According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Accutane has been one of the strongest medications in treating severe nodular form acne. This type of acne causes patients devastating disfigurement and scarring. Accutane is taken daily, as prescribed, for a period of 14 to 20 weeks. The medication successfully manages and curtails nodular form acne.

Accutane Side Effects

All medications have side effects and Accutane is no exception. However, the adverse effects of this medication range from mild to life threatening. Patients report experiencing dry lips and skin, headaches, inability to wear contacts and light sensitivity. Other symptoms are more serious and include blurred vision, depression, chest pain, abdominal pain and swallowing difficulty. Experts at the Mayo Clinic believe these effects are rare.

FDA Intervention

The FDA requires manufacturers to include appropriate warning labels on products deemed to carry health risks. Hoffman-LaRoche, the pharmaceutical company that produces Accutane, has repeatedly been warned by the FDA because of substandard advertisements and packaging of the medication. Newer package inserts warn patients that taking Accutane may result in health conditions like pancreatitis. A number of patient deaths have been contributed to hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Abdominal Discomfort

Severe abdominal pain may be indicative of a serious medical condition and individuals are instructed to consult with a physician immediately, as dangerous complications can develop. The symptom is a side effect of Accutane use. Untreated gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to dangerous medical complications including cancer.

Accutane Related Hepatitis

A percentage of patients taking Accutane have experienced medication induced hepatitis. During trial studies, 15 percent of the test subjects displayed elevated liver enzymes until the medication was reduced in dosage or discontinued. Health care providers should routinely monitor hepatic function while individuals are on the treatment regimen.

Patients experiencing pain to the right side of the abdomen, dark urine, light-colored stools, constipation or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) should notify a health care provider. Unfortunately, only 1 percent of patients report symptoms before conditions become serious.

Dangerous Symptoms

If at any time while taking Accutane, individuals experience severe abdominal pain accompanied by abdominal bloating, severe diarrhea or rectal bleeding, patients should discontinue the medication and consult with a physician as soon as possible.

Seek Medical Attention

Accutane use has been associated with serious gastrointestinal medical conditions including Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcers and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Serious complications can develop when conditions are left undiagnosed or untreated. Patients experiencing severe abdominal pain accompanied by other symptoms are directed to see a physician.

The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the American Association of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic provide information to individuals suspected of suffering from these serious medical conditions.