Who Can Benefit From Accutane?
One of the questions that many acne sufferers ask is what are the most
effective acne treatments on the market? For many acne sufferers,
perhaps the most effective treatment for serious types of acne is
Accutane.
Accutane is the commercial name for the medication
Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A and extremely potent.
If you are suffering from severe acne, here is some information on how
you can benefit from Accutane.
Accutane is not for every acne sufferer. In fact, since there
are many side effects associated with Accutane, it is generally
prescribed as a last resort or for only the most serious acne cases.
If you are suffering from acne, and your acne is mild or
moderate, most likely Accutane is not for you. Since Accutane is a
controlled drug, a prescription is necessary from your doctor. One of
the most important things you can do to treat your acne is to consult
with your dermatologist. While there is no cure for acne, the good news
is that for the most part acne in all of its forms is treatable.
Consulting with your dermatologist can help you find the best treatment
available usually through experimenting with a few different products
and medicines. Because acne affects everyone differently, many times it
is necessary to try several treatments to find the one that works best.
For most severe acne suffers, Accutane is only prescribed after several
treatments have failed.
Accutane works by reducing the amount of sebum (oil that is produced
within the hair follicles of the skin) and sebaceous glands. While the
exact mechanism is not known, many doctors state that Accutane works by
DNA transcription.
Usually Accutane is prescribed for three main types of acne,
they are: cystic acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and hidradenitis
suppurative. Usually, Accutane is prescribed for four to six months and
benefits of the treatment can be seen for years after treatment has
taken place.
Treating acne with Accutane can have adverse side effects on
the patient. If you are seeking an Accutane treatment it is important
to talk with your doctor about the possible negative side effects. Side
effects can range from mild to moderate. Mild side effects include dry
skin, nose bleed and dry eyes. Moderate side effects can include hair
loss, a raised glucose level and mood changes. Severe side effects can
include birth defects for those women that are or become pregnant while
on an Accutane treatment.
Before, during and after treatment of Accutane (Isotretinoin)
it is important to monitor possible side effects that you may have
experienced and consult with a doctor or health professional if they
continue. Because of these side effects, individuals that wish to
become pregnant or are sexually active without using birth control
should not take Accutane. In addition, if you have experience mood
swings or are depressed, you should definitely consult with a physician
before beginning treatment on Accutane.
Because of the dangerous side effects that some individuals
can experience, the FDA has implemented a program to reduce the risk of
the most dangerous side effects called iPledge. Information on iPledge
can be found on the FDA s web site, as well as during your consultation
with your doctor.