(Isotretinoin) Accutane Medicine for Acne TreatmentAccutane contains Isotretinoin as the active ingredient and is used to treat severe, often nodulocystic and inflammatory acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments. Accutane medicine is reserved for the most severe forms of acne and is the only acne medication that has potential to suppress acne over the long term.
How Does Accutane Medicine Work?(Isotretinoin)Accutane medicine is a powerful acne medication that affects all of the four ways in which acne develops. Accutane medicine dramatically reduces the size of the skin's oil glands (35%-58%) and even more dramatically reduces the amount of oil the skin produces (around 80%). This reduction in oil production reduces the amount of acne bacteria in the skin. It also slows down the production of skin cells inside the pore which helps pores from becoming clogged. This acne medication displays anti-inflammatory properties as well.How to use Accutane Medicine?Accutane medicine should be taken with food, milk or water. The entire daily dose can be taken with supper; this increases the absorption of accutane medicine. It is advised to always take this acne medication with a full glass of water to prevent the capsule from melting in the esophagus, causing irritation. Also, swallow the capsule quickly without sucking or chewing it.What is the Dose of Accutane Medicine for Acne?The usual dose of accutane for acne medication is 0.5 to 1 milligram per 2.2 pounds of body weight, divided into 2 doses daily, for 15 to 20 weeks. For very severe cases, the daily dose of accutane medicine may be increased to as much as 2 milligrams per 2.2 pounds.What are the side effects of accutane medicine?Physical side effects of accutane medicine include heartburns, abdominal discomfort, pain in stomach, chest, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, dark urine, etc. Psychiatric problems like low concentration levels, depression, aggressiveness, angry bouts, suicidal thoughts, etc. crop up with this acne medication.
Accutane medicine is associated with severe birth defects, so it can't be taken by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant during the course of treatment or within several weeks of concluding the treatment. In fact, the drug carries such serious potential side effects that women of reproductive age must participate in a FDA-approved monitoring program to receive a prescription for the drug.
In addition, accutane medicine may increase the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and may increase liver enzyme levels. Studies have reported the development of inflammatory bowel disease with thisacne medication. Hepatitis, intracranial hypertension, arthralgia, myalgias, and night blindness are rare side effects of accutane medicine.
What Happens on Missing a Dose of Accutane Medicine?If you miss a dose, you should wait and take the accutane medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. You should never attempt to increase your dosage to make up for the one you missed.What Happens in Case of an Overdose?Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, vomiting, stomach pain, warmth or tingling under the skin, swelling of the lips, and loss of balance or coordination. Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of accutane medicine.
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