Accutane not to be taken lightly

-TheCollegian

10/08/2008- I would bet that no one at TU is making it through the college experience without encountering an occasional blemish or two on his or her sleep-deprived visage. Increased hormones among our age group, combined with a more stressful and less healthful lifestyle, aren’t doing anything good for our complexions.

According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, even our omnipresent cell phones and backpacks can be an acne risk factor (because of increased friction or pressure on the skin).

Most of us can deal with a breakout here and there, even if it a zit does put a damper on date night or ruin a few Facebook photos.

But some students find that their skin doesn’t clear up with regular maintenance, or even prescription creams. When these topical measures don’t work, many young people and their dermatologists turn to the big guns: Accutane. (The chemical is called isotretinoin, and is also sold under other names.)

Ben Pernu, a senior at TU, is one such student. “I took (Accutane) my senior year of high school for I believe about three months. It was pretty much a last resort type option; I had tried everything else (my doctor) could throw at me with little improvement.”

This strong medication is reserved mainly for patients with severe forms of acne apt to cause scarring and those whose skin does not respond to other treatments. Accutane is a pill taken orally for a period of usually about 3–6 months. According to WebMD, it works for roughly 85 percent of patients, including Pernu.

“I was beyond excited with the results of Accutane,” he said. “I was perfectly clear for the first time in like six years when I took it.”

For the other 15 percent, a second treatment may be needed. And many find that their acne returns in a milder form a few months after stopping treatment.

“I was clear for a few months after I got off the drug, but then acne started coming back,” said Pernu. “I’ve never had it as bad as I did before Accutane, but I do still have an occasional breakout, usually around midterms and finals.”

The drug is a vitamin A derivative and works by unclogging pores and shrinking oil glands, according to WebMD. But just because it’s derived from a naturally-occurring substance doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Accutane is a powerful drug with the potential for serious side effects, and as such, its dispensing is highly regulated.

The biggest health concern is the high risk of severe birth defects. For this reason, in 2006 the FDA instated iPLEDGE, a mandatory web-based program that monitors users, prescribers and distributors of the drug, in order “to eliminate fetal exposure to isotretinoin.”

Users of childbearing potential must have two negative pregnancy tests before beginning their regimen and must be tested again each month. Female patients are required to use two forms of birth control or abstain from sex while they take the drug to ensure that the chance of pregnancy is as low as possible.

Males and females taking the drug often undergo routine blood tests to monitor for another potential side effect, increased blood lipid levels, which put users at risk for heart problems.

Pernu took his doctor’s advice regarding that risk, that “for the good of my circulatory system I should cut out as much fat as possible,” he said. “I went almost fat free for my whole time on Accutane and lost about 15 pounds.”

One more controversial side effect is the possibility of psychological problems. According to WebMD, “The FDA warns that using isotretinoin may be associated with depression, psychosis, and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts.”

However, the link between the drug and these issues is unclear. Pernu states that he experienced no adverse effects on his mood or behavior and that in this respect, he feels that “Accutane has a much worse reputation than it deserves.” Increased tendency toward suicidal behavior may have a false correlation with use of Accutane. The demographic the drug is marketed to may be at an increased risk for mood swings and feelings of depression which precede suicide attempts.

Further information about isotretinoin is available on WebMD and the Mayo Clinic’s website.

If you or a loved one have experienced Accutane side effects such as Accutane birth defects you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Accutane attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Accutane side effects, a possible Accutane class action lawsuit, or any other type of Accutane litigation.