The powerful acne treatment medication Accutane has always been the subject of much debate.  Many praise its amazing results while others raise concern about its side effects. When used correctly and monitored, Accutane is safe and can change the lives of people with otherwise untreatable acne.  Here are some facts people should know before considering treatment.

Accutane is a brand name for the medication Isotretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A. Five years ago, Accutane was the only available form of Isotretinoin. Today many alternative formulations of Isotretinoin are available. Very few people who are prescribed Accutane actually get the brand name medication and instead will use an alternative, such as Sotret. All of the various brands of Isotretinoin are equally effective.

Isotretinoin is an excellent drug for the treatment of acne that does not respond to traditional antibiotics or that is caused by non-traditional bacteria. It can cure acne completely. Most people will not need additional treatment or will only need a modest treatment following a course of Isotretinoin. Very few people will require a second or third course of Isotretinoin to treat their acne problems.

Isotretinoin is a very safe drug when used under the guidance of a competent dermatologist. It is also a highly regulated drug. Doctors prescribing the treatment must be enrolled in the FDA approved program known as "I Pledge." Both doctors and patients need to be well versed in this program in order for the patient to successfully obtain medicine.

The “I Pledge” program was implemented earlier this year. Unfortunately, the fundamental protocol has been very problematic.  Rigidity and ambiguity in the program guidelines have caused a great deal of dismay for dermatologists and patients. Patients and treatment candidates should be patient and realize that everyone throughout the nation is having difficulty adhering to the new guidelines.

One of the dangers of Isotretinoin is that it can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. This is one of the major reasons the “I Pledge” program was created. Many people are afraid of Isotretinoin because they believe the drug can cause depression or they may become suicidal. These are both rare side effects. Your dermatologist will screen and monitor you to make sure you’re an appropriate candidate for the drug.

Isotretinoin is a strong drug that works well. Often in medicine, the best drugs have the most side-effects. Side effects for this drug are modest and easily managed by monthly visits and laboratory evaluation. The most common side effects are dryness of the lips, nasal mucosa, and eyes. A patient`s lipid profile, or liver enzymes may become elevated while on the drug. Maintaining a low fat diet and abstaining from alcohol usually will prevent these findings. Other less common side effects should be fully discussed with your dermatologist

Dr. Robert Sarro, Boca Raton Community Hospital, Dermatologist Associates of the Palm Beaches

Related Articles
	Is Your Acne Medication Giving You A Yeast Infection? There`s nothing quite as uncomfortable, irritating and inconvenient as acne – except, maybe, when you’re comparing it to a yeast infection.  If you find yourself experiencing more than your share of both, there might be a connection between the two. Candida, the organisms that cause a yeast   ...Read more		Using Accutane - What You Should Know Accutane its generic name, isotretinoin - is a drug derived from Vitamin A that is designed to stop the production of oil in the sebaceous glands. Breakouts occur when oil (sebum) clogs the hair follicle, mixes with dead skin cells, ruptures the follicle wall, creating pimples or cysts.   ...Read more