Isotretinoin, the anti-acne drug that is marketed under various names, including Accure, Accutane, Acnotin or Roacután, has been surrounded by controversy practically since its marketing, in 1982, by the pharmaceutical Hoffman-La Roche, due to its possible effects on women’s fertility and the suspicious link of its intake with suicidal ideations.
Originally indicated for severe acne, although for years it has also been prescribed for moderate and even mild acne. Clinical observation relates this medication to the appearance in some patients of serious side effects on fertilitystomach and eye problems, and severe symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts, according to Miriam, president of the Association of Victims in Spain of Roacután and other Generic Isotretinoin (Verogi), who is in contact with associations of United Kingdom, France and Italy.
The suspicion is based, as Miriam points out, on the fact that vitamin A in high doses (the basis of this treatment) is toxic and cumulative (it is not eliminated), causing “alterations at the brain and body level.” Dermatologists advocate prescribing lower doses of isotretinoin so that it is better tolerated by the body and thus reduce undesirable adverse effects, but given that treatment is cumulative“it is very doubtful that it will avoid or minimize many of the side effects that this aggressive treatment entails,” says the president of Verogi who, as a result of taking the treatment, suffers from severe and permanent dry eyes that has forced her to take time off work.
«Under the premise of low doses, many specialists “They are beginning to use the dangerous and irresponsible practice of adapting this treatment to even patients with mild acne instead of severe acne, which is what is indicated in the package insert, subjecting the patient to a dangerous lottery of undesirable side effects,” says the affected person and warns that in some cases “the serious consequences are lifelong.” In the United Kingdom, since April 2023, health authorities have restricted isotretinoin to severe cases of acne and dermatologists are required to inform patients of possible adverse effects through written consent, which must be completed by the prescribing dermatologist and patient. . Likewise, patients have time to decide and if they decide to undergo the treatment they must sign this consent.
In the event that those who take it are minors, two independent specialists must have evaluated the case before being able to prescribe isotretinoin. Likewise, before, during and after treatment, any alteration in the patients’ mental health and sexual function is monitored.
Despite these restrictions introduced in other neighboring countries, the marketing of this drug increases exponentially in countries like Spain, “ignoring” the serious dangers it entails, denounces Miriam. «We cannot forget that it is a drug originally developed for chemotherapy treatment of different types of cancer, so it is an aggressive treatment that requires greater control,” says the affected person, who is 34 years old and who, as a result of the two rounds of treatment she received, has also suffered, as she points out, significant damage. in your ovarian reserve. “We receive cases of women who have been taking the treatment and suffer from intestinal diseases, and symptoms of early menopause,” says Miriam and asks dermatologists not to trivialize its effects and “inform patients of the possible consequences of this aggressive treatment.” since, in some cases, they are forever.
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