I took Accutane in 1992. I already having inflammatory bowel disease and had all the major side affects from the drug. I also came down with leukemia. Could they be connected?
Can Accutane cause leukemia?
Question posted by surfcart on 26 Jan 2011
Last updated on 25 June 2024
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
18 Answers Page 2
zackdreamcast
5 Nov 2011
I am 29 and took accutane when I was in my teen years and when I was 23 I was diagnosed with CML (leukemia). I have no family history of any sort of cancer. I have been told by others that there is a link but of course can't prove it. If I could I would be a rich man due to the massive lawsuit I would file.
Ebby1313
8 Oct 2012
I took accutane in my early 20's, at the age of 36 I was diagnosed with CML too. There is not a doubt in my mind that the link is there. Massive doses of any vitamin is not safe for anyone. I knew the risks when I took this drug, but leukemia was not one of them. This is the price I am now paying for wanting to be beautiful, and I was, but now it seems it was for just a moment. Vanity can kill you.
gorrell1977
26 Jan 2013
I am 35. I took Accutane when I was 16 and when I turned 23, I was diagnosed with CML. I never knew why... no family history no exposure to chemicles,etc. I was looking into Accutane because I had shown a pic of when my face was covered in zits. Come to find out that it may be the cause to alot of the issues im experiencing now. Severe back degeneration, mental issues, and stomach and esophageal problems and now reading this im convinced my leukemia is a result as well. I want to sue these motherf****** now. I pray you are doing well with your CML.
luvmatch
13 Nov 2013
Our son took Accutane in his teens and at the age of 31 he was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. I know of three other young men in our area that have the same scenario. I would like to hear if there are others out there with the same problem.
Patty38
23 Jan 2014
I am a 38 year old female, recently diagnosed with CML accelerated phase this past May. I also took Accutane twice: first in my late teens and then in my early 20's. My doctor told me he has seen more and more patients in my age group getting this disease. I knew there had to be a commonality between us because this type of cancer is usually found in elderly adults. I am glad I found your postings! I will be doing some further investigating through my Doctor and through the CML forum groups. Stay strong my fellow CML friends!
karla63
1 May 2014
I took accutane in my late 30 ' s and got CLL at 48. I have no history of cancer in my family. I have wondered if it could be connected.
APML28
2 Oct 2014
Hey guys, I really hope some of the posters from a few years ago are still getting notifications from here! Last year aged 21 I was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia called Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, along with chemo idarubicin I was on tretinoin - also known as Accutane. I have had 2 courses of Accutane for severe acne when I was 16 & 18. I've seen the common leukemia here linked to Accutane is CML but I was just wanted to add my experience, I thought it was quite interesting that I was treated with (essentially) Accutane, could my leukemia have been going on for several years without my knowledge as I was treated for acne with Accutane in the years prior? It is known that Accutane as a cancer treatment only achieves temporary remission.
Craig1965
2 Oct 2016
I used accutane in my early 30's and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia when I was 48.
mommytimes2
3 Feb 2011
It is highly doubtful that Accutane could cause such severe and life threatening problems. Accutane has been used for a long time (I used it in my early teen years and it was the only thing that helped my severe acne. I am now almost 35 years old). Accutane is essentially a very potent source of vitamin A and the usual side effects, which I also experienced, are extreme dryness of the skin and lips. The same thing would happen if a person consumed a diet that was this high in vitamin A. Since vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant (disease fighter), it makes sense that it might temporarily cause an increase in red blood cells, etc in the user. However, this has never been linked to cancers of any kind, at least I have never heard of any connection and I've studied nutrition for years now. IBS can have many causes, but once again I know of no association between that and the use of Accutane.
The only thing I do know is that extremely high doses of vitamin A can cause severe birth defects in a woman who becomes pregnant during use of the medication. For this reason, doctors prescribing Accutane usually require a monthly blood test to check for possible pregnancy during the course of treatment.
I hope you find some answers as to the cause of your conditions and best wishes to you for a full recovery.
Martinjp6060
19 April 2017
I also have Leukemia. Acutane used in 1991
Craig3130
19 April 2018
I used accutane in 1993 and diagnosed with AML in 2013 and needed a transplant.
kaslea
15 Feb 2020
I used accutane in 2018, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019... exactly one year after finishing the course. Every part of me believes accutane triggered this. No previous health issues, no family history of cancer.
Marvell
27 Jan 2011
Accutane is not known to cause leukemia, but you can never be certain.
The known hematologic side effects have included anemia, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and rare reports of agranulocytosis. Laboratory side effects have included decreases in red blood cell parameters, decreases in white blood cell counts, and elevated platelet counts.
Related topics
accutane, inflammatory bowel disease, leukemia
Further information
- Accutane uses and safety info
- Accutane prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Accutane (detailed)
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