Accutane (Isotretinoin) Overview
A chemical cousin of vitamin A, Accutane is the brand name of the chemical compound Isotretinoin. The medicine is popular because of its extreme effectiveness against the worst cases of aggressive acne. Even those that have seen little relief from traditional creams and antibiotics. Many patients seem to exhibit signs of complete remission or noticeable changes after a single 15 to 20 week cycle of treatment..
Though Isotretinoin is mostly used against severe cystic acne vulgaris, some dermatologists also recommend its use against less degrees of acne that produce physical or psychological scarring or prove resistant to conservative acne treatments. It has also been tested against genital warts with some success in a laboratory setting.
How Does This Work?
Accutane's active ingredient Isotretinoin works by shrinking your skin's oil glands. The decrease in size causes the glands to diminish output, thereby reducing your acne.
Accutane (Isotretinoin) Dosage Information
Accutane (Isotretinoin) is available in pill form for easy oral administration. The dosage cycle usually lasts between 15 and 20 weeks with pills being taken every day. Once the cycle is complete, you stop taking the medication for the rest period prescribed by your doctor. Many patients report experiencing positive anti-acne effects well after the cycle has been completed.
Are There Any Other Details I Need to Know?
Isotretinoin has been proven to produce a number of serious unwanted side effects in some patients. In light of these findings, the FDA assigned a "Black Box Label" categorization to the drug to make people more aware of the potential adverse effects.
The seriousness of the potential adverse effects even led the FDA to create a regulatory body known as iPLEDGE to police certified prescribers and pharmacies. Patients that wish to use Accutane should also register with iPLEDGE in order to verify that they meet all of its requirements before beginning treatment. Isotretinoin, the generic form of Accutane is however available for purchase online.
The commercial form of Isotretinoin, Accutane has come under fire in more than 5,000 class action suits by patients who claim adverse adverse effects from the drug.
Accutane has been on the market for a number of years and there are quite a few reviews available online. Obviously, as with anything available for sale publicly, the substance has received a large number of good and bad press. Always consult your physician before beginning any type of drug therapy.
While the drug has been shown to be effective, it does have its share of potential unwanted effects. Please research other natural remedies and consult with your doctor before beginning any Accutane treatment.
Find out more on Accutane Reviews and Accutane Side Effects at sideeffectsaccutane.com.