Accutane heart, liver risks
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 415
According to a new study, Accutane appears to raise eth risk for potential heart and liver problems.
Lab tests on 13,662 patients taking the popular acne drug and underscore the need to closely monitor people taking isotretinoin, which is sold as Accutane and in three generic versions.
Abnormal results for cholesterol and liver function were more common than expected.
An elevation in cholesterol doesn't guarantee a heart attack. A high level of liver enzymes doesn't mean cirrhosis of the livers
. However study co-author Zane of the University of California, advises most patient's abnormal lab tests return to normal when they quit taking the drug. Among patients with normal lab tests before taking the drug, 44 percent developed high levels of triglycerides. Accutane package inserts cite high triglycerides in 25 percent of patients.
The age range for individuals seeking relief from acute acne is from 13 to 50. The medication was prescribed during the period between March 1995 and September 2002. The study showed more lab tests in some patients than others during their treatment. For analysis purposed, the researchers only used the most abnormal test results for each patient's different test. Researchers reported lab tests for levels of white blood cells; hemoglobin and platelets were rarely abnormal.
Dermatologist carefully tests patients taking Accutane and the results of the study will not change these current medical practices.
">http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14453874/from/ET/,/a.article">