Low-Dose Accutane Side Effects
According to drugs.com, accutane is a form of vitamin A. It is used to treat skin conditions such as acne, usually when other medications have failed. It works by lessening the production of oil from glands, thus helping the skin to renew itself faster. There are many side effects associated with accutane use that can be very serious. It is important to speak with your doctor before using this drug to avoid complications and life-threatening effects.
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Side Effects: Dermatologic
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Rxlist.com explains that accutane is usually given in low doses, yet the risk of side effects is still present. Dermatologic side effects are common and include inflammation of the lips, dry mouth, dry skin, flare up of cystic acne, hair loss, thinning of the hair, fragile skin, loss of color of the skin, skin redness, rash and discoloration of the nails, states drugs.com. Other side effects include sweating, hives, sensitivity to sunlight, abnormal or delayed wound healing and herpes simplex.
Side Effects: Metabolic/Ocular
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Metabolic side effects have included altered blood sugar levels, high levels of uric acid in the blood and changes in cholesterol levels. Ocular side effects may also occur and include corneal opacities, a disorder of the cornea, problems with night vision, cataracts, pink eye, color vision disorder, blurred vision, irritation of either eye, extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), and dry eyes, explains drugs.com. Many of these occur due to the drying effect of accutane and resolve themselves after patients stop use.
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Side Effects: Musculoskeletal
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Many musculoskeletal side effects are associated with this drug. Common are back pain, calcification of joints and tendons, joint pain, that may be severe, decrease in bone density, increase risk of bone fractures, chest pain, tendonitis, osteoporosis and delayed healing of bone fractures, informs drugs.com and rxlist.com. Many of these are a result of long term use of accutane. Even though patients are taking low-dose accutane treatments, the risk of these side effects is still present.
Side Effects: Nervous System/Psychiatric
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These side effects can be mild or quite severe. Depression, aggression, violent behaviors, changes in mood, suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts have been reported, states drugs.com. Common nervous system side effects are headache, dizziness, feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, weakness and abnormal hearing. Serious nervous system side effects include stroke, seizure and paresthesias, Guillain-Barre syndrome. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these occur and persist.
Side Effects: Gastrointestinal/Respiratory/Cardiovascular
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Nausea, bleeding of the gums, ulcerations of the stomach and throat, IBS and rarely, taste loss, are possible gastrointestinal side effects. Ulcerations usually occur after long term use, no matter the dosage. Reported respiratory side effects include bronchospasms (usually in patients with asthma), respiratory infection and voice alteration, explains rxlist.com. Palpitations, heart attack and stroke are all serious cardiovascular effects, states drugs.com. It is critical to talk with your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some medications such as seizure drugs and certain antibiotics can cause complications.
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