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Accutane and joint pain

I have been on 40mg/day of Accutane for six weeks. Of course, I've had the usual side effects (dryness, depression, lethargy.) My main problem now is severe joint pain. I lift weights 5x per week. I don't want to stop working out, but my right elbow and both shoulders are killing me! Has anyone had experience with this and can you recommend medicine or treatment for the joint pain? I employ high intensity training (low reps, hight weight) but can change my lifting to lighter weight, with higher weights. But I can not stop lifting. Any advice will be appreciated.
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Avatar universal
The low self-esteem to get on accutane or the painful acne, its hell. I have been on accutane now 4 times. I thought the third would be my last, sadly it wasn't. My sister was on it twice, my brother on it three times as well. I am in too much mental pain from the physical pain to go into this but please for god sake don't go on accutane. It ruins your body, muscles, digestive system that it will kill you mentally. Accutane itself doesnt make you depressed but what it does to your body will make you depressed. Save yourself from this DRUG.
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Wow, I'm sorry to hear. Each time it has had this affect?  What other ways do you control acne?  That's rough that it is causing such havoc for you.  hugs
Avatar universal
Hi. My son is 13 years old and is on 80 mg/day. He weighs 130 lbs. He can't run anymore because of joint pain. Is there anything I can do. My 31 and 26 yr old sons were on accutane in their teens and never had joint pain. Is there anything I can do, he wants to play football?
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Avatar universal
I was on accutane for 6 months 90mg/ day back in 2014. I had the occasional joint pain, dryness, and moodiness. However,  now almost 2 years later my skin feels incredible, I have no more pain in my joints. No more dryness, and I am the happiest I've been in 10 years. I truly believe this drug effects every single person differently. Myself and a few close friends have all taken accutane and have had no problems what so ever.
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Avatar universal
I was on accutane for 6 months 90mg/ day back in 2014. I had the occasional joint pain, dryness, and moodiness. However,  now almost 2 years later my skin feels incredible, I have no more pain in my joints. No more dryness, and I am the happiest I've been in 10 years. I truly believe this drug effects every single person differently. Myself and a few close friends have all taken accutane and have had no problems what so ever.
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Avatar universal
I take Bromelain 2,400 to 3,000 GDU/tab either 1 or 2 tabs on an empty stomach 3 times a day when i have a flare-up til symptoms subsides and then decrease to 1 or 2 tabs nightly at bedtime for maintenance.  My Crohn's Disease and severe joint pain and stiffness occured 2 yrs after i finished the Accutane.  I can barely make it thru the day cuz I so tired all the time but at least now the pain is under control where I don't have to feel like I would rather end my life.
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Avatar universal
I've tried both original brand and generic accutane. I prefer generic accutane - There is no difference in effectiveness as far as I can tell between the brand and generic versions. The real difference is price, no comparison. And this suppliers seem honest and reliable. On the site RXPHARM911.COM I've just placed my 3rd order.
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Avatar universal
I've tried both original brand and generic accutane. I prefer generic accutane - There is no difference in effectiveness as far as I can tell between the brand and generic versions. The real difference is price, no comparison. And this suppliers seem honest and reliable. On the site RXPHARM911.COM I've just placed my 3rd order.
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Avatar universal
How can you say stop complaining?? I was in a wheelchair for 5 months because of this drug, I couldn't walk, move my shoulders and arms, I also lost my left eye to it and you have the temerity to say stop complaining..!! The only solution is not to take this poison..........................
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Avatar universal
everyone please!! we acknowledge the joints pain, are there any solution!!?? knowing the problem is the half of the answer we should focus on fixing rather than complaining, please whom ever know the solution please tell, and everyone just stop complaining and stay strong ! may God help us all
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Avatar universal
hi!
are you still fully recovered? i mean to say that it happened with me in past where i thought i  recovered fully from accutane but i was wrong. my side effects are  extreme joint clicking/popping/grinding. and i am 100% sure that they are caused by accutane.
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Avatar universal
Did anybody ever contact you about this? Did you find a way to join a class action suit?
I ask because I took Accutane when I was 15 and by 18 I was diagnosed with JRA as well. I am now 44 and have spent thousands of dollars on doctors, test, and medicine. I have even had joint replacement surgeries. It's very sad indeed. But I'm hopping there's a light at the end of the tunnel?
You can email me at ***@****. Thank you, Tanya
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Avatar universal
Hi, what is your height? And how tall are you? Another patient told me that he feels much better when he loses weight. I am very skinny and I am trying to gain weight.
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Avatar universal
I have taken Glucosamine Condroitin and Krill Oil daily for the last 6 months and cannot tell a difference.  I took Accutane when I was in my 30's (I am now 59) ... so around 1990 when it first came out.  I noticed joint pain right away, but at the time thought it was worth it.  My pain is mainly in my hips.  At first, I could no longer go on long hikes or bike rides, etc., but it has progressed to where sometimes I cannot walk up stairs or even lift one leg to cross the other.  Otherwise I am a healthy, thin person with a good diet. Xrays show very little arthritis and all the docs are stumped when I show up in so much pain.  A little voice in the back of my head always told me it was the Accutane, and now after reading all the sufferers out there, I agree.  
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Avatar universal
Hello, just to give you all my support with your illness. I have experienced the same problem since 2008 and I feel worse everyday. Have you improved since you published this post? Have you tried glucosamine? Best regards!
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Avatar universal
Worst decision ever!
I had never had acne problems growing up, im 26 years old young female. I went on birth control pill the doctor suggested (Levlen ED) for contraceptive reasons. After being on it for a few months I decided to stop it since I didn't need it any more. A month after I had break outs everywhere!!! started on my chin then my forehead then slowly on the side of my cheeks...just terrible. not being so used to this I was horrified and did everything I could to get rid off it. All over counter products that did nothing but burn and irritate my skin and damage my skin further by causing hyper pigmentation. Then I tried minocycle which kinda helped but it side effect was terrible vaginal thrush I didn't like.  Then i thought it was time to go consult with derm... after giving her a brief story of  my struggle it didn't take her long to suggest accutane to me. I was pretty shocked but not knowing much about the drug like I do now I was kinda passive and didnt really question her reasoning. Also since I really just wanted the oil productive caused by my hormonal imbalance to go away the only way to get rid of it was to start on accutane that grantees permanent result. i weight 54kg so she started me on 40mg dose a day!!! yesss! that's for a white head acne!!!  my acne is not even cystic at all.. long story short.. I ended up trying to give it ago and completed 10 days of 40mg.. on the 9th day I did a minor weigh and 15min cardio workout at the gym. I usually do this just fine with nil problems.. post workout about 7 hours later I started to feel pain in my mid section back. This back pain worsen the next day...and on the scale to 1 to 10.. it was 10/10!!! I couldnt sleep, couldnt walk straight, or sit... for two days I was stuck in my bed with heat back on my back. and this was all in just 10 days! just gose to show how powerful this drug was. my skin cleared up yeah but my face was soo pale and dry at the same time. I immediately stopped the drug even though it said to not stop taking the drug without consulting the derm...if you ask why, I dont know?.. I wasnt going to damage myself further till i have the next appointment booked.. I'm looking into flashing out my system of this toxic drug first before I go on to trying natural way of clearing out my white head acne. if sharing this could help someone other there im more than happy. STAYYYY AWAY FROM ACCUTANE!!!!
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Avatar universal
Supplementing with vitamin D is a must as vitamin a from accutane knocks out the vit d receptor so you need excess vitamin d to balance. 10,000 d3 iu a day atleast...GUARANTEED to work in a week
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Avatar universal
FOR EVERYBODY READING THIS I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU BUU BLACK SEED OIL AND START TAKING ONE SPOON IN WATER AND LEMON. THIS WILL BE LIFE SAVIOUR FOR YOU AND IS GUARANTEED TO WORK. THIS IS TOUTED AS THE CURE OF ALL DISEASES BUT DEATH BY OUR BELOVED PROPHET MOHAMED. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HEALTHY THIS MIRACLE OIL IS. EVERYDAY SCIENTISTS ARE DISCOVERING NEW SHOCKING BENEFITS FROM IT. I ONLY DID THIS ACCOUNT TO WRITE THIS COMMENT AND TO SHARE WITH YOU THIS MIRACLE OIL FOR HELPING YOU HAVE A MUCH BETTER LIFE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
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Avatar universal
Hi Aramre,

