Accutane®

Accutane® is a powerful acne-fighting product that has helped millions of Americans eliminate acne problems and achieve clear skin. Over-the-counter acne skin care products often do not contain active ingredients in sufficient strength to fight breakouts of facial and body acne. The Accutane® pill is a prescription-strength acne-fighting skin treatment that works from the inside out to clear the skin of current acne, prevent future breakouts, and smooth the scars left by acne breakouts in the past.

Is Accutane® Right for Me?

Accutane® is not meant for everyone. Candidates should be both mentally and physically healthy and willing to make a serious commitment to eliminating acne, as the Accutane® skin treatment generally lasts for about six months and requires monthly blood tests to help ensure that you avoid possible side effects. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant cannot undergo Accutane® acne treatment. Accutane® is one of the more expensive acne-fighting skin care products on the market, and candidates should be aware that insurance companies don’t always cover the full cost of the drug.

What Are the Benefits of Accutane® Use?

Accutane® has been shown to eliminate nodular or cystic acne problems and associated scarring for people of all ages. This effective acne skin treatment is also an option for those with less serious acne that has not responded to other medications and treatments. Unlike most topical acne skin care products, Accutane® eliminates acne from the inside out, slowing the production of oils that cause acne and helping to unclog pores. Many patients who undergo this powerful acne-fighting skin treatment eliminate active acne and experience no further major acne problems.

What Are the Risks of Accutane® Use?

Accutane® has potentially serious risks not associated with most acne skin care products. Candidates for this acne skin treatment should fully understand all potential side effects before using this product. Possible minor side effects of Accutane® use include dry or chapped lips, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and itching. However, Accutane® can also cause birth defects such as mental retardation, learning disabilities, heart conditions, physical deformities, and seizures. It has been linked as well to miscarriages and premature births. After discontinuing use of the drug, however, isotretinoin – a derivative of vitamin A and the active ingredient in Accutane® – leaves the body naturally with no further risk of Accutane®-related birth defects.

Accutane® Use and Pregnancy

Because of these serious potential side effects, women of child-bearing age are required to take a pregnancy test before using Accutane®, use two simultaneous forms of contraception during treatment and for a month after treatment, get monthly blood tests, and sign up for an online risk management and education program called iPledge.

Accutane® Use and Depression

Studies have suggested that depression and suicide are also linked to Accutane® use. The patient should be aware of this and should be monitored during treatment for signs of depression including withdrawal from activities, changes in sleeping patterns, drop or gain in weight, persistent sad mood, or feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.

Other Serious Side Effects

There are other serious physical side effects tied to Accutane® that are far less common, but may indicate serious problems. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any of the following during treatment:

• Changes in vision
• Stomach pain
• Allergic reactions such as hives, or swelling
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe headaches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Joint or muscle pain
• Hearing problems or hearing loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes or persistently dark urine
• Bone problems
• Seizures
• Leg swelling
• Slurred speech
• Fainting
• Increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride in your blood

What Other Acne Treatments Are Available?

Accutane® is a very strong acne product that should be used with extreme care. Due to the risk of side effects, doctors often pursue other avenues of acne skin treatment before prescribing Accutane®. Topical acne skin care products that enhance the skin’s ability to repair itself can often clear the skin without the risk of serious side effects and the hassle of monthly blood tests. Some topical acne treatments such as those by M.D. FORTÉ, Glytone®, and NeoStrata contain alpha-hydroxy acids, which provide the extra benefit of helping to smooth wrinkles and lines while eliminating acne breakouts. Neova products contain a copper peptide formula that can help reduce scarring from previous breakouts. Retin-A is a topical form of vitamin A that often clears acne as well. Other skin care product lines such as Obagi®, Revision®, Kinerase®, and SkinCeuticals can help clear your complexion of acne, improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and eliminate sun damage and age spots.

Consult a Physician to Find Out if Accutane® Is Right for You

Ask your dermatologist if the acne-fighting product Accutane® is for you. There are many acne skin care products on the market. Treatment with Accutane® should be considered only after thorough discussion with your doctor. Find a cosmetic dermatologist in your area who can help you get relief from acne with Accutane® or other effective treatments.