Accutane and Adult Acne

This page is dedicated to Accutane and Adult Acne.

If you suffer from severe adult acne, your doctor may determine that you need a strong medication such as Accutane. It is usually used for acne that did not get better after treatment with other medicines.

The licences for oral isotretinoin products state that it can be prescribed by, or under supervision of, physicians with expertise in the use of systemic retinoids for the treatment of severe forms of acne (such as nodular or conglobate acne, or acne that is at risk of permanent scarring) that is resistant to adequate courses of standard therapy with systemic antibacterials and topical therapy, and with a full understanding of the risks of isotretinoin therapy and the monitoring requirements.

Benefits for severe adult acne:

Isotretinoin markedly reduces sebum production and shrinks the sebaceous glands.

It gets rid of comedones and prevents new ones forming.

Treated skin is dry, inhibiting the growth of acne bacteria.

It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Risks: All treated patients suffer from some side effects. The range and severity of the side effects depends on the disease being treated, the dose of isotretinoin and personal factors.
Contact lens wearers have more problem with dry eyes; those with a history of eczema may find isotretinoin aggravates it; fair skinned people burn more easily; sportsmen may have more problems with muscles and joints aching.

Isotretinoin must not be taken in pregnancy because of a very high risk of serious growth abnormalities in the baby. It should not be taken during breast-feeding as it enters the breast milk and might affect the baby. You must tell your dermatologist if you think you may be pregnant before you start on isotretinoin. If you intend getting pregnant within the next six months or so, you should not take isotretinoin.
During the course of therapy, blood is monitored to look for the more acute, short-term side effects which may require a dosage change or discontinuation of the medication.

Even in patients that experience the short-term side effects such as an elevated triglyceride level, elevated liver enzymes, or a drop in the white blood cell count, these usually resolve upon discontinuation of the medication.

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