What Is Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is currently a acne medication prescribed for moderate to severe acne conditions. Isotretinoin is derived from vitamin A and, as such, is known as a retinoid. Isotretinoin is a potent and even hazardous medication which has come under scrutiny as to whether prescription should be allowed within many countries.
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History
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Building on previous vitamin A acne treatment methodologies dating as far back as the 1930s, researchers for the Hoffmann-La Roche corporation developed a retinoid derivative known as 13-cis-retinoic acid by its IUPAC nomenclature. This substance was later named isotretinoin and released for manufacture and distribution in 1982.
Effects
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Though isotretinoin's actual chemical mechanism within the body is unknown, its effects are well-documented. Isotretinoin reduces sebaceous gland activity and dries the naturally occurring sloughed-off skin cells of the epidermis. This dermatological effect directly reduces the contributory factors which lead to acne in humans.
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Types
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Isotretinoin is the name originally given to this medication by its respective developer upon release. However, the patent rights to this medication have since expired and, as a corollary, several different companies have begun production of generic versions of the drug under various names such as Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Oratane and many others. Though the pharmaceutical properties are the same, dosages can differ depending on the drug manufacturer's production process.
Considerations
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Isotretinoin toxicity is of immediate importance to all who are or would consider this drug as a treatment. Isotretinoin toxicity presents itself much like vitamin A toxicity stemming from its retinoid derivation. Common toxicity side effect include acne flare, skin fragility, rash, and permanent hair thinning. More severe adverse reactions to isotretinoin include psychosis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, intracranial hypertension and optic neuritis.
Warning
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Isotretinoin is classified as an FDA Pregnancy Category X drug due to its teratogenicity. This medication should not under any circumstance be taken by a pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant mother as birth defects that this drug can cause are missing earlobes, hearing and visual impairment, mental retardation and facial dysmorphism. As a result to this extreme effect, the FDA started the iPLEDGE program in an attempt to prevent pregnant women from taking this medication.
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