Accutane

Accutane is an excellent medication, which is used to treat mild to severe cases of acne.

What is Accutane?

Isotretinoin was originally developed as a treatment of certain types of cancer, as well as severe skin infections. Its main power stems from the fact that it is capable of destroying rapidly dividing cells. Today, even though it is still used for treating certain skin deformations and cancers, it is best known for its ability to treat severe cases of acne vulgaris and is also applied in less severe cases of acne, where all other treatment options have been exhausted. The medication is distributed in oral or topical form and is sold under various brand names such as Accutane, Roaccutane, Claravis, Clarus, Decutan, Oratane, Izotek and others.

What should I tell my doctor before I use Isotretinoin?

This medication should not be used by women that are pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or women that are breast-feeding and if you fall in any of these categories, you should discuss this with your doctor and ask him for alternative medication. Inform your healthcare provider of your medical history and keep in mind that if you suffer or have suffered in the past from diabetes, asthma, osteoporosis, heart disease, liver disease, eating disorder, or have family history of mental illnesses, you might not be able to take this medication or you will have to use the smallest available dose.

How should I take this medication?

Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed – the dose is determined by your weight and the severity of the acne, and while the treatment typically lasts between four to six months, your health care provider might prescribe even longer treatment. In almost all cases, an initial treatment with Isotretinoin results in clearing, and even if relapse occurs, it is normally with lesser severity and can be treated with other, less powerful medications.

What drugs may interact with this medication?

Vitamin A and tetracycline antibiotics should not be used by patients, taking Isotretinoin since they increase the risk of vitamin A toxicity and idiopathic intracranial hypertension respectively.

What should I be aware of while taking this medication?

This is a medication, which should not be used unless it has been prescribed by a doctor since it carries the risks of serious side effects. However, when it comes to severe cases of acne, it is extremely powerful and once your healthcare provider has determined that the medication is for you, then take it exactly as prescribed.

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects are dry skin, skin fragility, itch, headaches, thin skin, rash, skin peeling, cuticles infection, cheilitis, eye irritation and others. Less common, but also possible adverse reactions are raised blood glucose level, acne flare, decreased libido, and fatigue. Certain permanent side effects such as hair loss, decreased night vision, dry skin, dry eyes and others are also reported. This medication could cause birth defects and therefore it should not be taken by pregnant women!

How should I store my medication?

The ideal temperature to store Isotretinoin is 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and the medication should be kept away from moisture, heat, and light.