The Roaccutane ®, a drug indicated against severe acne, should not be prescribed to people with psychiatric history, such as depression for example. This drug is subject to increased surveillance because of their sometimes dangerous side effects.
Roaccutane ®: drug against severe acne
Acne is a very common problem among adolescents. Sometimes light, but it can become very disabling when the face is found very largely achieved by the multitude of buttons and unsightly blackheads. Treatments exist to help young people to pass this course more or less difficult. Depending on the degree of acne, local applications (cream, gel, ointment ...) are proposed, along with advice on hygiene (cleaning of skin, cosmetic and preferred to avoid, etc..). There are also minor forms of acne medication in pill form, using antibiotics or zinc. In severe cases, recourse to isotretinoin or Accutane ®, which now exists on other generic names (Curacne ®, Procut ®, Contracné ®).
What are the precautions for use of Roaccutane ® in case of severe acne?
This treatment is used for twenty years now and is generally very effective. This molecule acts by inhibiting the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which, under the influence of the hormonal surge of puberty tend to produce too much sebum, a substance which was then difficult to evacuate and promotes formation of pimples.
Only now, the Roaccutane ® and its generics have side effects and require careful handling very strict. Therefore they are exclusively reserved for severe acne.
Risk of fetal malformations
Isotretinoin has a teratogenic effect, that is to say, it may cause fetal malformations in pregnant women. French law imposes any requirement before a woman or girl to submit a blood test negative for pregnancy at least 3 days before starting treatment, then a month later and then monthly. Meanwhile, contraception should be put in place one month before starting treatment and last up to one month after stopping treatment. Note that the Roaccutane ® needs to be taken over a long period, usually more than 6 months.
Boys are also informed about this danger and should never "lend" their treatment with a girlfriend.
Psychiatric Side Effects
The Roaccutane ® has another dangerous side effect: it increases the risk of attempted suicide. As such, it is monitored since 1995 and the record has been consistently modified to warn against such psychiatric effects. In total, twenty suicide attempts and fifteen suicides were recorded among people on Roaccutane ® or its generic. Most had a history as psychiatric depression. Vigilance is therefore increases as information for physicians and patients.
This medication is not recommended for people with psychiatric disorders or psychiatric history, people suffering from depression or had a history of depression. Furthermore, it should stop the treatment immediately if signs suggestive of depression.