Accutane

Isotretinoin ( Accutane TM ) for Acne

Benefits of Accutane

Isotretinoin, commomly known as Accutane (TM) is one of the most potent and most effective of the acne treatment drugs currently on the market. Moreso, it is the best medicine to prevent scarring. After 3-4 months of treatment with accutane, acne is often gone. If this does not happen, a short repeat with Accutane, usually another month, does the trick.

Harms of Accutane

Accutane, as it is such an effective agent, has also many side-effects. Any drug that is capable of bringing results is always accompanied with side-effects. A perfect example is the drug Aspirin which has been around for almost a hundred years, and the birth control pill. Aspirin is very cardio-protective and helps to prevent and treat heart attackes and minor strokes, but has the side-effects of prolonged bleeding. The birth control pill is know to cause strokes and heart attacks in a minor set of patients, significantly in those who smoke, but prevents pregnancy. Therefore, it is no a surprise that Accutane, also has side-effects.

Birth Defects and Accutane

The main side-effect of Accutane is that it can cause birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. That is why all women of childbreaing age are on a birth control pill while on Accutane, as well as being monitored by hCG, and protein that is produced by the developing fetus, in order to rule out that the patient is pregnant.

Birth Control Pill Treatment and Accutane

All female patients with acne on Accutane treatment must be screened initially for being pregnant. If they are pregnant, Accutane MUST not be used. If the pregnancy test is negative, the patient must begin using two different forms of birth control concurrently for a period of 1 month before treatment begins, and during the entire course of Accutane treatment, as well as 1 full month after stopping the Accutane.

Depression and Accutane

Depression is common in people with acne, as acne has significant effects on the psychology of patients and they view themselves different due to their condition and changes in their skin. Mood changes are seen often and at times may have significant effects on the daily functioning of patients. Suicides and suicide attempts have occurred with patients while on Accutane, however a direct linkage of the relationship of Accutane use and depression and suicide has not been studied. Many believe that it is the depression and altered mood that is associated with acne itself, and not the treat that is the main culprit. Any signs of depression or suicidal ideation in a patient with acne must be consulted by a doctor in order to prevent any devastating events. Signs to follow for depression include depressed mood, prolonged sleep or insomnia, loss of interest in daily activities, slowed movements, suicidal ideation, missed work or poor functioning at work, and loss of appetite. Please consult a doctor if you know of anyone feeling and acting in this manner while on, as well as not on, Accutane.

Minor Side-effects of Accutane:

• dry skin, eyes, mouth, lips, nose leading to nosebleeds and itchy skin

• muscle aches

• poor night vision

• elevated blood levels of fats, such as triglycerides and cholesterol

• changes in liver function

• sun sensitivity

All these side-effects are reversible with drug stoppage. Moreover, the doctor may do blood tests before you start treatment and follow blood tests every week initially and monthly thereafter, the pick up any early signs of the above mentioned side-effects. Treatment may then be adjusted or stop depending on the severity of the drug effect.