensory impairment, facial deformity, and mental retardation. Lastly, some research suggests Isotretinoin may have a relationship with the onset of severe depression leading to psychosis or suicide.
Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.
