Could Accutane affect the voice box?

[Sally]

Dr Nase says there is a slight chance long term use of Accutane may cause calcification of some bones/tendons. But I am wondering about the voice.

After 9 months on Accutane I have no worrying side effects apart from dry skin and hair. But my voice has gone decidedly squeaky, especially if I try to talk loudly. Some (my husband) may say this is a good thing but it has become very annoying. My voice keeps 'breaking' like an adolescent boy's.

Is there a possibility this may be caused by Accutane? I guess there's some mechanism in there that needs kept 'oiled'.

My doctor just says I should keep out of smokey bars... harrumph... What does she know?

Sally, UK

:arrow:

[Ghost]

Hi Sally,

That would make sense -- accutane drying out your larynx. Are your lips dry as well as your skin? I had accutane many years ago -- when it first came out, in fact. But I didn't take it for as long as you have been. At that time it was a heavy dose for three months (40 mg 2x per day, I seem to recall).

I remember dry lips, dry eyes, aching bones... certainly it could affect your larynx. At least that's my humble opinion.

Ghost

[drnase]

Marc,


What type of spider do you think caused this? Do you think the spider now has rosacea? :D

[Sally]

Hello spider lovers

Saw my derm today and he said the Roaccutane may well be affecting my vocal chords.

Ohmigosh, everything's drying up. I'm turning into a wrinkled old prune and sounding like Mickey Mouse. Hurry up 0.5mg capsules - you may be my only hope!!

Sally

[yossarian]

So what dose are you on? Can you not split the pill or take one every other day?

[RedHotCanuck]

I believe splitting the pill will not work. Dr. Nase pointed this out long time ago on the RS boards. Or am I wrong?

[yossarian]

I'm not even sure what form it comes in; a solid tablet or capsule with powder.

[Sally]

Today my derm said I could reduce my dosage from 20mgs to 10mgs a day and see what happens. I once tried cutting a capsule in half but it's very gooey.

Thanks for your help.

Sally

[Sally]

Just read the excellent post from RedHotCanuck (everything you need to know) about Accutane.

I notice that under 'side effects' it lists: Respiratory - Voice alteration.

Guess that answers my query. I'm almost relieved. Couldn't understand why my voice was changing so much.

BTW I went to get my prescription today and was told that in Europe Isotretinoin is dispensed as Roaccutane which comes in 20mg or 5mg capsules.

Fantastic, now I can wean myself down to this lower 5mg dose and try to get my voice back to normal. Pity it isn't available in the US. But I expect it's obtainable on the internet.

Failing that, visit sunny Brighton.

Sally