Expert: Kindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger - 3/14/2005

Question
Dear Kindred Beisinger:

I am writing to you in regards to my health condition following the use of the acne drug ACCUATANE (please see - http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/accutane/medicationguide.htm).

I seem to be suffering side effects that were prevalent while taking the drug (to a lesser degree), even though I stopped taking the drug about 2.5 years ago. I was 16 when I took it. I took it for 6 months (40mg daily), and I weighed 65kg.

My side effects are mainly;
- dry skin
- dry hair
- dry eyes
- slow healing wounds

I have looked into treating my side effects, but don't know how to DIRECTLY treat them, I thought you may have some suggestions? There is a good web page which has some suggestions (please see -http://www.sdmmedia.com/askbillsardi/reports/accutane_report.pdf). I have been doing "liver cleansing" to try and help, but it's a slow process, and I don't know if it's necessarily helping the problem. There are many people suffering like me from using the drug, so I can certainly pass the words of advice on...

Any help you could offer me would be greatly appreciated. Many Thanks for your service. Take care!

Sincerely;

Sam Jee


Answer
Dear Sam Jee,
The liver detox would probably help your acne problem as well, but I never ever recommend alternative therapies when someone is taking pharmaceuticals.  The herbs with detoxifying properties are dandelion and milk thistle. Witchhazel is actually a plant and the leaves are wonderful for making a wash.  I would recommend that you visit a health food store or check online regarding simple basic formulas containing those herbs.  Keep it simple, that gives your body less to have to process and enables it to move the toxins out.  Drink water, lots of water.
I hope this helps.
Kindred