Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

I'm seeing the info that Accutane is associated with IBS, but when I check the Roche Website they talk only about Inflammatory Bowel Disease. IBD is NOT IBS. I don't know if their Website is not up to date or if the other Websites are confused.

I took Accutane more than 20 years before I turned up with IBS and I sincerely doubt one had anything to do with the other.

However, Accutane is a major drug. Although it is incredibly effective for acne that does not respond to other medications it has a list of potential side-effects as long as both my arms. The most important thing to know about Accutane is that you absolutely, positively, unquestionably must NOT get pregnant while you are taking it. Period.

Accutane can be prescribed only under severe restrictions. When I took it the required restrictions were not as severe as they are now but my dermatologist was incredibly strict anyhow: she would prescribe only enough for a week at a time and required me to return for blood tests to get my prescription renewed. I suffered from incredibly dry skin while I was taking Accutane - I should have bought stock in moisturizer and Chap-Stick - but I had no major problems with my eyes. I did not complete the usual course of treatment because my triglycerides skyrocketed. Nonetheless the Accutane completely cleared up my acne which had been treatment resistant for over 15 years. I consider Accutane a miracle drug albeit a dangerous one of last-resort only.

HTH.

--------------------
[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator