Accutane is the brand name of one of the retinoid class of drugs that is used for the treatment of acne. Its principal ingredient is isotretinion, a naturally occurring derivative of Vitamin A.
Accutane is used in the treatment of acne; granuloma annulare; melanoma, metastatic; acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and belongs to the drug classes miscellaneous antineoplastics, miscellaneous uncategorized agents. Not for use in pregnancy.
Here you can to order Accutane (Isotretinoin)
In the year 1982, Roche released a powerful acne drug by the name Accutane, the principal ingredient of which was a derivative of Vitamin A. It worked better than fat-soluble Vitamin A, had fewer side effects, and was declared an instant success. It continues to be a popular drug even today. However, like any other drug, there are some short-term and some long-term side effects associated with the drug.
Typically, a person suffering from acne is initially administered with topical medicines such as adapalene and/or oral antibiotics. If these initial medications do not show the desired results, only then is isotretinion prescribed. This is because, firstly, it is more expensive compared to other medications, and, secondly, its short-term as well as long-term effects are more adverse.
Accutane is an FDA-approved drug that is not available without a doctor's prescription. It clears severe cystic acne in about 60% of cases when taken for 15 to 20 weeks.
Side Effects:
- One of the most serious side effects of Accutane is on a fetus. Under no circumstances should a woman get pregnant while taking this treatment. Or if already pregnant, treatment with this drug must not be started.
- Dryness of lips, mouth, nasal vents, eyes and skin. These effects are not so serious and can be managed with some effort. For example, the dryness of lips and the nose can be relieved with lubricants. Sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute can relieve the dryness of the mouth.
- One major issue associated with the long-term use of isotretinion is that the skin becomes vulnerable. The probability of scarring is high for any cosmetic procedure such as hair removal, laser treatment and other skin resurfacing procedures. People who are going in for a skin or hair treatment while on this drug need to inform about the same to their doctor.
- Long-term use of isotretinion has been found to be related to decreased bone mass and tenderness of bones.
- Temporary thinning of the scalp hair is another observed side effect.
- Muscle and joint pain has also been noted in a long-term study on the drug.
Some patients may also experience short-term side effects such as headaches, depression, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, stomach pain, changes in blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, elevated liver enzymes, or a drop in the white blood cell count.
This acne treatment may also interfere or react with other medications and, therefore, you must always consult your doctor about drug interaction if you are taking this drug.
How should I take Accutane?
Take Accutane exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Always take Accutane with a full glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in your esophagus, causing irritation. Do not chew or suck on the capsule. Swallow it as quickly as possible. Take Accutane with food or milk. Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your acne may seem to get worse at first, but should then begin to improve.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warmth or tingling under the skin, swelling of the lips, and loss of balance or coordination.
What should I avoid while taking Accutane?
Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A while you are taking Accutane.
Do not donate blood while taking Accutane and for at least 30 days after you stop taking it. Donated blood that is later given to pregnant woman could lead to birth defects in her baby if the blood contains any level of Accutane.
Do not use wax hair removers or have dermabrasion or laser skin treatments while you are taking Accutane and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. Scarring may result.
The recommended dosage range for Accutane is 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg/day given in two divided doses with food for 15 to 20 weeks. In studies comparing 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg/day,8 it was found that all dosages provided initial clearing of disease, but there was a greater need for retreatment with the lower dosages. During treatment, the dose may be adjusted according to response of the disease and/or the appearance of clinical side effects × some of which may be dose related. Adult patients whose disease is very severe with scarring or is primarily manifested on the trunk may require dose adjustments up to 2.0 mg/kg/day, as tolerated. Failure to take Accutane with food will significantly decrease absorption. Before upward dose adjustments are made, the patients should be questioned about their compliance with food instructions.
The safety of once daily dosing with Accutane has not been established. Once daily dosing is not recommended.
