Accutane

When you first start taking Accutane, it is possible that your acne will get worse before it starts to get better.

Accutane may cause depression or other mental problems such as: mood swings, aggression, sadness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, change in sleep patterns, restlessness, and irritability. In rare cases, it has prompted thoughts of suicide. If you begin to feel depressed or become troubled by suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.

Before starting Accutane therapy, all patients must sign a consent form noting that they are aware of the possibility of mental side effects, the danger of birth defects, and the need for certain other precautions.

If you are a woman of childbearing age and you are considering taking Accutane, you will be given both spoken and written warnings (the iPLEDGE program) about the importance of avoiding pregnancy during the treatment. You will also be asked to sign a second consent form noting that:

• You must not take Accutane if you are pregnant, may become pregnant during treatment, or are breastfeeding;
• If you get pregnant while taking Accutane, your baby will be at high risk for birth defects;
• If you take Accutane, you must use 2 effective forms of birth control from 1 month before the start of treatment through 1 month after the end of treatment;
• You must have 2 negative pregnancy tests (one just before starting Accutane therapy), and must be tested every month during therapy;
• You may participate in a program that includes an initial free pregnancy test and birth control counseling session;
• If you become pregnant, you must immediately stop taking Accutane and see your doctor;
• You have read and understood the Accutane patient brochure and asked your doctor any questions you had;
• You have been invited to participate in a survey of women being treated with Accutane.

Some people taking Accutane, including some who simultaneously took tetracycline, have experienced headache, nausea, and visual disturbances caused by increased pressure within the skull. Avoid taking tetracycline while using Accutane. See a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms; if the doctor finds swelling of the optic nerve at the back of your eye, you must stop taking Accutane at once and see a neurologist for further care.