Running Head: THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF ACCUTANE

The Benefits and Dangers of Accutane

Jocelyn Vazquez
BIO 101-201 Fundamentals of Biology
Dr. Heather Cunningham

Running Head: THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF ACCUTANE

Accutane is a form of vitamin A that is used to treat severe acne. It reduces the
amount of oil that is released through the oil glands and helps the skin to renew itself
quickly (Drugs.com, "Accutane Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com").
Due to its strength, Accutane is only prescribed once all other topical treatments and
antibiotics have failed. It is an oral pill thats normally prescribed in dosages of 10 to 40
milligrams a day. In order for it to be effective, Accutane must be taken for four to five
months (Kassem, "What Does Accutane Do to the Skin?").
According to Kassem, Accutane helps by balancing the shedding of dead skin
cells from the skin surface. As a result, this helps diminish clogged pores and acne,
minimize pigmented blemishes and acne scars, as well as even out the complexion. Not
only that, but Accutane also helps decrease irritation that can cause redness and raised
bumps in acne breakouts.
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) over
two million people have taken Accutane. During the first few weeks of treatment, the
acne gets worse. However, for the remaining part of the treatment the skin gets much
better. Although this medication is able to give great long lasting result, there are some
serious side effects.
Accutane is known to cause serious birth defects, including brain, heart, and face
deformities, if taken while pregnant (Palkhivala, "Birth Defects Still Happening With
Accutane").

As a result, women must take a pregnancy test before starting the

medication as well as every month during treatment. According to Palkhivala, woman

must use two forms of birth control while on the medication.

Running Head: THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF ACCUTANE

When given the lowest dose, there are almost no side effects. However if given
the highest, there are many negative side effects. According to AOCD, the most common
side effects include chapped lips, dry/itchy skin, mild nosebleeds, irritation of the eyelids
and eyes, joint and muscle pain, hair thinning, rash, intestinal symptoms, urinary
symptoms, headache, increased sensitivity to the sun, decreased night vision, depression,
and thoughts of suicide.
Since the drug has been released, the FDA has received almost 400 complaints of
serious depression and dozens of suicide reports (CBS News, "Accutane: Controversial
Wonder Drug"). The manufacturer, Roche believes Accutane is safe when taken as
directed. A spokesperson says there is no scientific proof that the drug causes depression.
However, many parents believe Accutane is dangerous for teens.
According to CBS News, in 2000 Congressman Bart Stupaks son was 17 years
old when he shot himself in the head after being on Accutane for five months. Stupak
says there were no warning signs. Stupak says, What we are dealing with here is a very
dangerous and powerful drug. There is evidence that very high doses of Vitamin A can
cause depression, however there is no proof that Accutane has the same effect (CBS
News, "Accutane: Controversial Wonder Drug").
However, there are many people who believe Accutane is actually a good thing.
According to Dr. Robyn Gmyrk, I think Accutane is probably one of the biggest
advances we have in acne treatment over the past century. After taking Accutane for 4-6
months, most patients are acne free (Layton, "The Use of Isotretinoin in Acne ", 2005).
I think Accutane has its ups and downs, but it has the ability to change someones
life and confidence. Although acne is not a life threatening disease, it can lower a

Running Head: THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF ACCUTANE

persons self esteem. I believe Accutane is a good solution only if the acne is extremely
severe. I believe in order for it to be effective, the right dose should be prescribed to the
patient. When a person has confidence, it changes their perspective on life and Accutane
has the ability to do just that.

Running Head: THE BENEFITS AND DANGERS OF ACCUTANE

References:
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (2014, January 1). Accutane American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Retrieved November 5, 2014,
from http://www.aocd.org/?page=Accutane
CBS News. (2002, January 21). Accutane: Controversial Wonder Drug. Retrieved
November 6, 2014, from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/accutane-controversial-wonderdrug/
Drugs.com. (2014, January 1). Accutane Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings
- Drugs.com. Retrieved November 5, 2014, from http://www.drugs.com/accutane.html
Kassem, N. (2013, August 16). What Does Accutane Do to the Skin? Retrieved
November 5, 2014, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/106967-accutane-skin/
Layton, A. (2005, October 28). The Use of Isotretinoin in Acne. Retrieved
November 6, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835909/
Palkhivala, A. (2014, January 1). Birth Defects Still Happening With Accutane.
Retrieved November 6, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/news/20010817/birthdefects-still-happening-with-accutane