Accutane Mechanism and Side Effects

Isotretinoin is a medication primarily used to treat severe cases of acne, particularly those that have not responded to other treatments. It is a powerful oral retinoid, a type of vitamin A derivative, and is sold under various brand names, including Accutane, Claravis, and Amnesteem.

Here are some key points about isotretinoin:

1. Acne Treatment: Isotretinoin is most commonly prescribed for severe nodular acne that hasn't improved with other treatments like topical creams, antibiotics, or hormonal therapies. It can be highly effective in treating stubborn and severe forms of acne.

2. Mechanism of Action: Isotretinoin works by targeting several factors contributing to acne:
- It reduces sebum (oil) production by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
- It helps prevent the clogging of hair follicles (comedones) by reducing the stickiness of the skin cells lining the follicles.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the inflammation associated with acne.

3. Treatment Duration: A typical course of isotretinoin lasts several months, with most patients taking a daily pill. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the acne and the individual's response to the medication.

4. Side Effects: Isotretinoin is associated with a range of potential side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, and dry eyes. Other possible side effects include mood changes, elevated cholesterol levels, liver function abnormalities, and birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Due to the risk of severe side effects, it is usually prescribed under strict medical supervision.

5. Pregnancy and Contraception: It's critically important for individuals taking isotretinoin to avoid becoming pregnant, as it can cause severe birth defects. Female patients are often required to use two forms of contraception and undergo regular pregnancy tests while on the medication. Male patients should also be cautious about potential transfer of the drug through semen during sexual activity.

6. Monitoring: Patients taking isotretinoin are typically closely monitored by their healthcare providers throughout their treatment course. Regular blood tests and check-ups are common to monitor for any potential side effects.

7. Long-term Benefits: Many patients experience long-term remission of their acne after completing a course of isotretinoin. However, in some cases, acne may recur and require further treatment.

8. Dermatologist's Prescription: Isotretinoin is a prescription medication, and it should only be taken under the guidance and supervision of a dermatologist or healthcare provider with experience in managing acne.

9. Alternative Treatments: Isotretinoin is usually considered when other treatments have failed. Alternative treatments for acne include topical medications, antibiotics, hormonal therapies (for females with hormonal acne), and various skincare regimens.

It's important to emphasize that isotretinoin is a potent medication with potential risks and side effects, and its use should be carefully considered in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Patients prescribed isotretinoin should closely follow their healthcare provider's instructions and report any unusual or severe side effects promptly.

[LveIyLamb]

I took accutane for 4 months, (I was originally supposed to be on it for 6 months but the doctor had to take me off of it because I was in a really dark place). Mind you I never had ANY suicidal thoughts or depression before I started taking this drug. I had a lot of side effects like depression, dry lips/nose, irritability/anger etc. But I also had extreme suicidal thoughts. Not only that but I also had thoughts about killing other people. Once I got off the medication, most of the side effects went away but the depression and anger still lingered. My skin IS clear but if I had a time machine I would go back in time and never let my self start this medication, it’s not worth it.

[shogekimura]

the only real side effect was the inside of my nose drying out. unfortunately its never really gone away.

[KMx]

Try cutting dairy out of your diet before taking this harsh drug. I took Accutane as a teen in the 90's and my acne came back. My dose was high enough and I took it for 6 months. I had acne as an adult until cutting out dairy. I wish I had just cut dairy as a teen...Accutane side effects were HORRIBLE

[williggg]

Caution - I developed DISH (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis) decades after using Accutane, and in researching DISH, prior use of Accutane is listed as a risk factor for developing the disease. DISH causes calcification of the ligaments of the lumbar & cervical spine. It essentially fuses segments of your vertebrae together over a period of many years. At the time I was considering using Accutane, one of the side effects listed was “skeletal changes”. In hindsight, I wish I had not used Accutane. My use was low-dose and relatively short, but I suspect it triggered the disease process.

[AndrewZambetti]

Can accutane or anti hormonal medicine hurt hormone levels permanently

[samward]

So this is a course to show dermatologists and trainees how to prescribe Isotretinoin and yet the risk of chemical castration is not mentioned despite it being such a barbaric side effect it leads young men to take their own life post months or years post treatment. There is no mention of spontaneous suicide without any premonitory warning signs so there is literally no way to protect patients from this side effect, I am sure we can all agree that it is not possible to monitor patients 24/7 for up to 7 months and beyond. There is no mention of psychosis and or that many side effects occur once treatment stops. There is no mention that Isotretinoin can destroy your life and change your personality. This drug needs to be banned for under 18's at the very least and and dermatologist that prescribe it should be held to account. No dermatologists has ever been struck off or held to account for harming or killing a patient despites 10's of thousands of deaths. 63 Isotretinoin deaths got reported to the FDA in 2021 alone, 1, 500 in total and it is suspected that the nuber of deaths could be 100x higher. This is a scadal that needs to be exposed.

[anushribairagi]

Can it makes the skin thick. ?? In how many days ??

[mbjxtxy]

I’m on 30 mg daily and I’ve noticed constipation. What can I do for this please??

[Timmlayton]

It made me a nut job. As a teenager very violent. With any one any time and I was in bed a lot as it made my bi polar worse