Is Accutane Worth the Risk?

Serious acne can be traumatic for anyone in the formative teenage and young adult years. Self-confidence and self-image begin to take shape in these early years. For someone labeled the kid with acne, it can distort self-image well into adulthood and maybe even forever. For those with serious cases of acne, Accutane is often the treatment of choice when all other treatments have failed.

When topical medications fail to control acne, doctors often prescribe Accutane. But in the days of e-commerce, some users bypass the prescription and buy it directly over the Internet. Because of its well-documented side effects, using Accutane without a subscription may not be safe. If you believe you have suffered injuries from Accutane use, a Boston injury lawyer can inform you of your legal options.

Accutane Risks

Accutane is an extremely potent drug used to treat severe cases of cystic acne. It works by dividing cells within the body and this aggressive approach has significant risks and side effects. If you are considering a course of Accutane treatment, there are some things to take into consideration. Always discuss the risks of treatment with a doctor or pharmacist.

Accutane can affect a developing fetus leading to birth defects, including severe mental retardation and fetal death. Some doctors go so far as to refrain from prescribing Accutane to women of reproductive age due to birth defect risks.

Another Accutane risk is its role in increasing depression and suicide in users. Reports have shown that Accutane users have a higher rate of depression and a greater risk of suicide. Some experts claim that the acne condition itself causes the depression and suicide, so it is inconclusive whether Accutane is a direct cause of these cases.

Severe intestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease have also been associated with Accutane use. And because Accutane dramatically decreases the skin's oil production, it also significantly dries out the throat, eyes and nasal passages in many patients. While not as severe as other side effects, it can be extremely uncomfortable.

If all topical medications have failed to control severe acne, then Accutane is an option. However, because of the above you should seriously consider whether the benefits outweigh the risks. If you decide Accutane is right for you and experience some side effects, contact a Washington DC injury attorney to find out about any potential legal recourse.