Download HHP Accutane

“Possible Side Effects
Include…”: Accutane
Allison Boyle
Overview
• Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a prescription
drug used to treat recalcitrant nodular
acne if other treatments have failed.
(generally a final effort)
• This treatment is very controversial due to
the many severe side-effects that could
occur.
• This pill is taken every day, but, unlike
some pills, when one is missed you do
NOT double up doses. This must be taken
with food.
Overview (cont.)
• Blood tests are mandatory every month to
regulate the body (liver)
• One is required to take the iPLEDGE Program
quiz before renewing prescriptions
• This treatment usually lasts between 4-6 months
• If acne is not gone after 6 months a second
session on the drug may be necessary;
however, a minimum 6 month period between
doses
• For more information please visit:
https://www.ipledgeprogram.com/Default.aspx
(iPLEDGE website)
What it does!
• This is a form of vitamin A that reduces the
amount of oil (sebum) released by oil
glands in the skin.
• Decreases the cell buildup that causes
whiteheads and blackheads
• Kills acne bacteria within the skin
• Reduces inflammation
Things to Avoid While on Accutane
•
•
•
•
•
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Pregnancy
Giving blood
Breastfeed
Other medications
Cosmetic Procedures
Drive at Night (until
you know whether the
medication has
affected vision)
• Sunlight/Ultraviolet
Lights
• Do NOT Share
• Must be on 2 forms of birth control (females)
• Consent to constant pregnancy tests to prevent birth
defects from taking place
• Mandatory blood tests every month
• iPLEDGE quizzes
• Can NOT donate blood while on Accutane or 30
days after treatment is ended
• SUNSCREEN because sunburn is a very high risk
Not So Serious Side Effects
• Red, cracked, sore
lips
• Dry skin
• Nosebleeds
• Peeling skin
• Slowed healing of
cuts or abrasions of
any kind
• Increased sensitivity
to the sun
•
•
•
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Dry eyes
Dry nose
Allergic Reactions
Skin Problems
Serious Side Effects
• Mental Health Problems
(depression, psychosis,
suicide)
• Life-Threatening Birth
Defects
• Seizures
• Yellowing of the skin or
eyes (caused by liver)
• Swelling (miscellaneous
places)
• Serious Brain Problems
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•
•
•
Abdominal Problems
Vision Problems
Hearing Problems
Bone and Muscle
Problems
• Blood Sugar Problems
(Diabetes)
Miscellaneous Costs…
• Dermatologist Appointments (with or
without insurance)
• Blood Tests
• The Medication Itself
• Lotions
• Altogether, the costs are extremely high.
Being on this Pill
• Like anyone else would say, this is a very
dangerous pill, and it took a lot of time to
make this decision, but overall I believe I
made the correct choice. I took this for 6
months and my acne problem has
subsided. I had to get constant blood and
pregnancy tests to protect me from
dangerous side effects. In addition, my
body’s physiology changed dramatically.
Being on this Pill (cont.)
• My physiology changed due to the fact
that my skin became extremely sensitive
to both injury and sunburn in addition to
the obvious dryness. I was forced to use 2
lotions specifically for my face in order to
prevent constant peeling. My chap-stick
received the name of my “glue stick”
because it was a different, more potent
brand than others.
Being on this Pill (cont.)
• From being on this pill I have learned that
what you think about yourself is the most
important thing. Several of my friends
have approached me about potentially
going onto this medication, and I strongly
recommend it. Although the risks are
large, the benefits for the user are
priceless.
THE END