Accutane (Isotretinoin)

This is a local anti-inflammatory drug able to suppress the activity of sebaceous glands. It is used for the treatment of severe forms of acne, including conglobate and cystic forms, also prone to scarring. It stimulates the regeneration and has a special anti-seborrheic effect. It has shown itself as a highly effective drug against acne, resistant to other types of treatment.

Derivative of vitamin A, Accutane is a real breakthrough in the treatment of acne prone to the formation of knots, cysts and scars. Accutane (Isotretinoin) is indicated in cases where the attempts to treat acne with the most aggressive therapeutic means proved unsuccessful. Although Accutane can’t cure acne, it is able to cause remission lasting up to several years. The course of treatment lasts from 16 to 20 weeks, and the improvement comes within 10-12 weeks after the beginning of treatment. Sadly, in the first few weeks, you may note some deterioration.

To our regret, Accutane (Isotretinoin) often causes insignificant, and sometimes expressed side effects, manifested in dryness and cracks in the skin of mucous membranes. Major side effects include nosebleed, ulceration of the gums, skeletal muscle pain, increased sensitivity to sunlight and other, not so unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, these changes disappear soon after the end of treatment. However, there are even more serious complications caused by the use of Accutane, which restrict its use: calcium deposits in the back and tendinous ligaments, night vision impairment, unmotivated mood changes, hair loss and increased lipid content. These changes can become irreversible if you don’t stop the treatment with Accutane in time.

And finally, another important warning: Accutane (Isotretinoin) must not be used by pregnant women and those who are planning pregnancy. Under these circumstances, I don’t agree with the doctors who prescribe Accutane for the treatment of simple forms of disease without trying other effective drugs. But recently, attempts have been made to treat acne with reduced doses of Accutane. However, studies have shown that the effect of such treatment is extremely short. Accutane is a wonderful treatment for neglected forms of cystic acne. However, it should be used with great caution and only according to the indications.

The drug is strictly contraindicated to pregnant women because of its powerful teratogenicity. You should use safe methods of contraception during the month following the end of therapy.

The drug can be prescribed only by a specialist in the field of dermatology, experienced in the use of systemic retinoids. Take the medication orally once a day (preferably at the same time of day). An average dose is 0.5 mg per 1 kg of body weight. At the initial stage of the treatment process, you may note the short-term exacerbation of the disease and increased rash. In case of severe forms of acne or body acne, a daily dose of the drug can reach 0.2 mg (2.0 mg) per 1 kg of body weight.

Cases of overdose are extremely rare. They can lead to the symptoms of hypervitaminosis A. To address intoxication, you need to get your stomach pumped, take sorbents and start symptomatic treatment.

The use of Accutane (Isotretinoin) can cause some side effects, which are dose-dependent. At the first stages of treatment, you may note the exacerbation of disease and rash, accompanied by photosensitization, itching and increased sweating.

Patients suffering from bronchial asthma can experience bronchospasm. You can also note musculoskeletal reaction in the form of hyperostosis and tendonitis, as well as dyspepsia, leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis and increased ESR. The most common adverse effect is hypervitaminosis A (dryness of skin and mucous membranes, nasal bleeding and conjunctivitis).