Accutane Acne Treatment
What is Accutane?
Accutane is a brand name for a highly effective acne medicine known as isotretinoin that is taken orally. Isotretinoin is derived from vitamin A which can be used in many ways to treat a number of skin conditions, including acne. Isotretinoin was originally developed by Hoffmann-La Roche in 1982. As of 2002, Roche’s patent is no longer in effect, and therefore Isotretinoin is now manufactured under other brand names such as Amnesteem, Claravis, Isotane and Sotret. Many patients who complete a 4-6 month course of isotretinoin treatment never require any other forms of acne treatment.
Who should take Isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is a serious medication that is prescribed to people with persistent cases of severe nodular acne that cannot be treated by other acne treatment medications. Isotretinoin cannot be taken by females who are pregnant or who will become pregnant over the course of their isotretinoin treatment as it can cause severe birth defects in babies. Patients with some liver problems may not be able to take isotretinoin or must be closely monitored during isotretinoin treatment as excess in Vitamin A can have damaging effects on the body.
How does Accutane work?
Isotretinoin is generally taken orally in varying doses (depending on the severity of the acne) but it can also be prescribed as a topical treatment (Isotrex / Isotrexin). Isotretinoin works by dramatically reducing the amount of oil that is produced by sabaceous glands (oil glands), thereby effectively treating the root cause of all forms of acne.