How Does Accutane Work?
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What is Accutane?
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Accutane is a prescription medication that is taken orally for the treatment of acne. It is prescribed for severe cases nodular acne. It is the most powerful and effective acne treatment available. Because Accutane has the potential to cause serious side effects, it is only prescribed for severe cases of acne that have not responded to other forms of treatment.
How Accutane Works
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Accutane treats acne by reducing oil production in skin glands, decreasing the buildup of cells that can clog pores and reducing skin inflammation.
Prescribing Information
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Accutane is usually taken for about 6 months. Some patients experience quick results, with most of their acne clearing up almost instantly. Some patients experience an increase in acne before their skin clears up, and some patients do not respond to Accutane treatment. If a patient does not respond to Accutane treatment, her doctor may prescribe Accutane treatment for an additional six months.
Accutane should be taken with food to increase absorption of the medicine.
Always drink a full glass of water with your Accutane dose to make sure that the pill does not get stuck in your esophagus, where it could cause irritation or damage.
Blood Tests
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Accutane treatment can cause an increase in fat levels in the body, which could affect the liver. Patients who undergo Accutane treatment receive regular blood tests to detect any problems before they become serious.
Warning: Birth Defects
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Accutane can cause severe birth defects in unborn fetuses. Possible birth defects include mental retardation and physical deformities. Women who are pregnant should not take Accutane. Women should not become pregnant while taking Accutane. If a woman accidently becomes pregnant while taking Accutane, she should immediately discontinue the medication and consult a doctor.
Before a woman who is capable of becoming pregnant is prescribed Accutane, she must take a pregnancy test to assure she is not pregnant. During treatment, the woman must use contraception to avoid pregnancy.
A person taking Accutane should not donate blood because if the donated blood is given to a pregnant woman, it could cause a birth defect in the fetus. It is not safe to donate blood until at least after 30 days from discontinuing Accutane treatment.
Warning: Psychiatric Problems
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There have been reports of depression and suicidal behavior that may be linked to Accutane use. If you experience depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Accutane, immediately discontinue the medication and seek help from your doctor.
Side Effects
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There are many possible side effects associated with the use of Accutane. Discuss the possible side effects with your doctor prior to use of the medication. Some side effects are serious, such as depression, nausea, seizures and diarrhea. Other side effects are not serious, such as the common complaint associated with Accutane of dry and cracking skin.
Drug Interactions
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Before getting an Accutane prescription, tell your doctor any medications that you are currently taking. Do not take any new medications without first consulting your doctor. Some drugs such as St. John's Wort, some antibiotics, some seizure medications and steroids can interact poorly with Accutane.
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