Side Effects of Roaccutane

Roaccutane pills contain the active ingredient isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A known as a retinoid. This substance is renowned for its ability to treat severe acne that does not respond to other treatments. However, it can cause damage to some organs in the body. So in the following article, we will detail the side effects of Roaccutane.

Side Effects of Roaccutane

The severity of the side effects experienced by a patient is linked to the dosage of Roaccutane prescribed by the doctor. Some individuals on low doses may not experience any side effects, while those on higher doses might suffer from serious side effects due to damage to certain organs. Here are the key side effects of Roaccutane that you need to be aware of before starting the treatment:

• Common Side Effects of Roaccutane

These side effects are common and occur in more than 1 in 100 people. They are usually mild and do not require stopping the treatment:

1. Dry skin, sometimes accompanied by peeling of the skin on the palms and soles.
2. Skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
3. Dry eyes, making it difficult to wear contact lenses.
4. Dry mouth and lips, leading to cracking and peeling.
5. Dry nasal passages and frequent nosebleeds.
6. Mild skin rash and itching.
7. Thinning and weakening of hair.
8. Skin infections, or inflammation of the mouth or throat.
9. Joint, bone, and muscle pain.
10. Moderate headache.

• Rare Side Effects of Roaccutane

In rare cases, Roaccutane can cause very serious side effects indicating damage to organs, and the medication should be stopped immediately. These include:

1. Unexplained bruising or bleeding, which may indicate blood clotting disorders.
2. Frequent or prolonged infections, or feeling weak and dizzy with pale skin, may be signs of blood disorders.
3. Persistent anxiety, aggression, or mood changes, which could indicate depression or other mental disorders.
4. Behavioral changes, hallucinations, or delusions, which are signs of psychosis.
5. Severe stomach pain with or without diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which may indicate pancreatitis.
6. Sudden changes in vision, including blurriness or decreased vision suddenly occurring after sunset or before sunrise, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights.
7. Rectal bleeding or blood in stool accompanied by severe diarrhea, which may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
8. Severe or persistent headache with vomiting or nausea, which suggests increased intracranial pressure.
9. Difficulty urinating, which may indicate kidney problems.
10. Yellowing of the eyes or skin (also called jaundice), indicating liver problems.
11. Muscle pain, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty moving muscles in the arms or legs, or the appearance of painful, bruised, and swollen areas.
12. Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and loss of sensation in the genital area.
13. Chills, rash, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and breathing difficulties, which are signs of a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.

Due to these potential side effects, doctors usually recommend certain tests before starting Roaccutane treatment to ensure the body's readiness for the medication. This is provided by Blazma in the Roaccutane package, which requires fasting before the tests.

Side Effects of Roaccutane on Pregnant Women and the Fetus

Roaccutane pills are dangerous for pregnant women and the unborn fetus. They can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth, and may lead to birth defects in the fetus, including:

• small or missing ears.
• Hearing loss.
• small eyes, which is called microphthalmia.
• Congenital heart defects.
• Cleft palate.
• Small thymus gland, or being born without it, which is responsible for the formation of white blood cells.
• Hydrocephalus, small head size, and brain development issues.

It is essential to undergo a pregnancy test before starting Roaccutane, and to use an effective form of contraception in addition to precautionary measures. Pregnancy should be avoided for 4 weeks after discontinuing its use.

Do the side effects of Roaccutane persist for a lifetime?

Like all medications, the side effects of Roaccutane do not last long; most of them disappear within a few days to a few weeks after stopping the treatment. 

It is crucial to consult a doctor if any side effects persist for a long time after discontinuing the medication, as specific treatments may be necessary. Leaving them untreated could result in permanent damage, such as vision loss.