What Is Accutane?

Accutane is a prescription drug that is most commonly used in the treatment of severe acne. It may also be used to treat certain types of cancer or given to patients with other skin conditions that are comparatively rare, such as harlequin ichthyosis. The generic name for Accutane is isotretinoin. It comes in pill form and is taken orally.

Function

This medication is usually used to treat acne that is moderate to severe, has lasted for a long period of time, doesn't respond to other medications and may cause scarring. It is a derived form of vitamin A that occurs naturally in the bloodstream in small quantities. All of the details about how and why Accutane works are not yet known. One of the things that it does is to lower the activity of oil glands in the skin so that less oil is produced. It also causes the skin to regenerate itself more quickly.

Benefits

Accutane is the most effective treatment that exists for solving severe acne problems. Along with clearing up current breakouts, it also tends to prevent future ones. It has been found to be very effective for helping patients when other medications and methods don't work. Accutane entered the market in 1982 and has since been given to over two million people, so a lot of information is known about it.

Side Effects

Most people who use Accutane experience itchy and dry skin, chapped lips and a dry nose that may be accompanied by minor nosebleeds. It can cause severe and life-threatening birth defects if a woman takes it while she is pregnant. For this reason, women who are capable of becoming pregnant must be on birth control and have regular pregnancy tests when using Accutane. Some of the less common side effects include eye irritation and other eye problems, temporary thinning of hair, muscle pain, headaches, fatigue, and possibly depression. It is believed to have caused liver problems, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease in very small percentages of people.

Time Frame

A typical course of treatment on Accutane lasts four or five months. A doctor should be seen before, during, and after this time to monitor its effects. One round is enough to permanently clear up acne for half of the people who take it. If the medication is moderately effective, the physician may decide that a second course of treatment would be beneficial. About one-fifth of patients find that Accutane slightly worsens their skin condition. Less than one percent experience a severe worsening of acne.

Warning

A conservative course of action that includes trying other treatments before Accutane is recommended due to its side effects. However, the more severe side effects can almost always be avoided by taking precautions and working closely with a doctor. Individuals who may not be good candidates for Accutane include those with allergies to its ingredients, liver disease, or a history of severe depression or suicidal thoughts. If a woman becomes pregnant while on the medication, she should stop taking it immediately. Patients should avoid taking vitamin A supplements.