Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is an oral systemic medication treating severe inflammatory acne. It belongs to the class of drugs known as retinoids and is made from a synthetic form of vitamin A.
Accutane is one of the most powerful acne treatments available today. It is a great option for patients struggling with severe or cystic acne, even if their acne has not responded to other therapies. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology considers isotretinoin the most effective medication for severe acne. In general, Accutane successfully treats and eliminates acne in about 50% of cases.
The Most Powerful and Most Dangerous Acne Drug
Before you decide to use Accutane, you must consult your dermatologist. Accutane comes with a wide range of dangerous side effects; therefore, it is normally prescribed only when other treatment options were not effective. During the whole treatment therapy, your doctor will keep you under close monitoring to reduce the risk of health damage.
The brand name medicine Accutane was removed from the market in June 2009. Since then, it has been only available as generic drug. Nowadays, isotretinoin can be found under such trade names as Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret.
Mechanism of Action
Isotretinoin’s mechanism of action implies shrinking of the sebaceous glands within the dermis, which helps to decrease oil production within the follicle. Thus, the pores become less clogged resulting in overall acne improvement. However, exact mechanism of the medication is still not clear.
Accutane Treatment Course
The course of Accutane treatment lasts for 16 to 20 weeks. If the therapy is not effective enough, more courses can be prescribed after a certain period of rest. However, in 80% of cases, only one course is needed. In order to avoid the risk of relapse, it is necessary to complete the whole course of the medication, even if acne is noticeably reduced before the medicine is finished.
All the patients using Accutane must be carefully monitored by their doctors. They are also required to undergo blood tests regularly during the treatment to check to potential adverse reactions.
Accutane Side Effects
First, isotretinoin must never be taken by a pregnant woman, since it is extremely dangerous for a developing foetus. Miscarriage and severe birth defects are among its most serious and most widely known side effects. The Food and Drug Administration requires all women of childbearing potential to use two forms of birth control starting one month before the treatment and one month after the treatment.
Other side effects of isotretinoin treatment include dryness of the skin and mucus membranes, nosebleeds, thinning hair, photosensitivity, decreased night vision, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, headaches, bone and joint pain, chest or abdominal pain, painful swallowing, and diarrhea or rectal bleeding.
Isotretinoin may also cause serious mood changes leading to depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.
If you develop any side effects mentioned above, you should report them to your doctor.
Bottom Line
Isotretinoin can be a wonder drug for those suffering from severe acne that has not responded to any other treatments. However, you must discuss the medication with your doctor and weigh all the pros and cons to decide whether this therapy is suitable for you.
You can easily compare prices one-by-one and find the best online drugstore to buy Accutane online.