Acne & Skincare Alert: Study’s find Accutane Linked to Serious Side Effects
Accutane (isotretinoin) is a medication utilized by patients with severe acne. Accutane is typically prescribed when other treatments have proven unsuccessful. Deep facial cleansers and topical creams are usually the first round of treatments patients will receive. It still remains popular for many patients and consumers, especially those linked to permanent and disfiguring scarring such as acne vulgaris, acne conglobata and acne fulminans.
The drug has been linked to several severe side effects, including dry irritated skin, severe depression and gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a digestive disorder that refers to two chronic conditions that cause inflammation of the digestive tract, or the intestines. The two conditions, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, are similar, but differ in the area of the digestive tract that they affect.
In a study published in July 2006 by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, isotretinoin (Accutane) use was noted as a possible “trigger” for IBD. The study examined the strength of causality between isotretinoin and IBD, and all cases in the study fell within the “highly probable,” “probable,” or “possible” range with no cases falling in the “doubtful” range.
Though the medication was pulled from the market by Roche Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Accutane, in 2009, patients continue to complain about adverse reactions related to the medication years later, prompting the filing of numerous Accutane lawsuit throughout North America.
Accutane and ulcerative colitis were once again linked when a study published in March 2010 by the American Journal of Gastroenterology noted a “strong association” between previous exposure to isotretinoin (Accutane) and the development of ulcerative colitis. The study reported that the risk of developing ulcerative colitis was highest in patients who used isotretinoin for more than two months.
Severe birth defects are also linked to the use of Accutane. Pregnant women should never take Accutane, as life-threatening birth defects that may affect a developing baby’s brain, heart, ears, face, eyes, skull or head may occur. These serious defects may develop following just one dose of Accutane.
By providing FDA alerts, information and drug side effects about prescription and over the counter medications, we can ensure an environment where patients have the best knowledge on their medical treatment and health. Additional information may be found on DrugWatch.com.









Good article! The reason for the lawsuits is that the manufacturer did not warn about the particular side effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
It’s very important to get the word out about this because many users of Accutane do not know about the connection. Unfortunately, Accutane was prescribed even for mild cases of Acne, which is wrong. It’s a very powerful drug that has resulted in not only serious bowel disease but other injuries including depression and suicide.
Accutane was withdrawn by Roche, the manufacturer, in 2009 after multiple lawsuits were filed against the company. But generic versions are still available.
Please be careful before taking any generic version of Accutane (isotretinoin)!!
You may not know it but your skin is your biggest organ. Plus it!s the largest target for damaging free radicals which damage cells and cause lines and wrinkles this means you need to take exter good care of it. The right diet especially healthy foods full of antioxidants can help keep the skin healthy. And don!t forget foods can even be helpful on the outside. The anciend egyptians for example slathered honey on their skin to help it stay moist. Lines wrinkles and dryness aren!t the only hazards attacking your outer layers .