If the total nodule count has been reduced by more than 70% prior to completing 15 to 20 weeks of treatment, the drug may be discontinued. After a period of 2 months or more off therapy, and if warranted by persistent or recurring severe nodular acne, a second course of therapy may be initiated. The optimal interval before retreatment has not been defined for patients who have not completed skeletal growth. Long-term use of Accutane, even in low doses, has not been studied, and is not recommended. It is important that Accutane be given at the recommended doses for no longer than the recommended duration.
Table 4 Accutane Dosing by Body Weight
| Body Weight |
Total mg/day |
|---|
| kilograms |
pounds |
0.5 mg/kg |
1 mg/kg |
2 mg/kg |
| 40 |
88 |
20 |
40 |
80 |
| 50 |
110 |
25 |
50 |
100 |
| 60 |
132 |
30 |
60 |
120 |
| 70 |
154 |
35 |
70 |
140 |
| 80 |
176 |
40 |
80 |
160 |
| 90 |
198 |
45 |
90 |
180 |
| 100 |
220 |
50 |
100 |
200 |
Many individuals us Generic Accutane because it not only reduces the amount of oil created by the skin, but it will return the skin to its normal health and shine.
User Reviews for Accutane.
Barbara Aviles :
I am just finishing up 7 months I believe now. For me it was really bad to start with, and yes, it got worse. Scary thing to go through, and I want to say that just because it wasn't addressed here. Maybe I had it worse than others but I wanted to say that, even though a lot of bad things happened, Accutane made the acne go away. I have lots of scars now, but that is because I hadn't taken care of myself as well as I should have while I was on the medication. It sucks, but it's necessary
Mike Lohmer :
Although you might hear bad things about Accutane, it works. It worked for me in just 1 month, and I had no bad side effects besides dry lips and red eyes. You just take a pill for a few months and your acne melts away. Please, please do this if your acne is bothering you. Its so depressing to have acne, and Accutane can change your life around. Talk to your doctor today!
Brenda J. :
Like the info says, your acne gets worse before it gets better. My acne was so bad I had to take 2 treatments. I still get a little bit of acne but no major breakouts. I also did not end up with pockmarks or scarring on my face, chest or back. My girlfriend (now wife) got pregnant while I was on my 2nd treatment but our daughter was & is very healthy.
Lora Kry :
I have struggled with severe acne since 12 years old, I am now 30. I tried EVERYTHING possible on the market, whether it be prescribed pills, or all kinds of prescribed lotions, but nothing worked. My acne was so bad that I contemplated suicide because of my shame. I thank God that Accutane is still available. I took it for about 5 months, and the acne vanished. It really brought me out of my shell, and house. I don't care about the negative remarks about it, I'm thankful it's around.
Alicia Abarca :
I took accutane in the early 1980's after years of unsuccessful treatment by dermatologists. I was given every antibiotic available, had ultra-violet light treatment, dry ice treatments, liquid nitrogen treatments and then finally X-Ray treatments. None of these worked. Accutane cleared my skin quickly and I haven't had a problem in almost 25 years. I had no serious side effects.
Julian Lampard :
Loved this. Took it about a year ago and it took about two months to really show results and you only have to take it for about 6 months. I had acne on my face and back which all cleared up. One side effect though was extreme dryness, which I dealt with. I also suffered from depression halfway through the treatment which I dealt with as well. This was all a year ago. About 5 months ago I had severe acne again as I began working in a greasy environment so I was a mess again. I'm back on the pills and its working wonderfully, I'm halfway through and now have mild depression but its not so bad. The only thing I worry about is when I get off this if I'll break out again badly. Also, most people don't ever have to do a second round of this.
Sam Bottomley :
I took accutane in college and it worked miracles. However, my acne has come back and it looks like I'm going to have to go through another round. I really enjoyed the results, but it wasn't a permanent effect for me.
Blanca Vargas :
I had cystic nodular acne on my face, back, and chest. I've tried every acne medication under the sun!! Accutane worked great and i could tell a difference within a month of using it. It's been 3 years since I took it and I'm still all clear. I would recommend Accutane to anyone with acne.