I was wondering if your joint pain ever went away.  If it did, how long it took you to be pain free.  I took accutane for about 2 months and stopped it after getting severe joints pain. Knees and back of the heels of my leg are the worst. I can't even walk propery and limping all the time.  Its been about 3 weeks already since I stopped taking accutane and the pain has not gone away.  I wonder how long it will take before th pain goes away. Would appreciate your response or anybody else who has been on the same boat. Thanks.
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Avatar universal
- Wow, I thought I was the only one who had all these same issues.. I took Accutane at Age 17-18 and almost died..  They told me I had severe liver damage, but would recover in time.. The following months I felt like I had the flu.. According to the Dr's, my liver had returned to normal.. However, I never did.. Since that time, I have struggled with joint pain, lower back pain, fatigue, headaches, lack of energy, and constant aches and pains, all which have been reviewed by Dr's and they say nothing is wrong.. I am now Age 40.. All conditions still exist.. I just thought this was all me.. I am so sorry for all who are experiencing these condtions.. I been living in my own world of hell for over 20 years and don't wish it on anyone. Nobody else understands what you are going through.. I thought fibromyalgia was about as close to what I have going on as a disorder, and I would guess that is what the Dr's are going to keep passing this on to... My advise is: If you are taking Accutane, think real hard about the consequences.. They were never explained to me.. Even at 17 it may have been hard to think about the negative effects, as acne make life suck more than anything.. The bottom line is my acne went away with age : my pain will stay with me forever...
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Avatar universal
Prior to taking isotretinoin I was a healthy 12.5st 6'2" <5% body fat kind of guy who played sport nearly every day, with moderate cystic acne. I was fortunate to be a very healthy and active person.

