Definition and Use

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. Accutane is taken orally, shrinking the sebaceous glands to the size of a baby’s, which prevents this chain reaction in skin that leads to break-outs. When treatment is completed, normal oil production resumes and sebaceuos glands begin to grow larger again, but at a slower rate and very rarely returning to their normal size.                                  

Pros of Accutane

Although side-effects can be an issue, Accutane’s successful results in the treatment of acne are indisputable. The most significant benefits of using Accutane to treat acne are:

·    Treatments last only three to six months for complete results.

·    In most cases, only one treatment is needed to cure acne completely. Some have a reoccurrence of breakouts, but are often cured with a second treatment.

·    Treatments cure acne for life.

Cons of Accutane

Many doctors reserve prescribing Accutane to only those with chronic acne and many won’t prescribe it at all due to its many serious and sometimes dangerous side effects. Most notably, Accutane has been proven to have caused serious birth defects in almost 90% of babies born to mothers who used the drug during pregnancy. Since discovering the correlation, it is strongly suggested to those going through treatment to abstain from sex, or use a minimum of two types of birth control. Other moderate side effects include:

·    Dry skin and lips

·    Mild nose-bleeds

·    Hair loss

·    Aches and pains

·    Itching

·    Rash

·    Fragile skin

·    Increased sensitivity to the sun

·    Headaches

·    Peeling palms and hands

Other more severe side-effects can occur, though they are much less common: severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, changes in mood, depression, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, dryness of eyes and yellowing of the skin.

Managing Side Effects

It is believed that if it were not for the serious side effects associated with pregnancy, Accutane would be prescribed much more often; the fact that it is prescribed more often in men, is evidence of this. Many of the side effects can be managed by taking simple precautions and paying attention to your body. You should stay out of the sun and use plenty of moisturizer on dry parts of your skin. Using petroleum jelly on the inside of your nose can prevent dryness that results in nose-bleeds. Don’t use bar soaps, scrubs, hot water or anything else that would induce dryness of skin. Drink plenty of water and ibuprofen should take care of any head or body aches. If you feel the side effects are turning into something more serious, consult your physician for further advice.

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