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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
accutane
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
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accutane
by elena, Sep 12, 2000 12:00AM
Hi. I'm twenty two and have sufferred from acne since I was eleven. I always thought that it would have cleared up by now. I've recieve MANY topical prescriptions and all that they do is dry my skin out - so I end up with dry, peeling skin, AND acne. I want to try accutane, but I'm concerned about hair loss (does this occur in women as well as men?) and I read that it can cause permanent vision damage and changes in bone structure. I'm very scared and very confused, even though my dermatologist has advised this medication before. PLEASE give me some advice on what I should do and what the side effects REALLY are....
Thanks,
Elena.
Thanks,
Elena.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Sep 13, 2000 12:00AM
, Sep 13, 2000 12:00AM
Elena:
Like most dermatologists, I prescribe Accutane practically every day. Patients get dry lips, some get dry skin and the forearms, and about 1 in 8 get mild aches and pains in the muscles, not enough to come close to slowing them down. These go away after stopping the drug. Night vision problems can happen, but I have seen this once in 18 years. Bone changes are not an issue. I have never seen meaningful or permanent hair loss.
Accutane is a marvelous drug. Of course it is not for everyone, it requires prudence and precautions. But if you've failed on other medications and your dermatologist recommends it, I think you should give it serious thought. After years of testing, the drug was approved, after all, in 1982.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
Like most dermatologists, I prescribe Accutane practically every day. Patients get dry lips, some get dry skin and the forearms, and about 1 in 8 get mild aches and pains in the muscles, not enough to come close to slowing them down. These go away after stopping the drug. Night vision problems can happen, but I have seen this once in 18 years. Bone changes are not an issue. I have never seen meaningful or permanent hair loss.
Accutane is a marvelous drug. Of course it is not for everyone, it requires prudence and precautions. But if you've failed on other medications and your dermatologist recommends it, I think you should give it serious thought. After years of testing, the drug was approved, after all, in 1982.
Good luck.
Dr. Rockoff
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