Does Roaccutane Affect the Liver?

Does Roaccutane affect the liver? Can it cause permanent damage and deformities? How can its effects on the liver and other organs be avoided? Continue reading to find out the answers.

Does Roaccutane Affect the Liver?

Roaccutane is a brand name for isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A used to treat severe acne, particularly nodular acne, which causes red, swollen, and painful lumps on the skin.

Roaccutane is known for its serious side effects, as it can cause permanent deformities and failure in many organs. But does Roaccutane specifically affect the liver?

Yes, Roaccutane affects the liver and can cause abnormalities in 15% of people who take it, resulting in elevated liver enzyme levels, which are usually detected through liver function tests without any symptoms appearing in the patient.

High doses of Roaccutane may have toxic effects on the liver and increase the levels of aminotransferase enzymes in the blood, which can be an indicator of liver damage.

How to Protect the Liver from Roaccutane?

The most crucial step in taking Roaccutane to prevent serious side effects, particularly on the liver, is regular monitoring through liver function tests to check for any abnormalities.

Typically, aminotransferase levels return to normal without treatment, and no changes to the dosage or medications are needed. However, if levels exceed five times the upper limit, the medication is discontinued.

In addition to regular testing, it is essential to have a blood test and agree to certain conditions before starting treatment to protect the liver and body, including:

• Visiting the doctor every 30 days to monitor the condition.
• Conducting any necessary medical tests.
• Completely avoiding pregnancy by using multiple contraceptive methods.
• Informing the doctor about any other medications or herbal supplements being taken.

Blazma offers a Roaccutane package for skin that includes 7 different tests to ensure the body's readiness for treatment with Roaccutane. No prior preparations are required for this test.

Tips to Promote Good Liver Health

Based on recommendations from the American Liver Foundation, liver health can be enhanced by following these tips:

• Adopting a healthy, balanced diet and limiting intake of saturated fats, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Exercising regularly.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce fat accumulation on the liver, which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Completely avoiding alcohol and drugs.
• Getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
• Avoiding exposure to toxins such as cigarette smoke, pesticides, and additives.
• Avoiding excessive or incorrect use of medications, as the liver breaks down and filters everything that enters the body.

When to Contact a Doctor?

It is crucial to stop taking Roaccutane and contact a doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms appear, as they may indicate damage to internal organs, including the liver, pancreas, intestines, and esophagus:

1. Severe pain in the stomach, chest, or lower abdomen.
2. Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing.
3. Severe diarrhea.
4. New or worsening heartburn.
5. Rectal bleeding.
6. Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (Jaundice).
7. Dark urine.