If you
suffer from
severe case of acne that has failed to respond to
conventional treatments such as antibiotics, then your dermatologist
may recommend the use of the popular Accutane or Isotretinoin. Accutane
is a potent oral drug from Hoffman-LaRoche that has been proven highly
effective for reducing acne symptoms dramatically after only one course
of 15-20 weeks.
With its undoubting success at battling even the toughest
cases of acne and ever-growing popularity among teens as a miracle
drug, why is Accutane still considered the most controversial
pharmaceutical on the market? The answer: a documented list of severe
and sometimes permanent side effects.
Although some of the side effects associated with the use of
Isotretinoin are mild and tolerable (dry lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds,
extremely dry skin, increased sensitivity to the sun and thinning hair)
there is in fact a long list of serious side effects that have been
reported due to the use of Accuttane which persisted even after the
drug therapy was stopped. Among those are: Severe aches and pains in
the lower back and large joints, severe allergy reactions that include
moderate rashes and difficulty to breath, vision problems, hearing
loss, permanent liver damage, persistent migraines and headaches and
skeletal hyperostosis which is an excessive bone growth that occurs
along the sides of the spine.
But perhaps, the two most bothersome of all Accutane side
effects are its potential to cause severe birth defects if taken by
pregnant women or women that became pregnant while taking the drug and
the suggested link between the intake of Accutane and the changes in
mood, severe depression and suicidal thoughts.
Since, Isotretinoin can be harmful to the fetus, it should not
be used during pregnancy and women should avoid pregnancy for at least
a month after the use of Accutane. Additionally, because of its severe
side effects, nursing mothers must avoid the drug completely.
Although researchers still argue whether
Isotretinoin causes
depression or not, Roche the manufacturer of Accutane, openly shares
information claiming that Accutane and its generic, isotretinoin, can
alter mood: "Synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, can negatively impact
brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin."
The FDA website warns: "All patients treated with isotretinoin
should be observed closely for symptoms of depression or suicidal
thoughts, such as sad mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses,
anger, loss of pleasure ... mood disturbance, psychosis, or
aggression."
Moreover, statistics show that between 1989 and 2003, there
were 216 reported drug-linked suicides among U.S. teens younger than
18. Of these, 72 suicides were linked to Accutane (isotretinoin). The
next highest number of suicides in that time period -- 55 -- involved
Prozac (fluoxetine).
Accutane works by reducing the size and output of the
sebaceous glands and thus stops excess oil production. The problem is
that Accutane damages your skins sebum glands and liver function in the
process. By the time you stop taking the drug, your skin oil glands
will return to function but your liver will not be able to properly
balance your hormones and prevent the over production of sebum.
Isotrteinoin also normalizes your keratinization (the shedding
of dead skin cells), improves fat metabolism and reduces inflammation.
But all of these benefits can be easily achieved using all natural
dietary, supplementation and skin care alternatives and without the
side effects. For example: Foods that are rich in Vitamin A and Beta
Carotene can help reduce the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands.
Simple home made peels made of Papaya can easily replace the peeling
action of Isotrerinoin and sleep optimization, and regular exercising
including vitamin, C, E, Zinc and Colostrum can boost the immune
abilities of the body and thus reduce inflammation.
Accutane is not the solution to acne. Not only does it treat
the symptoms of the disease and not the internal cause, stopping your
skin's natural oil production, can in most cases, result in extra
dryness combined with the acceleration of the skin's aging process
(yes! your skin will look older). Moreover, Accutane severely damages
your liver function among other side effects, which in turn destroys
your delicate inner balance and your natural healing abilities. Hence,
it is doing the opposite of curing.
A long-term acne solution should address the internal cause of
acne by tackling all acne contributing factors and neutralizing the
acne environment - the only, safe, natural and effective way you could
ever achieve lasting acne freedom.
Mike
Walden is a
certified nutritionist, independent
medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1
best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free
Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been
featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of
websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin
program, visit: Acne No More™ Cure Your
Acne Holistically
