Accutane

[nayantara]

My son's Dermatologist wants him to take Accutane for his Scalp Psoriasis. Anyone taking Accutane? Please post your opinions. Thanks

[itcouldbe worse]

Hi,

I remember taking that medicine when I was a teenager but it was for acne. It was actually the only product that completelly took care of me acne problem over time (treatment took 6 mo.) I remember that there are many cautions one should take if taking this medicine.

Hope that helps!

[MikeK]

Hi Nayantara,

I don't think that we've met, so let me take this opportunity to welcome to the board. : cool: Nice to meet you.

I'm not aware of accutane (http://www.rxlist.com/accutane-drug.htm) being used to treat psoriasis. As itcouldbe worse said, it's normally used to treat severe acne. It sounds like his dermatologist wants him to prescribe it "off label". There's a similar medication, Soriatane (http://www.soriatane.com/ or http://www.rxlist.com/soriatane-drug.htm) that's used to treat psoriasis. I just gave bobbili links to several very informative previous discussions about Soriatane. Since those discussions might be helpful to you, here's a link to my post; please follow all of the links: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showt...iet#post407596.

Soriatane has a number of potential side effects associated it. I expect that these side effects are very similar to Accutane's. These side effects range from annoying to very serious. It can cause depression for example. It can also cause cholesterol issues. The potential side effects often can be either eliminated or made more tolerable by changing the dosage. Chasesmommy's five year old son Chase was on Soriatane. Here's the links to a some threads where she discusses his experience:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25734;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21838.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like your son is just dealing with scalp psoriasis? If that's the case, I recently give azarloza some treatment options for her 9 year old daughter's scalp psoriasis; some of those suggestions may help your son deal with his scalp psoriasis so here's a link to my post: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showt...857#post409857. Since your son is a little older, he might be able to use Olux foam (http://www.olux.com/ or http://www.rxlist.com/olux-drug.htm). Olux foam has a very powerful Class 1 or Super Potent steroid (clobetasol propionate) in it. Class 1 steroids need to be used with extreme caution in order to prevent such potential side effects as skin thinning and diabetes. For that reason, most good derms limit the use of Olux to either two weeks max (followed by a break of at least a couple of weeks) or to the weekends only. For someone as young as your son, I would only use it for a week at a time.

I hope this helps.

Please follow all of the links.

Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you or your son has any questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[nayantara]

MikeK...Thanks for all the info. My son has been getting UVB NB light treatment and it has helped him a lot...except when he gets stressed out...he has flare-ups. We use Dermasmooth oil for his scalp....Olux...very rarely....and now that I know it could cause him to become a Diabetic ( its in the family a lot ) I am not going to let him use it anymore. Dovonex has also worked well.

Really appreciate your reply...Happy Holidays!

[MikeK]

You're very welcome, nayantar! I'm glad that I was able to help.

Happy Holidays!

I understand that the combination of Soriatane and UVB treatments can be a very effective weapon against psoriasis. A low dose of Soriatane combined with light treatments may be what your son's dermatologist has in mind.

I hope this helps.

Mike

[bobbili]

Thanks MikeK. I am on Soriatane for the last 40 days. The outword side effects, like dryness, peeling of skin on kunckles, palms/sole etc. are all there. Fingers at the base of nails bothering much, pain and little swelling. Most of the lesions on the body are flattened and red, and few showed signs of healing. The blood report on 26th day revealed significant increase in sugar level, not so much change in other organ profiles. (I feel that adults especially cildren with Psoriasis should get good physical and moral support from parents to get rid of depression etc.). Last week I started on UVB. I will get another blood work done in about 15 days, and I am hoping for the best. Happy Holidays.

[bobbili]

HI MikeK! I sent a PM to Henri, no luck.

[plasticxtiara]

I took Accutane, and used it in combination with UVB therapy; it worked a little. But it was really, really expensive, even with insurance.

It has some very serious side effects.. mood changes, Depression or worsening Depression, suicide risks. Plus the dry skin, dry eyes, dry lips, changes in vision, hair loss.