Isotretinoin is more commonly known as Accutane. It should be the last resort to treating your acne, but may be necessary for those with the most severe type.
Accutane can only be prescribed by a physician after all other medications have been tried and have failed to work. It is a very powerful medication that is usually taken for a period of 4-5 months at a time. Once through this process, your skin, should be under control and if not, they may have to do another round. It has been proven to be very effective for most patients.
Acne occurs when you pores become clogged with bacteria and oils. Accutane is effective in treating acne because it lowers the amount of oil in your glands and promotes quicker renewal of the skin. It is a form of vitamin A, so there is no need to take vitamin A pills while on this medication.
Again, Accutane is not to be taken lightly. If a woman becomes pregnant while on this medication, it can cause severe birth defects. In fact, when you are a candidate for this medication, you must take monthly pregnancy tests to ensure that you are not pregnant as well as enroll in a new IPLEDGE program wherein the FDA requires you to pledge that you will use a least two forms of birth control while on this medication whether you are sexually active or not. If you have had a hysterectomy or in menopause for at least a year, you will not be required to take pregnancy tests.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have before taking this medication. It has serious side effects to consider including depression, blurred vision, achy joints, numbness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dry skin and lips.
Once on Accutane, expect your skin to get worse before it gets better. When you first start taking medication for acne, your skin has to get rid of the excess oil and bacteria before it can control your oil production.
This medication should be taken exactly the way your doctor prescribed it. Don’t miss a dose and don’t take extra pills. If you do miss a dose, just take it the next time you are supposed to, rather than double up. Once prescribed, you have 7 days to fill it, if not it will be invalid.
You will only be prescribed one medication at a time, so you must see your doctor at least once a month as well as get the pregnancy tests. Drink a full glass of water and eat a hearty meal. Never chew the pill or suck on it.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain or headache, seek medical attention immediately.
If you are physically active, be advised that your bones are a little weaker when taking Accutane, so avoid any activity that could cause broken bones. Avoid the sun as your skin will be more sensitive to it. Never donate blood while on this medication, you could cause birth defects if the recipient were to get pregnant. Don’t wax or do any hair removal treatments as you could cause permanent scarring.
Talk to your doctor to find out if Accutane is right for you.
Acne And Medications