Accutane Side Effects
09.03.10
Accutane is a form of vitamin A—isotretinoin—that was taken for three to six months to treat severe nodular acne. It worked by reducing the amount of oil released by the oil glands in the patient's skin. Accutane, manufactured by Roche Holding, was also used to treat psoriasis.
Accutane has been linked to a serious bowel disorder known as inflammatory bowel disease. A study, presented to the American College of Gastroenterology in late 2009, found that patients who took isotretinoin (the generic form of Accutane) had a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease than patients who did not take the drug.
According to the study, the chance of developing inflammatory bowel disease was 1.68 times higher in patients who used isotretinoin than in those who did not. People who had four or more prescriptions filled had 2.67 times the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The risk of developing ulcerative colitis was 4.36 times higher in isotretinoin users. However, researchers noted
Source: Lawyers and Settlements
Parents: Is your Kid on Isotretinoin? (aka Accutane)
03.03.10
Yes, Roche stopped selling acne drug Accutane back in June 2009. But that was a decision made by that company—not the FDA. And, that decision was made (insert raised eyebrow here) for “business reasons”—not for any safety issues. Ahh, but here’s the thing… those “business reasons” included competition from generics. And guess what? You can still get those generics. Other than Accutane, isotretinoin is sold as Sotret, Claravis and Amnesteem.
I imagine a number of parents of acne-ridden teens breathed a sigh of relief when Roche stopped marketing Accutane. After all, what parent wants to consider putting their teenage daughter on some form of guaranteed contraception in order to be put on a drug proven to cause birth defects just so they can clear up their zits? Beyond that, reports of depression, suicidal thoughts, possible gastrointestinal problems—and labelling that also warns of a potential sudden decrease in night vision (mom, can I have the keys to the car?)—don’t exactly add up to a drug you want your child on.
Source: Lawyers and Settlements (blog)
Good Skin Care Essential for the Treatment of Rosacea
11.03.10
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation appearing as redness of the face. There is no known cure, but dermatologists agree that good skin care and avoiding certain triggers, rosacea can be manageable.
Dr. Jenny J. Kim, MD PhD FAAD, a dermatologist who spoke at the recent 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, said “”Sometimes it is hard for patients dealing with…rosacea to understand why, even with ongoing treatment, they cannot get rid of their symptoms forever. I explain to them that [this] condition is similar to having any chronic disease. Just like insulin helps maintain a diabetic’s blood sugar, patients with…rosacea need to find a treatment regimen that works for them.”
Rosacea affects about 14 million people in the United States. It’s cause is not fully understood, but common triggers include sunlight, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, heat, citric acid, and stress.
Skin Care
Source: eMaxHealth