When other treatments have failed, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used to clear up severe acne. Accutane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid, a kind of vitamin A derivative. Your body’s response to it is quite close to that of vitamin A.. Excessive Vitamin A may cause toxicity and result in health issues such as liver problems, etc.Vitamin A supplements are not safe to consume with this medication.
Isotretinoin has an obvious cosmetic impact because of its intended use in treating severe acne. So, let’s explore more about Accutane in the article below.
How to Take Accutane?
Follow your doctor’s instructions while using Accutane. Always read the label and ask a doctor or pharmacist for clarification on any questions you may have.
Accutane should be taken as per your doctor’s instructions. Accutane must be taken with a full glass of water at all times. Do not open the capsule or try to eat it. Take Accutane with or without a meal as directed by your doctor.
Take this medication for the entire amount of time recommended by your doctor to see signs that accutane is working. At first, your acne may worsen but eventually, it should clear up. It’s possible that you’ll need to get your blood checked regularly.
Recommended Adult Dose
- Dosage cap of 2 mg/kg/day
- 0.25–0.5 mg/kg orally twice day for maintenance.
- Treatment duration: up to 20 weeks
Treatment Dosage in Children
- Maximum daily dose: 2 mg/kg
- Treatment duration: up to 20 weeks
- Maintenance dose: 0.25 to 0.5 mg/kg orally twice daily
Points to Remember
- Some forms of this medication are best when taken with meals.
- Patients should be questioned about their adherence to therapy (such as whether or not they are taking this medication as prescribed) before their dosage is increased
- A dose of 2 mg/kg per day may be necessary for patients with very severe acne, scarring, or primary symptoms on the trunk.
- Refills cannot be issued without a fresh prescription and iPLEDGE authorisation for each patient.
Accutane Side Effects
Isotretinoin has a number of potential adverse effects, some of the most prevalent accutane side effects being:
- Chapped lips and dry skin
- Nosebleeds caused by dry nasal passages
Isotretinoin has been linked to increased sun sensitivity. When going outside, protect your skin from the sun and keep it hydrated. Don’t use a tanning bed or any other indoor tanning equipment.
The FDA advises waiting at least 6 months after stopping isotretinoin before undergoing any cosmetic procedures, including hair removal methods like waxing, dermabrasion, or laser treatments, due to the increased fragility and scarring risk of the skin.
Isotretinoin also has a number of other frequent adverse effects:
- Itchy, irritated skin
- Hair loss (temporary)
- Skin dryness
- Infections
- Rashes
- Discomfort in the bones and joints
A Warning
Even a single dosage of accutane before and after may be fatal to an unborn child. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Before starting Accutane, you should have a negative pregnancy test. You’ll need to utilise two types of contraception to stay childless while you take this medication.
To use Accutane, a woman must sign a written agreement promising to use two types of birth control and to undergo frequent pregnancy tests while she is on the drug. If you suspect pregnancy, you should immediately stop taking Accutane and contact your doctor.
You should avoid taking any vitamin A supplements while on Accutane. Don’t give blood while on Accutane and wait at least 30 days after finishing the treatment before giving blood again.
If a woman is using Accutane at the time of conception or throughout pregnancy, it may have devastating consequences for the unborn child. Major birth abnormalities of the ears, eyes, face, skull, and brain may result with even a single dosage of isotretinoin during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, you should never use Accutane.
Conclusion
Isotretinoin has the ability to clean up your skin, however it may cause some unwanted side effects. After discontinuing medicine, most unwanted symptoms will disappear within a few weeks. Some adverse effects are more severe and need prompt medical attention.
Women who use the medicine and get pregnant greatly increase the risk of having a child with a severe defect. Discuss the potential side effects and accutane benefits with your doctor before taking it straightaway.
