The Truth About Accutane

3-minute read

Accutane: Is it Really a Magic Pill?

Something that's often considered a miracle cure for acne is Accutane, also known as isotretinoin. But did you know that it comes with risks so severe they could change your life forever? If you’ve been struggling with acne and your dermatologist has suggested Accutane, there are some critical things you need to know before you take that step.

The Hidden Dangers

Accutane is a powerful drug originally developed as a chemotherapy agent. It works by shutting down your body’s production of sebum—the oil that can clog your pores and lead to acne. But this isn’t just another skincare treatment. The potential side effects are so serious that it’s classified as a high-risk drug, and for good reason.

Imagine dealing with not only your acne but also facing the possibility of birth defects, diabetes, chronic IBS, heart and liver damage, and even severe depression. The list of potential side effects is alarming.

The Mental Health Risk

Accutane doesn’t just affect your skin; it can have devastating effects on your mental health. The FDA issued a “Black Box warning” for Accutane due to its link to severe depression and even suicide. A black box warning is the most serious safety warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can give to a medication. 

Studies have shown that Accutane can deteriorate up to 21% of the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, social behavior, and personality. Over 7,000 suicides have been attributed to this drug.

And it doesn’t stop there. Accutane can also cause Anhedonia—a condition that eliminates your ability to feel pleasure, joy, or happiness. This isn’t just something that happens while you’re on the drug; for many, it gets worse after stopping it.

Accutane and Birth Control: A Dangerous Combination

If you’re a woman of childbearing age, your doctor will require you to use two forms of birth control while on Accutane. But here’s the shocking truth: most doctors don’t realize that many low-estrogen birth control methods actually increase oil production in your pores, leading to more breakouts once you stop taking Accutane. This sets you up for a vicious cycle—clearing your acne temporarily, only to have it come back with a vengeance.

Sexual Dysfunction: A Silent Epidemic

Another disturbing and less known side effect of Accutane is its potential to cause long-term sexual dysfunction. Men have reported issues like erectile dysfunction, impotence, loss of libido, and genital anesthesia. Women have experienced vaginal dryness, loss of libido and even infertility. These symptoms don’t always resolve after stopping the drug, leaving many young adults struggling with these issues for years.

The Reality: Acne Often Returns

Despite all the risks, the sad truth is that for many, acne returns within a few months to a couple of years after stopping Accutane. Why? Because the root causes of acne—like diet, lifestyle, the wrong birth control, and pore-clogging ingredients—haven’t been addressed. Instead, you’re left back at square one, with the added burden of dealing with the side effects of a dangerous drug.

Is Accutane really worth it? We have helped many former Accutane users successfully manage their acne long-term. Before you make this life-altering decision, I hope you consider the risks and know that there are safer, more effective options that address the real causes of acne.