Side effects of Roaccutane and contraindications of the acne medicine

When talking about acne treatments, the use of Roaccutane comes to mind. This is because it is a remedy with very effective effects to treat and eliminate acne, considerably improving the health and appearance of the skin. However, the fame of the medicine is also accompanied by the side effects of Roaccutane, which cause some concern on the part of patients.

Isotretinoin, which we popularly call Roaccutane, is a medicine that has an effect on the activity of the sebum-producing glands. And that’s what makes it a great ally in the treatment of severe acne. However, at the same time, the medicine causes a series of side effects, ranging from dry skin and lips to mood changes. Furthermore, Roaccutane is so strong that it should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the risk of fetal malformation.

Therefore, today we will better understand the side effects of Roaccutane and also the contraindications of the medicine. Remembering that its use should only be done with a medical prescription.

Roaccutane

Roaccutane, or isotretinoin, is one of the main treatments for acne and severe acne. It works to suppress the activity and reduce the size of sebum-producing glands, which are directly related to the appearance of pimples on the skin. Therefore, the medicine is recommended for the treatment of acne when the use of other primary treatments, such as antibiotics, creams and ointments, have not produced results.

Therefore, the use of the medicine is only indicated as a last resort, when nothing improves the condition of the acne and also due to the side effects of Roaccutane. Therefore, its use is only recommended by a dermatologist, after a precise analysis of the condition of the skin and the patient’s condition.

From there, the dermatologist will advise the patient on the use of Roaccutane. The dosage varies according to the severity of the problem. Normally, the dose varies between 0.5 to 1 mg/kg per day, but depending on the severity, the dose can reach up to 2 mg/kg.

After starting treatment, results can be seen from the eighth week of use. The duration also varies depending on the severity of the acne, but most of the time it lasts between 16 and 24 weeks, which can vary more or less.

Roaccutane side effects

Despite being very effective in treating acne, the medicine, like any other, also has its side effects. However, the side effects of Roaccutane can cause many doubts and concerns in patients regarding the safety of the medication. See below the main side effects of Roaccutane:

• Anemia;
• Increase or decrease in platelets;
• Increase in the sedimentation rate;
• Conjunctivitis;
• Eye irritation and dryness
• Inflammation on the edge of the eyelid;
• Transient and reversible elevations of hepatic transaminases
• Skin fragility;
• Itchy skin;
• Dryness of the skin and lips;
• Loss of hair;
• Bleeding from the nose and gums;
• Muscle aches;
• Joint pain;
• Dor in the lumbar;
• Headache;
• Increase in serum triglycerides and cholesterol;
• Decrease in HDL;
• Mood changes;
• Depression.

These are some of the side effects of Roaccutane that are considered common, that is, they occur in 10% or more of patients during treatment. Hence the need for supervision by a doctor.

But despite having effects considered serious, it is important to emphasize that they only appear in some patients. Furthermore, side effects are usually reversible, with a decrease in the dose or discontinuation of the medication. However, some of the adversities may persist after stopping treatment.

Roaccutane contraindications

Therefore, taking into account the various side effects of Roaccutane, it is expected that the medicine will be contraindicated in some cases. Therefore, Roaccutane should not be used by patients allergic to isotretinoin, as well as parabens or any other substance present in the medication. It is also not recommended for people with liver failure, excess vitamin A or high blood lipid levels.

Pregnant women should also not use Roaccutane, due to the high risk of causing malformations in the baby or even a miscarriage. The same goes for breastfeeding women. Therefore, in the case of female patients who use Roaccutane, they must use contraceptive methods in order to avoid pregnancy during acne treatment.

Furthermore, patients with psychiatric disorders have relative contraindications, where the cost-benefit of treatment and closer monitoring must be taken into account. The medication is only prescribed after a detailed analysis of the patient’s case and also after laboratory tests. Therefore, the decision for treatment must be made together with the doctor and the patient, or family members when minors, as the medicine can be used from the age of 12.

Therefore, under no circumstances should Roaccutane be used without a prescription and supervision from a dermatologist. In any case, the medicine can only be purchased in pharmacies with a prescription.

Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Acne treatments – Types of acne and what to do in each case.

Sources: Tua Saúde Catraca Livre Saúde

Images: The Roacutei People Today Salon Line