Accutane - Isotretinoin is used for the treatment of severe types of acne where other medications with less potential side effects have failed to help. It helps to reduce sebum production and, in many cases, can produce remission of the acne condition.

Accutane is synthetically derived from vitamin A, but while producing greater results, seems also to have fewer side effects. It shrinks the sebaceous glands and reduces their production of sebum in much the same manner, thus producing a decrease in the overall appearance of acne.

A few of the bothersome side effects of Accutane include water retention, fatigue, and nausea. Although these side effects are not usually dangerous and typically easy to treat, the medication can cause potentially serious complications.

Accutane impacts the oil-gland function of the skin (including the scalp) and causes changes in cells that provide structure to hair and skin, all of which leads to hair and skin dryness and fragility, which can cause hair-thinning, hair-loss, and even baldness.