Accutane (isotretinoin) can be used only by people to whom it was prescribed. This drug is intended for severe cases of nodular acne and can be associated with a number of risks. Accutane can cause serious birth defects if taken by a pregnant woman, including mental retardation and defects of the brain, glands, heart and nervous system, face and head. It has been also reported to cause miscarriage and death of the fetus. Your health care provider will need to make sure you are not pregnant before prescribing this medicine. Women potentially able to conceive a child are required to use two reliable methods of birth control previously discussed with their doctor. They need to use these contraception methods a month before, throughout the treatment period and a month after it to avoid getting pregnant. If you think you have got pregnant while using Accutane, stop taking this medication and report the situation to your doctor. A family history of a mental illness, heart or liver disease, diabetes, depression, high triglyceride levels, osteoporosis, asthma, or anorexia nervosa can make it impossible for you to take this medicine safely, or you will need a dose adjustment or additional tests to establish the effectiveness of the treatment. If you experience unusual tiredness, blurred vision, diarrhea, very dry eyes, severe stomach pain, headaches, vomiting, bleeding from the rectum, lack of appetite, dark yellow urine, nausea, or any other side effects that seem serious enough, make sure you report them to your health care provider. Other serious side effects that occur in some patients and need to be dealt with as soon as possible include the following symptoms: sleeping more than usual, anxiety, appetite changes, suicidal thoughts, anger, weight changes, irritability, difficulty concentrating, aggression, sadness, hallucinations, lack of energy, and dangerous thoughts. Most patients usually experience mild side effects, such as peeling skin on palms and soles, vision problems, rash, increased sun sensitivity, bleeding gums, red eyes, nosebleeds, fragile skin, dry eyes, thinning hair, itching, as well as dry skin and lips. The mild side effects listed are not expected to get more serious and there is no need to report them unless they change in intensity. Make sure you always discuss with your doctor any drugs you intend to take, as interactions with Accutane have been reported.