Accutane® is a prescription medication used to treat severe cases of acne. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of negative side effects associated with the use of this medication, leading to a number of lawsuits. Owing to the vast number of complaints, many doctors will no longer prescribe this medication. Some potential Accutane® side effects include digestive problems, liver damage, and depression. Birth defects have been reported by pregnant women who have used Accutane®.
Severe digestive problems such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease are commonly reported Accutane® side effects. Symptoms of these conditions may include abdominal pain, bloody stools, and nausea. These digestive orders are very common when using this medication and may become severe enough to require surgical intervention.
Liver damage is another one of the more commonly reported Accutane® side effects. Symptoms of liver damage may include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Jaundice, a condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to appear yellow, is a common indicator of liver damage. Severe liver damage may require a liver transplant in order to save the life of the patient.
Psychiatric issues are among the most concerning Accutane® side effects. This depression may become so severe that suicidal thoughts may begin to develop. In fact, there have been several suicide attempts and completed suicides that have been attributed to the use of Accutane®.
Accutane® side effects among pregnant women are particularly troubling. These birth defects are often severe and life-threatening to the unborn child. Even one dose of this medication can cause birth defects that may affect the eyes, heart, or brain. The risk of birth defects is so high that even women who have had a tubal ligation are required to take birth control medications while taking Accutane®. Those taking this medication are not allowed to donate blood because of the chances of a pregnant woman receiving the blood.
Other commonly reported Accutane® side effects include headache, hair loss, and extreme fatigue. Women taking this medication have reported menstrual problems such as increased pain, heavier bleeding, and irregular cycles. Skin problems such as sunlight sensitivity or the development of eczema have also been reported. It is vitally important that any negative side effects are reported to a doctor right away, even if the patient does not understand how the side effects could relate to the use of this medication.