John Allen Muhammad :
Accutane seems to have saved my skin. Before taking accutane I tried about everything on the market and NOTHING worked. I started taking it, it sucked with the constant dry skin, lips, and everything else, but it worked. I do have some pockmarks on my face since I had acne so long. But in looks a lot better than that UGLY acne!
James J. Strang :
Accutane is a great product, even if taken in low doses. The unfortunate thing is that the acne keeps coming back approx. 8-10 weeks after discontinuing treatment. 7 years ago I went on my first course of treatment, suffering from moderate, sometimes painful acne. the treatment was 80mg/day for 3 months and another course of 50mg/d for 2 months. My acne cleared completely but returned after 2 years, again moderate but sometimes painful. I went on a low dose treatment taking 10mg/day for 6 months. but my acne returned after only 10 weeks. I tried Villantae for 4 months with limited success. I am now back on Accutane 20mg/day for 9 weeks. see how that goes. What helps me most is sunlight - but only moderate amounts - for a max of one hour per day. I do naturally have darker skin. What also helps on the low dose is loads of sleep and water. Also you should consider changing diet completely, loads of fruit and veg no alcohol or chocolate or salty fatty food. but take your Accutane with food and a glass of milk.
Stephen Breyer :
This drug is amazing. A miracle in pill form. I was scared to take it at first because of the many risks but it was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I was on this for 6 months and now I'm off it and haven't had acne in years. Best drug ever. Highly recommended for bad acne.
Lyndon Johnson :
I used Accutane and found that the secret is to complete the whole treatment. I used it for a month and acne disappeared but started coming back. Then I did the whole treatment for about 4 months and acne never came back. Side effects are not fun specially dryness of the lips but it is definitely worth it. No acne for more than 10 years. Great specially for people with very bad acne.
Laurence Tribe :
I had severe acne in my late teens through my early twenties. I took Accutane in the early 90's after other treatments and it was a wonder drug in my case. I still remember the feeling of my pores beginning to functioning properly and the irritating pimples going away from my back and neck. However, as others have warned, the side effects are real and not exaggerated.
Melvil Dewey :
I had acne for almost half of my life. I'm 26 years old and like everybody I tried every product on the market. Nothing worked but accutane is like a miracle. My face got clear in the first week. I didn't get worse in the first weeks. This is my last month; i did a 6 month treatment of 80 mg daily . Talk to your doctor about this drug, it's 100 % effective.
Eliza Kellas :
My skin did improve a bit after taking it for a while, but it never was entirely clear and the acne returned to pre-treatment levels within months. Also, when I was on it, whenever I had a breakout, there always was scarring (not usually the case before the Accutane). Had uncomfortable chapped lips (forget about wearing lipstick while you're on Accutane!)
Emma Willard :
I've had acne since I was about 12 years old. I'm now 21 and on my last month of Accutane (month 4). I can't believe how good my skin looks and it's even helped with some of the scarring. I did experience some of the side effects. My lips got really chapped and I would experience nose bleeds, but chap stick and a moisturizer helped with both of those issues. My mood definitely changed for the worse, but I wouldn't go as far as to call it depression. I was just a lot more moody than before. I also slept a LOT. I was always groggy no matter how much sleep I got. But to me, 4 months of these side effects is totally worth how great I feel now. I can walk out of my house with zero makeup on and feel beautiful, just like any young woman should.
FDA Alert:
Pleasure visit
U S Food and Drug Administration, will appear in online search results for Accutane (Isotretinoin) or one of the generic versions, Amnesteem, Claravis, and Sotret. The webpage warns that the drug should only be taken under the close supervision of a physician or a pharmacist, and provides links to helpful information. The new webpage is in addition to special safeguards put in place by FDA and manufacturers of isotretinoin to reduce the risks of the drug, including a risk management program called iPLEDGE. The aim of iPLEDGE is to ensure that women using isotretinoin do not become pregnant, and that women who are pregnant do not use isotretinoin.
