Accutane ®

Accutane is known as 13-cis-Retinoic Acid which is referred by its generic name of Isotretinoin. An anti-cancer drug it comes under the retinoid group of medications. It is being tested for various kinds of cancers and also used to treat severe acne problem. This drug comes in a capsule form with a soft gelatin cover and available in packs of 10mg, 20mg and 40mgs. This capsule should be protected from direct sunlight and should be taken with your meal along with liquids. Accutane is administered to a patient according to certain guidelines like the age, weight, height and other body ailments which includes the type and stage of cancer.

What are the side effects of Accutane?

There are certain side effects like nausea, vomiting, loss of hair, dry skin, mouth sores, sweating etc which are typical to all retinoid toxicity symptoms. It has also been noticed that due to this anti cancer drug there is a drop in the white blood cell count and the red blood cell count which leads to bleeding, anemia and infections as your body’s immune system is weak to fight against diseases.

In certain rare cases it has been noticed that there are formation of blood clots which leads to pulmonary embolus, pancreatic inflammations. It has been also noticed that in some acute cases there have been complaints of inflammation of the pancreatic glands wherein there have been complaints of acute pain in the abdominal region, swellings, rapid pulse etc. When accutane has been used to treat leukemia it has been noticed that there have been complaints of APL differentiation syndrome wherein the drug has shown to cause a reaction with leukemia.

You need to meet up with your doctor in case you notice some of these below mentioned complaints: Wheezing, breathlessness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the facial muscles, fever with chills, weight gain, abdominal pains etc.

Certain precautionary methods:

Before you start off with the treatment you need to let your doctor know about the medications that you are presently on even if they are vitamin supplements, herbal medications etc. You also need to consult your doctor before getting any immunization or vaccination, conceiving during this period should be avoided as it can be fatal to the fetus, breast feeding should also be avoided, it has also been found that during the course of the treatment the functioning of the sexual glands are greatly diminished. Avoiding crowded place and contact sports to prevent injury and infections is highly recommended.

I care tips:

You need to take the medication at the same given time everyday along with meals, increase water intake, avoid drinking grape juice fruit, wearing contact lenses should be avoided, take anti-nausea drugs to prevent nausea, take smaller meals at regular intervals, follow a proper nutritious diet etc. You also need to get your blood tests done regularly to monitor the proper functioning of your internal body organs.

Retinoids are known to control the growth of normal cells and they can be grouped in two classes i.e. RAR and retinoid-X-receptors or RXR which help fight against the cancerous cells and induce the self destruction of these. Retinoids are known to cause certain skin ailments like itching, dryness, peeling etc. It has also been found that retinoids causes hypothyroidism. You need to consult your doctor about any vitamin supplements that you take during the course of the treatment as vitamin A supplements are known to increase the side effects of the same.