Things To Avoid When Taking Accutane

Accutane is an extremely effective treatment for those that suffer from severe forms of acne. Isotretinoin is the generic name for the commercial drug Accutate and Accutane is sold under several names around the world including Roaccutane, Clavaris and Amnesteem.

Accutane is derived from vitamin A, although vitamin A is a necessary nutrient for humans, in large doses (Isotretinoin) it can cause many adverse reactions. Below is a list of things that patients undergoing treatment on Accutane (Isotretinoin) should avoid.

Pregnancy Must be Avoided During Accutane Treatment
Accutane taken during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. This is the major disadvantage of this medication. All females of child bearing age must take extraordinary precautions to protect a fetus from coming into contact with Accutane. For the most part, your doctor will make sure that two pregnancy tests are given before being prescribed the medication and then the patient will need to continue to take pregnancy test for each month that they are on the medication. Accutane treatment usually lasts between four to six months. In addition, if you are sexually active, you will be requested to use two forms of birth control or pledge to abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment.

Do Not Breast Feed
Accutane (Isotretinoin) can be transferred from an individual to a child that breastfeeds. It is important that you stop breastfeeding your child while on Accutane, as well as one month after treatment has ended.

Do Not Take Additional Vitamin A
Accutane is derived from vitamin A; the dosage is extremely strong and thus can cause adverse side effects. Since you are already getting more than enough vitamin A, any more can be harmful. Obviously, do not take vitamin A in pill form, in the form of a multi vitamin and you should cut down on foods or products that contain vitamin A.

You Can Not Give Blood
Just as you should not breastfeed, you should also not give blood during your Accutane treatment and for at least one month after your Accutane treatment. This measure protects any pregnant women that may need a blood transfusion using your blood. High doses of vitamin A in your blood can cause birth defects to a pregnant woman that might receive a blood transfusion.

Protect Your Skin from Sunlight and UV Light Sources
Taking Accutane can make your skin very sensitive to light. For instance, if you are taking Accutane during the summer months or are outdoors for long periods of time during the day, you should wear sunscreen or cover up your skin with clothing or a hat. In addition, you should obviously not sun bathe or tan.

Avoid Cosmetic Surgery and Cosmetic Procedures
There are many types of cosmetic procedures that can be damaging to your skin during and after Accutane treatment. It is important to talk with your doctor to find out if any cosmetic surgery or procedure such as waxing or laser procedure can be aversive to your skin. Usually, you will most likely need to wait up to 6 months after your Accutane treatment has ended to begin any new cosmetic surgery or procedures.

For additional things to avoid during Accutane treatment, consult with your physician.