Taking Isotretinoin for Acne?


Produced under the brand name Accutane, isotretinoin is a medication taken orally for 15-20 weeks. Accutane, or isotretinoin, is a Vitamin A derivative that is prescribed to people suffering from severe acne vulgaris, or nodular acne. Results of Accutane treatments have shown total clear-up of severe acne conditions and, in many cases, an extended remission period of the occurrence of acne.

Accutane works by reducing the amount of oil that the skin's oil glands produce.

While Accutane achieves desired effects in many acne sufferers, it is a powerful drug and one that should be used with caution and consideration. Before deciding to take Accutane, talk with your dermatologist about the uses for this medicine, the precautions one should take while using it, and the health risks and side effects associated with it.

Accutane should be taken exactly as directed. If there is any part of the directions for taking Accutane that you do not understand, talk with your doctor about the questions you have.

You may not notice any improvement in the condition of your acne until you have been taking Accutane for 4-6 weeks. In fact, you acne may actually be aggravated during the first few weeks of Accutane treatment. Your acne should improve drastically, however, within 15-20 weeks of treatment.

There are many common side effects associated with Accutane. If you are experiencing these side effects for a prolonged period of time, tell your dermatologist. You should also talk with your dermatologist if you feel that the side effects are not easing up or if they are particularly severe.

The common side effects associated with Accutane include:

? cracked, red, sore lips
? dry, itchy, red, inflamed eyes
? dry and irritated mouth and nose
? dry and irritated skin
? thinning hair
? fatigue and low energy

There are other less common and more dangerous side effects associated with Accutane treatment. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

? pain in the bones or joints
? pain in the chest
? headache
? stomach pain
? stomachache
? vomiting
? dizziness
? problems with vision
? difficulty breathing
? difficulty swallowing
? difficulty hearing
? ringing in the ears
? difficulty walking
? bleeding from the rectum
? bruising
? red patches on the skin
? peeling skin
? infections in the skin
? severe diarrhea
? aching muscles
? feelings of depression
? suicidal thoughts
? dementia or hallucination

When taking Accutane, you should also exercise extreme caution when operating a vehicle, because the medication can affect night vision. Do not donate blood while taking Accutane.

Women who are pregnant or who might become pregnant should not take Accutane. Accutane is associated with a high risk of deformity in infants developing during the pregnancy of women taking Accutane.

Because Accutane can cause severe sensitivity to sunlight, you should avoid direct sunlight while taking Accutane. If you must be in the sun, cover your skin with clothing and sunscreen. You should also protect your eyes with sunglasses.

Accutane also increases the amount of fats in your blood. While taking Accutane you should avoid eating fatty foods. You should also curb your alcohol consumption while undergoing Accutane treatment.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and currently provides information on treating acne, pimples, and zits, via an objective informational skincare website, http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Acne Advocacy Sheet
EmpowHer (blog)
Regardless if you are in your teenage years or well beyond them, an acne problem can be very frustrating. Acne is caused by irritation of the hair follicles ...
What types of acne drugs are available in online pharmacies?I-Newswire.com (press release)
Teen acne remediesWOAI

all 3 news articles »


Natural Cures For Acne
EmpowHer (blog)
Natural acne cures are not a recent development. Some natural acne cures have been used for generations. They have no adverse side effects ...



myGLOSS

Smoking Causes Acne
myGLOSS
Having acne as an adult may be a little more embarrassing than suffering from it as a teen. At least teens go through it together due to hormones, ...



Stiefel, a GSK Company, Brings Acne Innovation Directly to Consumers with ...
PR-USA.net (press release)
Stiefel, a GSK company, announced today that its new over-the-counter acne regimen is now widely available to US consumers. The MaxClarity(TM) System uses ...

and more »


Stiefel, a GSK Company, Brings Acne Innovation Directly to Consumers with ...
PR Newswire (press release)
The MaxClarity™ System uses VersaFoam® technology, which allows two proven acne fighting ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, to penetrate the ...
Stiefel launches over-the-counter acne treatmentLocal Tech Wire (blog)
MaxClarity System now available in the United StatesDrug Store News

all 7 news articles »


Ask us: How can I gain confidence?
Kansas City Star
That may be OK, but a friend who criticizes a person's physical attributes (like being too thin or having acne) most likely is not a friend at all, ...

and more »


Choosing an OTC Product
About.com: Health
Most of us head straight for the skin care aisle when acne rears its head. And fortunately, there are some fairly effective OTC treatment options on the ...



FDA Rejects Narcotic Painkiller Program (REMS), Says Too Weak to Stop Abuse
DrugWatch.com
iPLEDGE was implemented after patients reported serious side effects linked to the popular acne drug and prompting many to file Accutane lawsuits. ...

and more »


Medicated Skin Care - Israel - Market Report - New Market Report Published
OfficialWire (press release)
by Press Office In 2009 the main focus within medicated skin care tended to be on four common problems that young Israeli consumers suffer: cold sores, acne ...

and more »


Obagi Medical Products to Report Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results and ...
MarketWatch (press release)
... hyperpigmentation (irregular or patchy discoloration of the skin), acne, sun damage, rosacea, and soft tissue deficits, such as fine lines and wrinkles. ...
ZO Skin Health Wins Important Court Victory: Judge Denies Obagi Medical ...PR Newswire (press release)
Obagi Medical Products to Report Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results and ...TechCombo (blog)

all 34 news articles »

Google News

Home | Site Map | Links
© 2007 Acne Information