How Accutane Works
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Introduction
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When acne progresses to a stage in which over-the-counter medications no longer offer successful treatment, your doctor may prescribe a medication called Accutane. Unfortunately, Accutane is usually accompanied by a variety of sometimes serious side effects, making it a last resort for treatment.
Sebum
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The first way in which Accutane works is by affecting the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands under the skin. When sebum is excessively produced, it can combine with dead skin cells in the pores. This causes plugs that block the pores and cause a buildup of sebum under the plug. This eventually bursts into acne. Accutane reduces the amount of sebum produced by the glands, helping to keep the pores free of blockages.
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Bacteria
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Accutane also works by killing the bacteria that cause acne. When pores get clogged, a bacterium called P.acnes can infect the pore. The bacteria begins to multiply, and combined with the pressure of the sebum, helps the plugged pore pop. Accutane targets the acne bacteria and prevents them from being able to multiply inside the blocked pore.
Inflammation
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Another way that Accutane helps with acne is by controlling inflammation. When P.acnes infects the pore, the body reacts by sending immune products to fight the infection such as prostaglandins, lactic acid, substance P and leukotrienes. Sebum is also plays a role in inflammation. Although inflammation is part of the body's natural healing process, it can also make acne more prominent and can contribute to acne-related pain. The active ingredients in Accutane work to control inflammation by reducing the amount of sebum being produced.
Side Effects
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Those taking Accutane should take extreme caution in researching the potential side effects before taking the medication. Accutane has had a controversial past with potential side effects, including depression and suicidal tendencies. The drug should also never be taken by those who are pregnant, or those who are trying to become pregnant. The active ingredients in Accutane have the potential to cause severe birth defects, according to the FDA consumer magazine. In fact, Accutane is one of the first drugs that requires women to sign a consent form to take the medication. The medication is also on the FDA's iPledge risk management program because of its serious side effects. Side effects may also include erectile dysfunction, liver damage, stroke, seizure, vision problems and nose bleeds.
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References
- Photo Credit Henryart: commons.wikimedia.org
