Yes, it has been described that Accutane can stunt growth by causing premature closure of the growth plates. Teenagers who are considering Accutane must be evaluated by their pediatrician to ensure that they have finished growing before starting an Accutane treatment course.
Accutane may stop long bone growth in teenagers who are still growing.
Pediatric. Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of isotretinoin in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established. This medicine should be used with caution in teenagers, especially those with bone problems or diseases.
The decrease in bone density at the Ward triangle in our patients who received isotretinoin should not be surprising. Research published during the past 70 years has demonstrated that the profound effects of retinoids on bone growth and mineralization are dependent on the dose and duration of treatment.
Addressing the Burning Question. Now, let's tackle the main concern: Are Accutane side effects permanent? The answer, in most cases, is no. The majority of side effects associated with Accutane are temporary and diminish once the treatment is completed.
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking isotretinoin capsules reduces fertility in either men or women.
Most growth plates fuse or disappear in females ages 14 to 16 and males 16 to 18. Sometimes they can close as late as the age of 25. The growth plate is the weak link in the growing athlete and is more likely to be injured than the surrounding bone, muscle or ligaments.
CONCLUSIONS. The study confirmed the role of oral isotretinoin in remodeling the extracellular matrix against photoaging, as well as its durability after 12 weeks, especially when we consider collagen fibers.
Using puberty blockers can make your bones weaker while you are taking them. The medical term for this is “decreased bone density.” Your bones may get stronger when you stop taking puberty blockers or start taking hormone therapy. We recommend you do the following things to keep your bones as healthy as possible.
The risk of developing severe side effects is very low – with only 1 in 500 patients experiencing serious adverse events – and the potential benefits of the treatment are very high, especially for those who have found that no other treatments are effective.
Isotretinoin, commonly referred to as Accutane, is the only approved medical treatment capable of inducing long-term remission of severe acne. Although highly effective, some individuals experience recurrence of acne after a course of treatment.
Do not give isotretinoin capsules to children under the age of 12 years or before puberty. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before beginning treatment with isotretinoin capsules. You may need extra monitoring while you take this medicine because it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise.
Boys tend to show the first physical changes of puberty between the ages of 10 and 16. They tend to grow most quickly between ages 12 and 15. The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls. By age 16, most boys have stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.
Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, vulvovaginal dryness, difficulties achieving orgasm, and reduced sensation in the genital area have also been reported following isotretinoin use. Some cases have also reported persistent sexual dysfunction even after discontinuing isotretinoin.
Aromatase inhibitors
These medications (letrozole or anastrozole) are taken as once daily oral tablets and block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, the hormone that causes the growth plates to close in both boys and girls.
Isotretinoin will reduce pores while you are on treatment as it shrinks sebaceous glands, but the pores will return to their normal size within a few months of stopping Isotretinoin.
Accutane is a medication that can work on the toughest acne. But it's not without side effects, including dry skin, eyes, and lips. And your acne may get worse before it gets better. Accutane can be harmful to an unborn baby, so you'll need to take regular pregnancy tests during treatment.
Xeroderma, dry eye syndrome, arthralgia, and possible exacerbation of eczema, were considered to be infrequent but probable long-term side-effects. The findings of this study indicate that isotretinoin in the treatment of acne is a safe drug, with no serious long-term side-effects.
If you do keep growing past age 18, check in with your provider. “Growing at age 19 or 20 isn't necessarily a sign of a health problem, but ask your provider about it,” advises Dr. Coleman. “It's likely a case of a late bloomer whose growth plates haven't completely fused yet.
Can You Reopen Growth Plates? Once growth plates close, reopening them naturally is highly unlikely. However, some individuals consider advanced treatments, such as height-increasing surgeries or hormonal therapies. It's essential to consult a specialist for accurate advice tailored to your body type and health.
Though a tried and true method of care for patients who may not respond to standard acne therapy, previous research has suggested a potential impairment in growth among treated patients due to the premature fusion of growth plates.
In healthy adults, it takes up to 6 days, on average, for most of the isotretinoin to be gone from the body. However, it is recommended that a person wait one month after stopping isotretinoin before trying to get pregnant.
The most damaging side effect of Accutane is serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. It is critically important for women not to take Accutane while pregnant, and not to become pregnant while taking it.