Isotretinoin is a medicinal drug used widely for the treatment of severe cystic acne which is unable to treat by other means. The long-term use of this medicine is not prescribed and the treatment time may vary from person to person. It is related to a group of medications known as retinoids. In this blog, we will discuss Accutane or Isotretinoin in detail.
Introduction To Accutane
Isotretinoin is a drug used for the treatment of severe acne. The medication is considered powerful for the treatment of different types of breakouts. Accutane or Isotretinoin is used for the treatment of stubborn moderate or severe acne. Most doctors suggest Isotretinoin for acne which is not treatable by antibiotic pills or cream. It is a derivative of vitamin A and can easily dissolve in blood bloodstream. Accutane and vitamin A have the same effect on your body, but must not be taken without expert advice. From vitamin A, your body naturally produces accutane. Excess of vitamin A may cause defects.
Accutane for Acne
Accutane is an effective treatment for nodular or cystic acne. At the initial stage of treatment, it may have different effects on your body. In some cases, the acne becomes worse and in some, it gets better after starting medicine. The usual period for intake of this medicine is 4-6 months but in a few cases treatment period may exceed. IPAL clinic is offering effective acne scar treatment in Islamabad with expert dermaologists.
Drawbacks of Accutane
The drawbacks of Isotretinoin are dependent on multiple factors, one of them is the dose of the medicine. Mostly, there are some drying effects noticed due to the low production of oils. The following are potential side effects of using Isotretinoin:
- Chapped lips
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Muscle and joint pain
- Birth defects if taken during pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Nose bleeding
- Worsen acne
- Liver damage
What may react with the Accutane?
Following are the things or medications that should be avoided while taking Accutane:
- Alcohol
- Salicylic acid
- Medication for seizures
- Sulfa medications
- Steroids medications
- Tetracycline medications
- Eye damage
- Hearing issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Accutane permanently treat acne?
Accutane is considered as last and permanent solution to acne. The severe acne breakouts fade away after using this drug and there may be occasional occurences of minor acne breakouts.
Is Accutane safe for females?
Yes, Accutane is safe for females. Your doctor may advise you for a specific dosage of Isotretinoin after thoroughly looking into your condition.
Does Isotretinoin lighten the skin?
Isotretinoin is a retinoid which means it helps in lightening the skin’s dark spots. The retinoids shed the dead skin.
Is 40g of Accutane enough?
The 40mg dose is most commonly prescribed by doctors for an average-sized individual. But it may increase based on body requirements.
Can I take vitamin A in place of Accutane?
In a few cases, vitamin A can be used instead of Accutane. A doctor may suggest after looking up at your condition.