There is nothing dangerous about the condition called ‘acne.’ Yet, its sudden appearance can result in emotional upheavals in your life! You fear the condition leaving permanent scars on your unblemished face. Therefore, you exhaustively hunt for all remedies to see which works best. You may stop searching for the miracle drug “Accutane” here!
What exactly is Acne?
If you’re 12 to 30, you might experience heightened activity in your oil (sebaceous) glands. Positioned in the deeper layers of your skin, these glands respond to hormonal fluctuations, resulting in the appearance of undesirable blemishes like inflamed blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, nodules, or papules on the face, neck, upper arms, shoulders, and chest. (1) (2)
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How can you treat Acne?
Acne is a global phenomenon, especially among individuals entering puberty. This has prompted manufacturers of cosmetic products to come up with all kinds of lotions, creams, and gels. Dermatologists go in for diluted corticosteroid injections, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or topical antimicrobials. If everything else fails, there is the all-powerful Isotretinoin or Accutane. It is an oral retinoid, which you may use, albeit under the vigilant eyes of a skin specialist. It is a prescribed medication, not available over-the-counter, and which you need to handle with care.
What is Accutane?
This potent vitamin-A derivative has been in existence since 1982. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Hoffmann-La Roche to market it. The manufacturers found it highly effective in treating nodular/cystic Acne. It comes into play when all other forms of treatment have failed to work on this condition. People who have experimented with diverse types of treatments for moderate to severe breakouts turn to Accutane finally. The good news is that most health insurance and Medicare plans in the U.S. are ready to cover this medication’s brand and generic forms!
How does it work?
As per the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, even four or five months of usage are sufficient to clear your visage of all those ugly pimples. As dermatologist Dennis Gross explains, around 80% to 90% of oil glands on an acne-ridden face tend to function healthily. The remaining 10% to 20% are unwell, thereby going into ‘overproduction of oil’ mode. Accutane launches vicious attacks on cells that cause Acne to return repeatedly. If severe acne remains untreated, you will display permanent scars on your face for the rest of your life.
What are the conditions for purchasing Accutane?
Whichever legitimate pharmacist you visit,/they will provide you with a medication guide related to Isotretinoin. Peruse it carefully before you begin to use the medication. Peruse it once again when you wish to obtain a refill. This is because signing an Informed Consent or Patient Information form is compulsory before you begin your treatment for Acne. If you have further questions, talk to the pharmacist or your physician.
If you are an elderly individual, your system, specifically your bones, may prove highly sensitive to Accutane.
Similarly, children may avoid this drug, for their muscles, back, and joints are at risk for excessive pain.
How should you use Isotretinoin?
Your prescribed dosage depends upon the condition of your Acne, general health, weight, and response to the drug. In general, a patient consumes the capsule twice daily. The treatment may continue for anywhere between 15 and 20 weeks. If your acne returns, the doctor will advise you to begin treatment again, albeit only two months after discontinuing the first treatment. Even the pharmaceutical company bringing this medication cautions against long-term use or overuse.
Please do not break the capsule, crush it, or chew it. Just swallow it completely, along with a full glass of water. Avoid lying down for the next ten minutes after ingesting Accutane. Ensure you eat before taking this medication, for your bloodstream will absorb it better.
How should you store the medication and dispose of unused capsules?
Please keep it at room temperature, such as 15 to 30 degrees Centigrade (59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Please keep it away from moisture and bright light. Ensure that it remains out of reach of pets and children. Therefore, please do not keep it in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom.
If you no longer need the product, or it has crossed the expiry date, dispose of it properly. You may consult your pharmacist or a waste disposal company in your area. Never pour them down the drain or flush them down the toilet.
What should you do if you have missed a dose or overdosed?
Taking the ‘missed’ dose as soon as you remember it would be good. However, if the time is very near the time of the next dosage, forget the missed dose! Never go in for a double dose to make up for what you have missed.
You will know that you have overdosed if you experience severe stomach pain, vomiting, trouble breathing, headache, loss of balance, facial flushing, etc. Request someone from the poison control center to come over immediately. Alternatively, reach out to the emergency department in a local hospital.
What should you tell your pharmacist/doctor?
To begin with, be very frank about your allergies. You may be allergic to drugs containing vitamin A, Isotretinoin, etc. It is possible that parabens, soybeans, etc, which are inactive, are present in Accutane. If your system cannot stand peanuts, you may/may not be allergic to soy.
Provide your entire past and present medical histories to your pharmacist/physician. Let the person know about your family history, too.
If you are pregnant, or there is the possibility of you conceiving, avoid this medication.
Do not handle it or even breathe the dust from the capsule. If the dust enters your lungs or is absorbed through the skin, your unborn child may suffer. You must show the results of pregnancy tests before beginning this treatment. The tests should be negative. Are you nursing a newborn? It would be best to avoid this drug, for it may pass into the breast milk, like many other drugs.
What are the safety measures that you should take?
You may experience hypersensitivity to Mr. Sun while undergoing this treatment. Don protective clothing and sunscreen when moving outdoors. Take immediate treatment for sunburns, blisters, etc. Also, stay away from sun lamps and tanning booths.
While on Accutane, and for six months after stopping its usage, avoid cosmetic rectifications of your skin. They cause scars.
Do you wear contact lenses? They may irritate you now.
Refuse to donate blood while on Isotretinoin. Even when you complete the treatment, avoid blood donation for one month.
Refuse to engage in night driving, as this medication affects night vision.
Stay away from alcohol.
What are the side effects of Isotretinoin?
In general, there are no severe side effects. However, you might experience minor swelling of lips/eyelids, hair thinning, dry mouth, and lips, stomach upsets, skin crusting, or nosebleeds. Wait for a few days before you rush to the pharmacist/doctor.
It is easy to take care of a dry mouth. Just suck on ice chips/candy. Alternatively, you may drink loads of water, go in for a saliva substitute, or chew on sugarless gum.
If you have terrible stomach pain and persistent vomiting/nausea, you may be heading for pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This is a rare experience, but you must talk to your doctor immediately. Do not worry, for the condition is not fatal.
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Sometimes, people experience mood changes, ear ringing, loss of hearing, peeling skin on soles/palms, etc. Regardless, the majority of these side effects are only rare occurrences. Just understand that if you notice anything unusual, consult the right person. Appropriate laboratory tests will help in the diagnosis and treatment of side effects.
Whatever the consequences, people who have used Accutane swear by its remarkable ability to destroy acne and acne scars. Therefore, if your doctor suggests it, go for it!
Summary
Accutane, a potent vitamin-A derivative, effectively treats severe acne, especially when other methods fail. Its action on oil glands prevents recurrent acne by addressing hormonal imbalances. Available since 1982, it’s FDA-approved for nodular/cystic acne. Side effects are generally mild, but precautions include avoiding sunlight, refraining from cosmetic skin procedures, and taking care during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Follow dosage instructions, store properly, and report any unusual reactions to your healthcare provider for optimal results.