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Accutane

Retanoids are a class of chemicals derived from Vitamin A, the most well known being the acne drug commonly known as Accutane. Its proper name is isotretinoin and generic forms, called Amnesteem and Claravis, are also available, but in this article it will be referred to as Accutane. Accutane has been used to successfully treat moderate and severe acne and prevent acne scarring for over two decades. Although Accutane can be very effective, it is also very dangerous and is not the best treatment for everyone. Accutane is a prescription drug and can only be prescribed by a physician who is registered with iPledge, a program created by Accutane’s manufacturer to ensure that these acne treatments are used in a safe manner. Any patient who receives Accutane, as well as the pharmacy that fills the prescription, must also register with the iPledge program.

Accutane is able to combat acne by shutting down all the oil glands in your body. Acne is caused by pores becoming clogged with oily secretions and bacteria feeds on these secretions beneath your skin. Your body recognizes the bacteria’s presence treats clogged pores as an infection. These minor infections are essentially a skin irritation that makes pimples and zits appear red and swollen. By stopping your skin from secreting oil, Accutane causes acne to go away permanently for most people. Accutane is a very effective acne treatment, but it is not without side effects.

Side Effects

Accutane use is monitored closely because of its numerous side effects, particularly those concerning pregnant women or women who may become pregnant while using Accutane or shortly thereafter. The risk of birth defects for pregnant women who take Accutane is extremely high, even if they only take it in small doses for a short time. Any fetus that is exposed to Accutane is likely to suffer malformations such as mental retardation, heart defects, facial and ear abnormalities, and be more likely to be stillborn, or born prematurely. Other less serious side effects can include loss of hair, dry skin, chapped lips, as well as dry eyes. However, major organs can be damaged by Accutane, and there is evidence that Accutane users have an increased tendency to become depressed, have thoughts of hurting themselves, and even commit suicide.

Although there are a long list of possible side effects and risks, Accutane is one of the most effective means for treating moderate to severe acne. Accutane can be prescribed in pill form or it can be applied directly to the skin, and a dermatologist will normally prescribe Accutane for 15-20 weeks (about 4-5 months), which, in many cases, will clear up acne for good. If some acne lingers, another round of Accutane may be necessary, although your dermatologist may prescribe another more gentle treatment. Before women can take Accutane, they must first produce a negative pregnancy test and take a pregnancy test every month they are using Accutane. Women who are sexually active while taking Accutane must also use two forms of contraception simultaneously every time they have intercourse. Care must also be taken not to become pregnant for a period of time after using Accutane because the fetus will still be vulnerable to all the side effects of Accutane, as if you were still taking it.

Before You Begin Using Accutane

The decision to take Accutane is one that must be taken seriously. Accutane is a very strong acne medication and is not for everyone. While having an acne problem is no fun, it may be preferable to losing your hair and having nosebleeds all the time. Many types of acne can be treated with much gentler methods than using Accutane. Because of the numerous side effects, Accutane should be used as a last resort. Most people respond very well to less harmful acne treatments like Blue Light and laser treatments, as well as other less toxic acne medications. Although Accutane can be very effective, the risks are great, especially for pregnant women.