What Are the Benefits of Accutane?

Accutane is a type of drug used to treat severe forms of acne that have not responded to other types of treatment. It is a form of vitamin A and given orally after antibiotics and topical ointments have not proven effective. If you have severe acne and have yet to find success with other treatments, you should speak to your doctor about the benefits of the Accutane.

Features

Accutane can clear up all types of acne breakouts, including severe and deep acne as well as chronic forms of acne. It has proven effective in resistant acne that has not responded to antibiotic use or topical ointments. At lower doses, the risk of side effects is mild, while higher doses can cause a drying effect on the body and affect the lips, skin and eyes.

Time Frame

Due to the potency of the drug, you'll likely see quick results with Accutane once you start taking the medication. In most cases, patients will find their acne cleared up within four to five months. More than half of the patients who take Accutane find their acne has cleared up within a reasonable amount of time.

Benefits

Accutane is found to be particularly effective at clearing up nodular acne. Nodular acne is a grouping of red bumps that form on the skin and swell easily. Nodular acne blemishes can vary in size and shape. If left untreated, nodular acne can cause scarring.

Warning

Although you'll find numerous benefits of Accutane, you should speak to your doctor about the drawbacks as well--the main one being the high risk of fetal birth defects if a woman takes the drug while pregnant. All women of child-bearing age must sign a pledge that promises they will use birth control while taking Accutane to prevent these serious birth defects.

Considerations

Although it can prove dangerous to the fetus, Accutane has no long-lasting effects on fertility or pregnancy. Once the drug is stopped, it will no longer be found in the bloodstream within 10 days. Also, it has fewer risks than the long-term use of antibiotics to treat acne.