Clearing Up The Facts About How Accutane Works for Treating Severe Acne
Is Accutane Still Available To Treat Acne?
Yes (and No). Accutane is the brand name for the medication isotretinoin. Like all retinoids, it is a derivative of Vitamin A. The brand Accutane is no longer available, but there are multiple generic forms of isotretinoin on the market. We at Minars Dermatology in Hollywood, FL see no significant difference between these brands and consider them interchangeable.
When Do You Prescribe Isotretinoin (Accutane)?
It is typically the second-line treatment for severe or cystic acne that has not responded to other oral (or topical) forms of acne treatment. Sometimes it is our first choice for patients who seem to be at risk for acne scars (which we can treat with acne scar treatment near you in Hollywood FL such as laser treatment for acne scars), or for patients who come to us after having failed other treatments. Isotretinoin works by shrinking the oil glands in the skin that produce sebum. Sebum attracts bacteria that create acne.
Does Accutane Work? What Is Accutane Success Rate?
Accutane treatment has a high average success rate of around 85% for patients who complete the entire 6-month course. For patients with severe or cystic acne, a 6-month course of Accutane offers the best treatment to alleviate the symptoms of severe acne by slowing down the growth of skin cells that can clog pores. Accutane also is excellent at killing bacteria in the pores that also contribute to the forming of new acne and inflammation.
To avoid really dry lips or any other discomfort, we start patients at a low dose and slowly increase each month until we get to the correct dose for their weight. We will also advise you to stay hydrated and to keep your skin well moisturized at all times.
Accutane Tips Video
Accutane And Pregnancy
Women of child-bearing potential who take this drug must be on two forms of birth control (or completely abstinent), as it can cause severe birth defects if taken while pregnant. Most woman use 1- an oral contraceptive pill, and 2 – condoms as their two forms of birth control. Find out more about how acne antibiotics affect birth control here.
iPledge System
Both men and women who take the drug must sign up for the iPledge system. We will register you into the system, and your treatment and usage is carefully monitored.
Prescribing Doctors are required to administer pregnancy tests each month to ensure compliance. Patients are required to log onto the iPledge website each month and complete questions about pregnancy prevention and the iPledge program before they can pick up their prescription at the pharmacy.
Accutane iPledge Tips
Side Effects Of Accutane/Isotretinoin
Like any drug, you should read the package insert which is comprehensive. We can share with you our extensive experience with this medication: Our practice has been regularly prescribing this drug since 1981. We have never witnessed any serious side effects for patients. The common side effects are chapped lips (which everyone gets) and other effects of “dryness” (dry skin and dry nose/eyes). We also occasionally have to manage an increase in cholesterol (which is temporary and responds to simply lowering the dose). We also sometimes see nose bleeds (secondary to dryness) and muscle aches.
Is Isotretinoin Right For You?
If you are struggling with acne that is not responding to other forms of treatment, we are happy to talk to you at length about using isotretinoin. Like many of our colleagues, we believe this an excellent option for many patients. We have encountered many cases of acne where nothing BUT Accutane works. And Accutane seems to work just about every time we use it.
If you’re interested in learning more about isotretinoin in the Hollywood, FL area, call us for a consultation.
