Is Accutane Bad For You?
Also Known As: isotretinoin
Short answer
Accutane is indeed bad for you and is no longer available. It was discontinued by Roche, the manufacturer of the medicine, defending thousands of lawsuits involving severe reported side effects such as birth defects, Crohn's disease, miscariages, and suicidal thoughts.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Accutane was discontinued after harmful responses were reported by a large number of users who had used the drug. Some common side effects seen from Accutane include joint pain, back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, dryness of the face, peeling / cracking skin, itching, and rash.
A number of reports had also emerged concerning women, who had taken Accutane during their pregnancy, giving birth to children with serious birth defects. Consequently, the FDA advised women taking Accutane to avoid getting pregnant. Women taking Accutane and considering getting pregnant were also warned that the drug could cause miscarriage or premature births.
Back in 1998, another warning was issued by the FDA after a rise in concern that taking Accutane could lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Accutane had debuted in 1982 and by 2000, the FDA had received over 400 cases involving people who had attempted suicide, were having suicidal thoughts or were suffering from depression after taking Accutane. Taking the drug resulted in the deaths of numerous people who committed suicide, either while taking it or after the cycle.
By June 2009, when Roche was no longer manufacturing Accutane, almost 1,000 lawsuits had been filed against the manufacturer. Cheaper and generic versions of Accutane are still available and are selling, such as Amnesteen and Claravis.
Possible short-term side effects
- rash
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dizziness
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drowsiness
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nervousness
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dryness of face
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peeling / cracking skin
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itchiness
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joint pain
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back pain
Possible long-term side effects
- suicidal thoughts
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depression
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birth defects in babies
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miscarriage
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premature birth
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kidney damage
Ingredients to be aware of
- isotretinoin
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beeswax
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butylated hydroxyanisole
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edetate disodium
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hydrogenated soybean oil flakes
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hydrogenated vegetable oil
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soybean oil
Healthier alternatives
- blue light therapy
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vitamin b5
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ipl photofacial
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laser skin rejuvenation
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chemical peel
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Rachel Adams
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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