Side effects
- In large doses, Accutane can cause dryness of skin or mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, and nasal cavity.
- These retinoid adverse reactions disappear after the completion of systemic acne therapy.
- The most common undesirable phenomena of Accutane are desquamation itching, cheilitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis or alopecia.
- Very rarely, Accutane can cause neurological adverse reactions, such as increased intracranial pressure, papilledema or visual disturbances.
- Most adverse events of Accutane are dose-dependent and pass after a decrease in its daily dose.
Warnings
The therapeutic effect of Accutane may decrease in hormonal dysfunction or skin diseases that are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. To increase the effectiveness of Accutane in these disorders, patient may need to use drugs with Cyproterone acetate, including Androcur.
Accutane is highly effective in the monotherapy of skin diseases that are caused by Propionibacterium acnes. It helps to quickly get rid of acne, even in antibiotic resistance.
In cystic acne, Accutane may be prescribed in combination with topical antibiotics, such as Staticin. However, the simultaneous use of Accutane with tetracyclines increases the risk of benign intracranial hypertension. Therefore, it is not recommended to take this oral acne medication in combination with such antibiotics, as Sumycin, Declomycin or Adoxa.
Since Accutane is a potent retinoid, it is contraindicated for simultaneous use with vitamin A-containing products. During the Accutane course, it is recommended that precautions be taken for patients with a history of alcohol dependence, hypertriglyceridemia, or diabetes.
Accutane abuse increases the risk of overdose, which can cause headache, vomiting, rash, abdominal pain, dizziness, or nausea. To avoid these undesirable effects, Accutane capsules should be taken in accordance with the recommended dosing schedule.