Accutane (isotretionoin) Accutane (isotretionoin) is a retinoid prescribed for the treatment of the most severe cases of nodular acne after the patient tried other methods but failed to achieve satisfactory results. This medicine is manufactured by the Bayer and GSK company and is available in most countries of the world by prescription. The effects of this medicine are based on altering DNA transcription decreasing the function and size of sebaceous glands and reducing the number of bacteria on the skin surface and inside the skin. Accutane also reduces inflammation and slows down the process of cell build up therefore preventing blackheads and whiteheads from forming. The patient will be most likely started on a lower dose of Accutane – and the dose may be adjusted in several weeks. How long you will need to take Accutane depends on the condition of your skin, but this period does not exceed 4-5 months. At the beginning of your treatment the acne may get worse, but that just means that the medicine is working properly for you. Usually new acne lesions are not likely to appear, although the ones you had may become more painful and get redder. Make sure you carry on with the treatment anyway, as this is just a phase after which you are most likely to experience the full benefits of taking Accutane.

Every patient intending to go through the treatment with Accutane is expected to sign a special agreement within the iPLEDGE program. Being a member of this program while taking Accutane is obligatory and every female patient of child bearing potential agrees to use at least two reliable methods of birth control to avoid getting pregnant. Two forms of birth control have to be used a month before starting the treatment, during it and one month after the treatment is over. The patient must also have a negative pregnancy test before the prescription is written – all that to make sure an unborn baby is not affected. Accutane has been reported to cause serious and life-threatening effects in unborn babies – including abnormalities in the face, heart, thymus gland and nervous system. This drug is not known to affect a woman’s fertility – so after one month from the moment the last dosage of Accutane has been taken the patient may get pregnant without any need to worry about abnormalities in the baby. There are primary and secondary forms of birth control that you may be offered. Primary methods include hormonal injections, implants, vaginal ring, tubal ligation, vasectomy of the male partner, hormonal birth control pills (except for mini-pili) and intrauterine devices. Secondary forms of birth control include a vaginal sponge, a latex condom, a diaphragm – all those used with spermicidal gel or foam.

There are other things you need to discuss with your health care provider before staring the treatment. Make sure your doctor knows if you ever had asthma, liver disease, any of the eating disorders, high cholesterol, history of any mental illness, bone disorders, heart disease or diabetes. You may require a dose adjustment or your health care provider will want you to have additional tests done. Make sure you also tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medicines you have to take at the moment – Accutane may interact with some of them, which may affect your treatment. Make sure you mention the fact of taking seizure medication, steroids or tetracycline antibiotics.

Some of the side effects sometimes reported by patients taking Accutane include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, itchy eyes, discomfort when wearing contact lenses, night blindness and abdominal pain. The side effects mentioned above are to be reported to your health care provider as soon as possible to make sure you are benefitting from the treatment and your dose does not need to be adjusted. There are other less serious side effects that tend to disappear quickly on their own as you carry on with the treatment. These include thinning hair, nosebleeds, itchy skin, dry lips, increased sun sensitivity, muscle pains and some other ones that may be individual for every patient.

One of the major concerns associated with taking Accutane is the possibility of developing suicidal thoughts, depression and psychosis. These symptoms however tend to go away once the treatment is stopped. Patients with a history of such conditions must talk to their health care provider to find out how safe and efficient the treatment is going to be for them. Once you stop the treatment (just make sure you do so when your health provider thinks it is necessary) the normal function of your skin will be restored and although the sebaceous glands will grow bigger they will not produce the same amounts of oil. This medicine must not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women or those allergic to its active ingredient or parabens, nor should you share Accutane with people to whom it was not prescribed even if their symptoms are similar to yours.

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