Accutane Acne Information

For patients with severe inflammatory acne that does not improve with acne medicines a doctor may well prescribe isotretinoin (otherwise known as Accutane), a retinoid. Accutane is an oral drug that is usually taken once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It markedly reduces the size of the oil glands so that far less oil is producedby the skin. As a result, the growth of bacteria is decreased.

Before we go any further, we must stress that Accutane must be treated with caution as it can be a dangerous drug.

Advantages of Accutane

Accutane or Isotretinoin is a very effective medicine that can help prevent scarring. In around 90 percent of patients, with 15 to 20 weeks of treatment with isotretinoin, acne completely or almost completely dissappears. In those patients where acne recurs after a course of Accutane, the doctor may institute another course of the same treatment or prescribe other strong medicines.

Disadvantages of Accutane

Accutane can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. Women who are pregnant will not be prescribed with Accutane. It is important that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while taking Accutane. Women must use two separate effective forms of birth control at the same time for 1 month before treatment begins, during the entire course of treatment, and for 1 full month after completing their course of this medicine. They should ask their doctor when it is safe to get pregnant after they have stopped taking Accutane altogether.

Many acne sufferers become depressed by the changes in the appearance of their skin. Changes in mental health may be intensified during treatment or soon after completing a course of medicines such as Accutane. A doctor should be consulted if a person has symptoms of depression, such as loss of appetite or trouble concentrating. If you have family who have taken Accutane, you may find our article on how to talk to acne sufferers useful.

Other reported side effects include dry mouth, lips, , eyes, nose, or skin; itching; nosebleeds; sensitivity to the sun; muscle aches; and, sometimes, poor night vision. More serious side effects include changes in the blood, such as an increase in triglycerides and cholesterol, or a change in liver function. To make sure Accutane treatment is cancelled if side effects occur, the doctor monitors blood studies that are done before treatment is started and periodically during treatment. Side effects usually go away after the patient has stopped taking the mecicine.

NOTE:  Accutane is an extremely dangerous drug