TeenHealthFX - Answers - Worried About Accutane

Acne & Scarring / Question
Published: October 18, 2001

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am a 17-year-old female and having some difficulty with acne medicine. I have been on various antibiotics (such as Dynacin, Retin-A, Avita-all those things-gels, creams, and pills) and none of them seem to be working any more. I hate having my face look the ways it does at the moment, all zitty. My dermatologist suggested Accutane, but I don't want to go on that. It seems quite serious and uncertain regarding side effects. What can you tell me about Accutane and do you have any other suggestions for medication. I would really appreciate your input. I was also toying with the idea of a birth control pill. I know many of my friends were put on that to help clear acne and they look really good now. Please help. Thanks

Signed: Worried About Accutane

Dear Worried About Accutane,

Accutane is used to treat acne and is usually used after other acne medicines have been tried and failed to help the acne. Accutane cannot be taken during pregnancy because it causes birth defects. You should not take Accutane if there is any chance you may become pregnant. If you are sexually active and not taking proper precautions then you should avoid Accutane.

There have been some recent case reports linking Accutane to depression and suicide. The Food and Drug Administration have investigated these claims but no clear causal link has been established. If your doctor is recommending Accutane he/she is doing so knowing the side effects that are involved. Your doctor would monitor you closely to make sure you are not experiencing any unwanted effects including any variation in your mood.

Birth control pills have been shown to improve acne in some women. It works by lowering the level of a hormone in your body that is likely to cause acne. This may be an option but you will need to talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you.

Signed: TeenHealthFX