Generic Accutane
Isotretinoin 5/10/20/30mg

About Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Although almost everyone has, at one point in time, experienced the trials of acne, not everyone is familiar with its causes. Many people assume dirty faces lead to acne, but in fact it can be caused by something completely out of anyone’s control - such as the oil over-production in the skin. While many topical acne products address the issue of cleanliness (which, though not the entire problem, at least contributes to it) by exfoliating away dead skin cells, dirt and whatever oils are sitting on top of the skin, sometimes a more in-depth treatment is needed to address the excessive production oil. For this, there are prescription medications like Accutane, which work by telling the oil-producing sebaceous glands to slow down.

Accutane (or generically, isotretinoin) sounds foreign and complicated but is actually derived from something infinitely more average-sounding: Vitamin A. It simply magnifies the skin-healing properties in Vitamin A. Once you've begun the Accutane treatment, the drug enters your system and actually shrinks your pores. As they become smaller in size, they are not able to produce or hold as much oil as previously. This makes it much harder for debris on your face to stick around and cause an infection (better known to you as acne, or that pimple that appears right before your next big date).

It is critical that your prescribing doctor get the dosage right, in order to benefit from the drug. Typically, the amount depends on your weight (up to 2mg per kilogram of weight). The treatment period lasts a number of months - depending, in part, on both the severity of your acne problem and the way your body reacts to the drug. The range is fairly large, with about 2 months on the low end and 6 months on the high end. Post-treatment, many people go about their clear-skinned way but a few will suffer a severe case of rebound acne. For those people, a 2 month wait is about sufficient before beginning a second round.

Accutane is fat-soluble and so it works best when you eat it right after a high-fat meal, when it can hitch a ride on the fats and dissolve quicker into your blood stream. Still, over-all health is important so try to eat healthy fatty foods (as contrary as that may sound) instead of greasy processed ones. Think avocados and almonds instead of a hamburger and tacos.

Unfortunately, side effects are a fact of life when it comes to prescription medication. The milder (and more common) include dry skin (due to decreased oil production), dry, cracking lips, and skin that feels itchy, red, flaking or unusually thin. Some of these side effects can be alleviated by using a strong, oil-based moisturizer daily and drinking plenty of water. Dry eyes and conjunctivitis are also possibilities. In some extreme cases, patients will develop psychological problems ranging from moodiness to suicidal compulsions.

The drug should be avoided completely by expectant mothers, as there is a very strong correlation between consumption of Accutane and failed pregnancies. It should also be avoided if you are already taking other Vitamin A-based medications. You should discuss potential interactions with your doctor in order to properly weigh the risks.

Accutane is a powerful, effective medication that should not be taken for mild, episodic incidents of acne. But it is a potential tool for those whose acne persistently interferes with daily life.