Side Effects of Accutane

Accutane is a drug used for the treatment of severe forms of acne. Accutane is the commercial name for Isotretinoin. There are several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture Isotretinoin; however, in the United States the most popular type is called Accutane, manufactured by Roche. Others names used for Isotretinoin are Roaccutane which is also manufactured by Roche, but it is sold under this name in Europe, Amnesteem sold by Mylan, and Claravis which is sold by Barr.

Accutane is a form of vitamin A, but extremely potent. Unfortunately, Accutane is associated with severe side effects, so caution should be taken when an individual is being prescribed Accutane.


Side effects from Accutane usually fall into three broad categories, they are mild, moderate and severe.

Mild Side Effects of Accutane
Mild side effects are fairly common and can include any of the following, mild acne flare ups, dryness of the skin and lips, conjunctivitis, fatigue and moodiness, an increase of enzymes in the liver, itching and rashes, sensitivity to light, increased risk of sunburn, the possibility of headaches and thinning of the hair. Mild side effects are usually the most common form of side effects that individuals experience when being treated with Accutane.

Moderate Side Effects of Accutane
Moderate side effects are usually less common, but can still cause serious issues for some individuals. Moderate side effects using Accutane can include moderate acne flare ups, fatigue, moderate mood changes including depression, and increase in glucose levels, and minimal hair loss.

Severe Side Effects of Accutane
Unfortunately Accutane can cause severe side effects which ultimately can include birth defects for pregnant mothers being treated by Accutane. In addition, severe bouts of depression or mood changes have been reported and alopecia (hair loss) can be moderate. Accutane can also cause rosacea, which is a skin disease. In some cases cataracts and other types of vision problems can occur. Accutane can also cause the side effect of certain types of hypertension and hepatitis.

Obviously the treatment of Accutane can cause severe discomfort in certain individuals and use of this drug should be monitored closely. Accutane is only prescribed by a doctor and after an extensive consultation. One of the major issues with Accutane is that it can cause birth defects and females that would like to take Accutane must be informed about the dangers of becoming pregnant during treatment.

The FDA has set up a program called iPledge to monitor individuals that are on Accutane treatment. This program is specifically set up to reduce the risks of pregnancy and ultimately birth defects while on Accutane. Women that are taking Accutane must pledge not to become pregnant and take steps such as go on two forms of birth control or abstain from sexual intercourse during their treatment.

Depression and mood changes are also possible side effects of Accutane. While more evidence is needed, there are reports that in certain, rare incidents, Accutane may have caused severe depression in individuals that may have been responsible for suicides. While there is no conclusive data to suggest suicidal tendencies while being treated with Accutane, caution should be taken if you or a family member or friend exhibits mood changes or personality changes while taking Accutane.