The Dermatology Office

Location

1600 West Harper Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

Working hours

Mon-Fri: 8AM - 5PM
Sat & Sun: Closed

Buy Accutane Online without prescription

Treatment Duration

4-6 months

Results

4+ weeks

Is Accutane right for me?

How accessible is accurate information about Accutane’s psychiatric and sexual side effects on online platforms, and do patients feel they receive balanced perspectives from digital resources?

Are there online communities or support groups where patients share their personal experiences with Accutane, and how do these stories influence others considering the treatment?

What role do social media influencers and online reviews play in shaping public perceptions of Accutane's risks and benefits?

Do patients feel that online consultations with healthcare providers provide sufficient information about Accutane's potential side effects compared to in-person appointments?

How can regulatory agencies collaborate with online healthcare platforms to ensure consistent, transparent, and up-to-date information about Accutane is available to patients?


Why was there an expert safety review of Accutane?

The MHRA and CHM have closely monitored the safety of Accutane for many years. A previous expert group was asked to review the potential psychiatric side effects linked to the medication. As new information emerged, advice for both healthcare professionals and patients has been regularly updated.

Concerns from patients and the public about certain side effects — particularly psychiatric and sexual health issues that might persist after treatment — prompted further investigation. Additionally, the MHRA continued receiving reports of serious suspected side effects through its Yellow Card safety monitoring system.

Who conducted the expert safety review?The Accutane Expert Working Group carried out the review. This group was established by the CHM in September 2019 to assess the safety of Accutane following patient concerns about psychiatric and sexual side effects.

The working group included:

  • Medical and scientific experts
  • Public representatives (lay members)
Observers from key clinical organisations like the NHS and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)

All members were required to declare any personal or financial interests in Accutane and comply with conflict-of-interest rules. The full list of members was made publicly available online.

What were the aims of the expert safety review?The expert safety review had several key objectives, including:

  • Assessing all available information about suspected psychiatric side effects associated with Accutane
  • Reviewing evidence on sexual side effects that might impact sexual function
  • Evaluating whether the balance of benefits versus risks associated with Accutane had changed
  • Identifying potential future research to better understand these risks and how to reduce them
  • Making recommendations to the CHM on how to improve patient safety, raise awareness of potential risks, and encourage further research
How did people contribute to the review?Patient experiences were central to the review, with both positive and negative feedback taken into account. The views of other stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and organisations, were also considered.

Key stakeholders included:

  • Dermatologists and GPs
  • Professional groups like the British Association of Dermatologists and the Royal College of GPs
  • Healthcare organisations such as the NHS and NICE

A 'call for information' was issued to gather public feedback. This consultation ran for 14 weeks between November 10, 2020, and February 16, 2021. Patients, families, and stakeholders were invited to share their views on:

  • Whether Accutane was being used appropriately to treat acne
  • Possible psychiatric and sexual health side effects
  • Existing measures to minimise risks
Suggestions for improving safety and raising awareness of potential side effects

How many responses were received?A total of 710 complete responses were submitted during the consultation. Among them, 659 responses provided detailed views, while the remaining 51 participants only requested updates about the review. Out of the total responses, 595 were from patients treated with Accutane, their family members, friends, or patient organisations. Additionally, 150 responses came from healthcare professionals or healthcare organisations, with some individuals falling into multiple categories.

Did the working group meet with patients and stakeholders?Yes, the working group held dedicated meetings to hear directly from patients and stakeholders. A total of 84 people registered to attend these sessions. Among them, 72 were patients or their family members, while 12 represented other stakeholders. Those unable to attend were invited to submit their experiences via email.

The meetings took place in July 2021 and included seven hours of presentations. Of these, 29 presentations were given by patients or their family members, and 10 were from other stakeholders.

What information did the working group review?The working group carefully analysed all available data on suspected psychiatric and sexual side effects linked to Accutane. This included:

  • Reports from patients and healthcare professionals via the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme
  • Scientific research on the potential mechanisms behind these side effects
  • Published studies on patients using Accutane
How Accutane safety is managed in other countries, such as the USA

What feedback did patients and stakeholders provide?From the start, gathering input from patients, families, and stakeholders was a priority. The high level of interest led to three separate sessions to ensure everyone had a chance to share their views.

Some patients described the positive impact of Accutane on their severe acne, highlighting how the treatment significantly improved their skin and overall wellbeing. Others, however, reported psychiatric and sexual side effects that had a profound impact on their lives. Many patients and families called for clearer information about these risks and more consistent monitoring during treatment.

A few stakeholders expressed concerns about Accutane being prescribed to people with less severe acne. Others emphasised that younger patients under 18 years old might not fully understand the risks, prompting calls to restrict its use in this age group.

What did the working group recommend?The working group made several recommendations to improve patient safety, including:

  • Providing clearer information on all potential side effects so patients can make informed decisions
  • Strengthening monitoring processes during treatment
  • Improving oversight when prescribing Accutane to younger patients

While the group could not confirm that Accutane directly causes psychiatric or sexual side effects, they acknowledged that patient experiences raised significant concerns. The review highlighted the need for further research and greater transparency to ensure patients are fully aware of the potential risks before starting treatment.

What did the CHM conclude?The CHM reviewed the expert group’s report, which included findings on suspected side effects, research data, and safety guidelines from both the UK and other countries like the USA. After thorough evaluation, the CHM supported the recommendations, agreeing that the benefits of Accutane outweigh the risks for severe acne treatment. However, they emphasised the importance of:

  • Updating product information and educational materials to improve patient understanding of potential risks
  • Allowing patients and families more time to consider the benefits and risks before starting treatment
  • Requiring two prescribers to approve Accutane use in patients under 18 years old
  • Consistent psychiatric and sexual health monitoring for all patients
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Warnings about psychiatric side effectsPatients and stakeholders voiced concerns about psychiatric side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and mood changes. The working group found that existing warnings in product information aligned with reported cases but highlighted that many patients were not made aware of these risks before starting treatment. This underscored the need for clearer communication between healthcare providers and patients.

Frequency of psychiatric side effectsPatients expressed doubts about the accuracy of the current frequency estimates for psychiatric side effects. Some believed that such side effects were more common than reported, particularly for sensitive issues like sexual dysfunction. The working group acknowledged that the available data was not strong enough to give a precise frequency for these side effects, reinforcing the need for further research.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Elite Dermatology is located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at 225 Physician Park. Suite 304. Call us at (573)-686-4750 today to book an appointment.

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1600 West Harper Street, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901

(573) 686-4750
By Appointment Only
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday
Closed