Like someone above, I took roughly the equivalent of 60mg/day for six months on the UK's NHS and began experiencing crippling knee pain during my treatment for which I saw various doctors, none of whom blamed the symptoms to isotretinoin in spite of my suggestion of it as a cause. So, having initially been advised the symptoms were nothing to do with isotretinoin by more than one doctor, my dermatologist did at least acknowledge that they might well be due to the isotretinoin, but that the pain would go away after treatment. The pain proceeded to worsen and over the course of this past year, despite me having stopped on the drug, all of my major joints have become affected and are getting gradually worse. Hips, shoulders and knees especially. Everything has dried up and my eyesight has deteriorated very noticeably. I have had plenty of blood work done and there are no inflammatory markers that suggest RA. I am also losing hair at a ridiculous rate and my scalp flakes horribly, something which astonishingly my GP denies is related to isotretinoin. This worsening physical health is in spite of quite stable mental health for the past few months(I became acutely depressed when the damage of isotretinoin began to show). My skin doesn't heal properly any more and scars easily from small scratches. I am 22 and can no longer enjoy physical exercise. I am constant mild pain and take painkillers most days. It is devastating.

Taking this drug will be the single greatest mistake of my inevitably shortened life. Like everyone I did some research before taking this drug and can say that the safety of this drug is remarkably exaggerated both by the drug companies on the labels and most dangerously of all by the dermatologists who prescribe it so willingly. The label (well, for the The Beacon pharmaceuticals generic, anyway) does nothing to emphasise that a great deal of the listed side effects of this drug can and often are permanent, and the dermatologists certainly never informed me of this. Interestingly, I noticed no substantial lasting effects after my first course, although my acne did return. I told my [new] dermatologist that I was scared about side effects when considering a second course and he responded by prescribing me half the standard dose but for twice the time – something that, if anything, probably worsened the lasting side effects I experience today. I do wonder how these people sleep at night – I suspect it's because they don't actually understand the biochemical basis of this drug – they don't have to. As a recent biology graduate, I have been able to understand quite a bit about this drug (except for the clinical/pharmacokinetics stuff – I'm no medic). It is a comically unselective and unsuitable pharmacological compound for use as anything other than a life saving drug (it's original use).

My dermatologist even had the cheek to console me that my joint pain would go away before prescribing me my last batch of this drug and later deny his consolation in writing after I complained. I really do wonder how men like him sleep at night.

This drug will one day be banned. Once we elucidate the trail of invisible (and hypothetically somewhat heritable) epigenetic and telomeric destruction it leaves behind, it will be banned. Once we see a generation of late middle-aged people dying young from impaired wound healing and crippled by rheumatic disorders and osteoarthritis, the medical profession will realise its mistakes. However, until then, the difficulties of statistically disproving the safety of a drug with such a variety of adverse effects, combined with the blasé attitudes of dermatologists who prescribe this wonder drug will continue mame young and otherwise healthy people.

(I've never written all of this down before.)

Bede
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Avatar universal
I'm so sorry....you are not crazy! Two weeks into this drug I started with severe back pains...now all of a sudden I have ankylosing spondylitis a genetic disease of the joints ...no one in my family has that!...I stopped accutane but it's not going away. I'm only 33.
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Avatar universal
I took it for 7 days 6 months ago and it has destroyed me. joint pain is severe all the time. test have come back negative for everything and i still have no diagnosis. Drs and Derms all say it could not have done this. Fighting every day to get someone to listen. Was diagnosed today with post tramatic stress and severe depression, but nothing on the joint and muscle pain. Can i ask if you have had any immaging of your joints and if there is any calsification? forgive they typos...fingers dont work and i also have the added symptom of blureed vision since my week of accutain, and have lost most of my hearing.
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Avatar universal
I think you need to consult with doctor. Joint pain is a common side effect to Accutane.
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Avatar universal
I started Accutane in 1988 around age 32, for four months. I remember first off my ankle joints were very painful and affected toes. I could hardly walk. I had to stop wearing contact lenses, because  it caused excessive dryness. In general I felt painful all over, moody, began to gain weight, bowel problems. Sensitive to touch, anyone touching me and furniture choices. I wish I had listened to my husband's loving advice and protection to stop the Acccutane. I did the full course. Since then my feet are still painful, all my joints are dry and very arthritis, I have had to have two total kneeplacements. I my soft tissue through body around bones have tears. I was in cast to heal them. My thumb joints need to be replaced neck and lumbar needs 3-4 levels of fusion. I had a doctor look at me recently and said its like I am drying up from the inside out. I will be 57 years old in September 2013. There's so much more say that about my parts that are deterring.  I healthy conscious with food and drink all my life. I do know that Accutane destroyed my quality of life. What to do? Is there a reversing medication for this? I know I signed all those papers. I keep eye drop by my bed, I tear my corneas when I blink my dry eyes. Is there genuinely any help  out there that will help? Thanks for listening. I don't know really what this done for me, but for others do not the accutane drug.
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