Accutane

isotretinoin

Accutane is powerful and is used for treating acne. It takes approximately 4 to 5 months for completely curing acne from the face and other sensitive areas. Although Accutane effectively rids all the acne, the side effects of the drug are significant.

Accutane increases the level of fats in the blood stream. Hence, the drug can occasionally affect the liver. Regular blood checkups are necessary when you take Accutane and all the tests should be done in fasting. A baseline blood chemistry test is done before starting with the medication. Pregnant women especially should not take Accutane as it affects the fetus. Sexually active women should take effective birth control while under Accutane medication. The drug causes birth defects in babies even after the drug is stopped before 2 months. It is safe to get pregnant after 2 months since the medication has been stopped.

Some people develop, persistent headaches it is wise to consult the doctor for treatment of headaches. Accutane rarely causes depression or suicidal feelings, if you experience, then contact the doctor immediately for dosage adjustment or stopping of the medication.

Accutane works by decreasing the oil secretions by the sebaceous glands. Accutane takes minimum two months for showing effective results.

Accutane can be taken along with food however, if you have it along with the supper, it improves the drug absorption. Accutane is not a permanent cure for acne. Acne might start re appearing once the effect of the drug in the blood stream vanishes.

Accutane suppresses the production of skin cells that block the pores of the oil glands, which results in decreased amount of comedones, black and white heads. This also helps in decreasing the suppuration development and pus filled pimples.

Accutane is also found to decrease the inflammation reactions in lab trials and the clinical significance is yet to be discovered.

Accutane is effective against mild to severe pimples. One important, notable side effects of accutane is that it causes birth defects in unborn babies in pregnant mothers. Some of the other symptoms include,

• Mild lip chapping
• Skin peeling surrounding the fingernails

They usually disappear by the end of the treatment. For dry skin accutane is available in the form of creams.

In rare cases occur:

• Nasal dryness
• Temporary hair loss
• Impaired night vision
• Alterations in liver functioning
• High fat production
• Mood swings

It is wise to inform your doctor if you suffer from kidney or liver problems, high fat concentration in the blood, depression. Blood count should be performed before starting treatment, and also once every month during the drug course. You should also inform the doctor about any inordinate physical exertion undergone by you during the treatment. Refrain from taking any vitamin supplements, and excessive-exposure under the sun, while taking Accutane.