AboutJacqueline Jacques, ND Expertise I can answer any question related to conditions treated by naturopathic medicine and how they might be approached. These would include (but are not limited to) allergies, arthritis, depression/anxiety, autoimmune diseases, irritable bowel, PMS, menopause, hormone dysfunction, chemical sensitivity, headache, and chronic pain. I am also happy to discuss naturopathic therpaies including herbal/botanical medicine, medical nutrition, diet therapy, detoxification, manipulation, hydrotherapy, and natural hormone replacement. I would also welcome questions on naturopathic philosophy, licensure, scope of practice and education
Experience I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) with ten years of experience. The focus of my work has been in women's health, obesity and pain, but I have treated all conditions. I currently see private patients, consult in the natural products industry, formulate product for a medical nutrition company, write for several publications, and speak across North America. I additionaly serve on the medical advisory board of several companies and non-profit organizations.
Organizations California Naturopathic Doctors Association (member and past board member)
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (member)
National Nutritional Foods Association (member)
Obesity Actional Coalition (Medical Advisory Board)
Samueli Canter for Integrative Medicine at University of California, Irvine (Board Member)
Publications Nutrition and the MD, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Bariatric Times, Today's Dietitian, Integrative Health Retailer
Education/Credentials Lewis and Clark College
National College of Naturopathic Medicine
Awards and Honors Health Professional of the Year (2004) - Bariatric Support Centers International
Question Dear Dr. Jacques, I am writing for a friend of mine. She has been on Accutane for 8 months. This is the third time (two prior occasions the past 10 years each approx. 3 months)... for aggresive, recurring cystic acne (she tried antibiotics among other things.) The dermatologist said the the side effects would all go away. She has been off the Accutane now for 2 weeks and the side effects are actually worse (joint pain, muscle pain, blurry vision, depression, dry nose). The research I have done turns up that this drug potentially acts much like chemotherapy by down regulating cell devision (I can send you a copy of the paper that explains the detail). Believing this research means effects happened at the cellular level. Could you provide input what can be done to reverse side-effects. Thank you.
Answer Anca,
These symptoms you are describing are on the fairly extreme end of side effects from Accutane. As an analog of vitamin A, the signs of toxicity from this drug are similar to vitamin A poisoning as well as liver toxicity.
I would suggest the following:
1) Reduce or eliminate all sources of pre-formed vitamin A - retinol. This is oftenin multivitamins, and fortified foods like meal replacement bars. Beta-carotene is fine.
2) Reduce/eliminate sources of liver irritation - hormones like birth control, exposure to pesticides or herbicides and use of tylenol would fall into this category.
3) Take Milk thistle: 150- to 175-mg capsule, standardized to 80 percent silymarin 2-3 times daily.
4) Increase fiber intake
5) Increase water intake
If symptoms are not gone in a couple of weeks, she should be seeing a doctor about this.
