Accutane: Weighing Real Risks and Real Benefits

Isotretinoin

Indications

Isotretinoin (Accutane®) is recommended by your dermatologist for treatment of acne. Acne is one of the common skin diseases affecting 60 - 70% of people in United States. There is simply no better treatment for acne!

Before Accutane became available, dermatologists had no consistently effective treatment for the severe forms of acne. Accutane is not just a face-saver; it can also be a true "life changer". Over the last two decades, millions of people all over the world have successfully and safely used Accutane to clear their resistant acne

Isotretinoin is a retinoid, related chemically to vitamin A, indicated for treatment of severe forms of acne (nodular acne) that is unresponsive to other acne treatments including antibiotics.

Isotretinoin is approved for use in United States since 1982 and is available as 10-, 20- and 40-mg soft gelatin capsules. Considering your body weight and disease severity, dermatologists recommend different doses of isotretinoin from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg bodyweight every day, divided into 2 equal doses, for a period of 15-20 weeks.

Contraindications

Female patients are advised to avoid using isotretinoin if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or become pregnant during treatment as it may cause serious birth defects.

Use of isotretinoin is not recommended in patients with serious mental health problems so discuss with your dermatologist if you have any existing mental health conditions.

Avoid use of isotretinoin if patients are allergic to constituents of isotretinoin or related compounds.

Adverse effects

The FDA, the drug manufacturer, and all dermatologists want to be sure that every patient who is placed on Accutane understands all of the drug's potential side effects.

Use of isotretinoin may cause several adverse effects. If you experience any of the below mentioned side effects, please consult your dermatologist.

Mental problems —depression, psychoses, suicidal thoughts

Skin conditions —rashes and serious skin conditions

Birth defects — deformed babies, miscarriage, premature birth

Inflammation of pancreas, liver toxicity, hearing and vision problems, bone and muscle problems, pseudotumor cerebri

Precautions

Use isotretinoin as per the directions of your dermatologist.

Female patients should stop using isotretinoin if planning to become pregnant or become pregnant during use.

Nursing mothers should avoid use of isotretinoin.

Discuss with your dermatologist if you are suffering from any mental health problems, taking any medications and/or if suffering from any other medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, and liver problems before starting treatment.

Isotretinoin is considered an effective treatment for nodular acne, however it is associated with several adverse effects which you should discuss with your dermatologist prior to beginning treatment.

Our Perspective

For most patients who have treatment-resistant acne, and who understand the risks and agree to follow the rules, I will be very happy to prescribe this excellent medication. My goal as a dermatologist is to clear, and if possible, to cure, skin diseases as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible. I do not want my patients to be denied the use of an excellent medication because of unrealistic and exaggerated fears.

See complete Wikipedia article here.