does accutane really work for severe acne? and how bad are the side effects?
2007-03-20 09:43:08 · 4 answers · asked by poisonberries 5 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
"Accutane is the only drug that has the potential to clear severe acne permanently after one course of treatment. (See "Why Acne Forms, and How Accutane Knocks It Out.") One course, which is typically five months, results in prolonged remission of acne in up to 85 percent of patients. A member of a class of drugs known as retinoids, Accutane is highly effective. But it doesn't work for everyone, and some patients need more than one course of treatment. Dr. Harper took a second course of Accutane one year after the first and has been free of severe acne ever since, now only occasionally using a topical medication.
No other acne medicine works as well for severe acne. Patients generally have to keep using other medications because they only suppress acne temporarily. But as powerful as Accutane can be in improving patients' lives, its adverse effects can be just as powerful. The drug is known to cause miscarriage and severe birth defects. Patients taking Accutane may develop potentially serious problems affecting a number of organs, including the liver, intestines, eyes, ears, and skeletal system. And some patients taking Accutane have developed serious psychiatric problems, including depression. More rarely, patients have developed suicidal behavior and killed themselves. "
2007-03-20 09:47:54 · answer #1 · answered by gagirl2c 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Accutane is a miracle! And yessss it defiantly works! I had cystic acne on my cheeks and this was the only thing that completely cleared me up! I have just come of it now after 4 months and I am so happy and the most confident I have ever felt! My skin is so clear I can't stop touching it!!!!!! I recommend going on a low dose that way the only side effects u will encounter are dry lips dry ears and slight back pain but everyone who has acne must go on this drug it's a miracle!
2014-07-07 02:42:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister took it and it worked wonders for her. But, she had already had her children and wasn't concerned with getting pregnant again--so she didn't have to worry about the birth defects. Despite that, her doctor screened her very carefully to make sure she wasn't pregnant, didn't plan on getting pregnant and was even subjected to pregnancy tests while taking it. I would not take it if you plan on getting pregnant--if you plan on it in the future do LOTS of research and question your doctor extensively about how long it stays in your system etc.
My sister did not experience any other side effects from taking it. Although, I believe it can cause some nasty ones. I, again, would have a long consultation with a dermatologist and don't be afraid to ask many questions!!
2007-03-20 09:53:00 · answer #3 · answered by Tracy S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister in law had excellent results, and had made her decision to not have children long ago. If you do want children in the future, even if you just think you might want some, I would not take the Accutane, it stays in your system and can cause birth defects.
2007-03-20 09:48:21 · answer #4 · answered by fisherwoman 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